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.
Saturday Morning will start the morning off with CPR. After lunch, basic skills test will take place in the water. These tests are very important. They are the main reason students do not pass the course. If someone is not able to complete the basic skills, they will be asked to reschedule for future classes and practice swimming before they return.
After successfully completing the 3 prerequisite skills, students will continue to perform water rescues for the remainder of the day.
Sunday Morning will cover First Aid and talk about Spinal Backboarding. Afterwards, the students will take their Lifeguarding Written test.
Review Course Description
This course is a 12 hour review course 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
Special Group Lifeguard Training
Menlo 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 Marla Allen at (650) 781-5525 or marla@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:
- Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating 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.
- Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
- 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 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. Candidates should not swim the distance under water. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Beyond Barriers Athletic Foundation Scholarships
Palo Alto Swim & Sport is proud to partner with the Beyond Barriers Athletic Foundation (BBAF). BBAF offers scholarships to those financially in need who want to develop a life-long love for swimming in the Bay area. You can visit their website by clicking the link above to see all of their partners in the Bay area.
Palo Alto Swim & Sport offers BBAF scholarships for the following programs:
Swim School
Camp Rinconada Aquatics Camp
Lifeguard Certification
For more information and to see if you qualify please fill out this form.
BBAF Submission Form
Policies
There is a minimum of five registrants for the course to take place. If the course is cancelled due to low enrollment you will receive a full refund.
Lifeguard Certification Cancellation Policy
Cancellation 14 days or more prior to the start of the course…Full Refund
Cancellation 6 days or less prior to the start of the course… No refund
Course Transfers: You are allowed to transfer your registration to a different course within the same calendar year one time.
There are no refunds for course failure.
