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AMERICAN RED CROSS  ~ LIFEGUARD TRAINING

Lifeguard Training Course Objective

The American Red Cross Lifeguarding course provides entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies; provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies; and treat injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over. 

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Candidate Prerequisites

Lifeguard candidates must meet the following prerequisite requirements to be eligible to participate in the Lifeguard Training Course.

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

2. Swim 150 yards, continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing, tread water for two minutes using only legs, continue swimming for an additional 50 yards. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both, but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.

3. Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:

~ Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Swim goggles are not allowed.

~ Surface dive, feet-first or headfirst, to a depth of 7 to 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 with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath.

o Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.​