American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course

The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed 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) professionals take over.

This is a blended learning course includes approximately 7 hours of online coursework that will need to be completed prior to the in person skills sessions. Attendance at all class sessions is required.

To participate in an American Red Cross Lifeguarding course, participants must:

1. Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course.
2. Successfully complete a prerequisite swimming skills evaluation. The prerequisite swimming skills evaluation is designed to confirm that participants have the physical ability to successfully participate in the training. The evaluation includes an endurance swim; treading water using only the legs; and a timed event that involves retrieving a 10-pound submerged object, swimming it back to the exit point and exiting the water without using a ladder or steps.

To successfully complete their American Red Cross lifeguarding training and receive certification, participants must:

1. Complete all online coursework in advance of the corresponding in-person session.
2. Attend the entire course and participate in all class sessions.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in all skills taught in the course.
4. Pass a final written exam with a minimum grade and three final skill assessments

Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a certificate for Lifeguarding, that includes CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid and is valid for 2 years.

Instructor: Kelsey Spencer - Certified Red Cross Instructor

Dates: April 11, 12, 18, & 19

Time: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

Location: St. Michael's College Swimming Pool in the Ross Sports Center