American Red Cross

Lifeguarding r.24

$425

The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over. This program offers a choice of Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED courses to meet the various training needs of a diverse audience.

PREREQUISITES

CANDIDATES MUST BE ABLE TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING PRIOR TO THE BEGINNING OF CLASS:

▪ Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the Lifeguarding course.

▪ Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations:

PREREQUISITE 1:

Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:

• Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swim goggles are allowed)

• Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs

• Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both

(Swimming on the back or side is NOT permitted. Swim goggles are allowed for this portion)

Assessment 1—Timed Response

▪ Participants must complete a passive submerged rescue, extricate with the assistance of an assisting rescuer, and rapid assessment (including the delivery of 2 initial ventilations by either rescuer) within 1 minute, 30 seconds, and then provide 3 minutes of single-rescuer CPR.

PREREQUISITE 2:

Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:

• Starting in the water, swim 20 yards.

• Submerge to a depth of 7 - 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.

• Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point,

holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.

• Exit water without using a ladder or steps.

(The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are NOT allowed for this portion).

COURSE LENGTH

INSTRUCTOR LED: 27 HOURS, 30 MINUTES

BLENDED LEARNING: APPROX. 7 HOURS ONLINE; 21 HOURS IN PERSON

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

COURSE MATERIALS

TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE LIFEGUARD COURSE,

CANDIDATE MUST:

  1. Complete all online course content in advance of the corresponding in-person sessions (blended learning courses only).

    ▪ Attend the entire course and participate in all class sessions.

    ▪ Actively participate in all course activities, including assuming various roles during skill practices, skill drills, activities and scenarios.

    ▪ Demonstrate proficiency in all skills.

    ▪ Pass the final written exam with a minimum grade of 80 percent.

  2. Pass the three (3) final skill assessments which include:

Assessment 2—Rotation and Scanning

▪ Participants must rotate into the lifeguard station, conduct surveillance from the station for 1 minute, and rotate out of the station.

Assessment 3—Final Team

▪ Participants must perform a passive submerged rescue, extrication and rapid assessment, followed by multiple-rescuer CPR and use of AED and BVM resuscitator.

American Red Cross Lifeguarding Manual (Print or Ebook)

Lifeguarding course participants must have access to their own manual throughout the course. When using a digital manual, a tablet or laptop should be used during class to ensure proper viewing. The instructor of the course will provide access to obtain the ebook.

CERTIFICATION AWARDED / VALIDITY PERIOD

Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid (Provider)

*Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certification in Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid, which is valid for 2 years. However, for NYS only, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer is only valid for 1 year.

To maintain the Lifeguarding certification, a currently certified lifeguard must successfully complete the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Recertification course or the full Lifeguarding course again prior to certificate expiration. A 30-day grace period may apply but it does not extend the certification beyond the 2 years.