Lifeguarding

Learn how to effectively prevent and respond to water emergencies with the American Red Cross lifeguard training. Our courses are designed to arm you with the skills and knowledge to prepare you for a variety of scenarios in and around the water. With our lifeguard training, you will learn how quick response times and effective preparation are vital to being a lifeguard while also understanding the crucial elements in helping to prevent drownings and injuries.

In order to take this course, you must successfully complete a pre-course test at the beginning of the first day of the course.

This pre-course will include:

• 300-yard swim (front crawl or breaststroke)
• Brick dive (swim 20 yards, surface dive, pick up 10-pound brick and kick 20 yards back to wall holding brick with both hands in 1 minute, 40 seconds)
• 2-minute tread using only legs (no use of arms)

Those who register will receive a seven-hour virtual training component followed by 20 hours of hands-on skills training at the Benson Alex Riseman Aquatic Center pool. Hands-on trainings are always completed in a 10:1 student to instructor ratio or better.

By earning this certification you will be qualified to work as a lifeguard at most aquatics facilities that accept the American Red Cross certification nationwide. Please note that it does not guarantee employment, and some facilities may require additional certifications or trainings such as waterfronts (beaches) or water parks.

Completion of this training is not connected to employment at the Benson Alex Riseman Aquatic Center. To become an aquatic center lifeguard, you will need to apply independently of this training.