Lifeguard Certification

About Lifeguard Certification

Blended Learning Course Description
To become a certified lifeguard you must complete approximately 20 hours of in person training, 7 hours of eLearning (completed prior to the start of the course on Saturday morning) and pass practical and written exams. Upon Successful completion, participants will be certified in Lifeguarding, CPR for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid. All certifications are valid for two years.

We are excited to offer American Red Cross Lifeguarding Blended Learning. Blended learning combines online learning with on-site skills sessions where you will practice skills and demonstrate competency. Please complete the 7 hours of eLearning prior to the start of the course.  If this is not completed before the start of the class, you will not be allowed to participate, and you will need to reschedule for a future date.

Friday afternoon will cover the Professional Lifeguard (lesson 1); Surveillance and Preventative Lifeguarding (lesson 2); First Aid for Sudden Illnesses and Injuries (lesson 7).

Saturday’s class will open with the prerequisite basic water skills exams; these are the main reasons students do not pass the course.  (If someone is not able to complete the basic skills, they will be asked to reschedule for a future class and practice swimming before they return.) Next the class will move on to Responding to Emergencies and Rescue Skills– Part 1 (lesson 3); Rescues Skills–Part 2 (lesson 4); lunch; CPR, AED and Obstructed Airway Care (lesson 6).

Sunday’s focus will be on Lowering the risk of Infection, Rapid Assessment and Ventilations (lesson 5); Head, Neck and Spinal Injuries (lesson 8); lunch; Course Conclusion (lesson 9); this includes the final written exam.

Review Course Description
This course is approximately a 9 hour in-person review course with 6 hours of on-line learning in order to renew the certifications of Currently Certified American Red Cross Lifeguards. You will be required to provide proof of certification on the first day of the course. Upon successful completion of class, participants will be certified in Lifeguarding, CPR for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid. All certifications are valid for 2 years

Lifeguarding course prerequisite skills:

1. Swim 150 yards continuously followed immediately by a two minute tread using legs only (Candidates should place their hands under the armpits) followed immediately by a 50 yard swim.  This will demonstrate breath control and rhythmic breathing. 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.
2. Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed. Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the candidate’s 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. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.  Candidates should not swim the distance under water.

Saturday ‘s class will open with the prerequisite water exams. Lessons 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 will be taught. (Precourse; Professional Lifeguard; Surveillance; Responding to emergencies; rescue skills part 1 and 2; Lowering risk of infection; rapid assessment; ventilations; and head, neck and spinal injuries.

Sunday Lessons 6, 8 and 9 will be taught with the final written exam given. (CPR, AED, and Obstructed Airway CAre; First Aid for Sudden Illness and Injuries; and Course Conclusion)

Special Group Lifeguard Training
Palo Alto Swim and Sport also offers lifeguard training to Special Groups, Aquatic Teams, Schools, and any organization that needs professional lifeguards. Our instructors can travel to your facility, an alternate location, or we can host your organization at one of our facilities throughout the Bay Area. Minimum enrollment or minimum charge for this service will apply. Contact lifeguradcert@paloaltoswim.com to inquire about this service.

Pre-requisites
To enroll, you must be 15 years old (by the end of the course) or older and possess a valid photo ID.

Participants must be able to demonstrate the following:

1. Swim 150 yards continuously followed immediately by a two minute tread using legs only (Candidates should place their hands under the armpits) followed immediately by a 50 yard swim.  This will demonstrate breath control and rhythmic breathing. 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.
2. Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed. Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the candidate’s 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. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.  Candidates should not swim the distance under water.

Lifeguard Certification Cancellation Policy
More than 2 weeks from course start date: No penalty for cancellation or moves.
Within 2 weeks of course start date: No refunds, moves, or changes.
No refunds for course failures.