Lifeguard Training

Becoming a Certified American Red Cross Lifeguard!
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At Teach America To Swim, our lifeguard training program is specifically designed to better train lifeguards in preventing, recognizing, and responding to emergencies at all aquatic environments. We offer a certified blended-learning training course which consists of a comprehensive online e-Learning course and in-person training session. 

The new American Red Cross e-Learning is far more encompassing than in the past, and therefore reduces your in-person training requirement by close to half. All candidates are required to complete their e-Learning course prior to attending the in-person training session in order to maximize in-person training time. All e-Learning information will be emailed directly to the candidate two weeks before their scheduled in-person training.

Your certification will include your specific lifeguarding course, lifeguard training kit, first aid, CPR and AED certifications, which are valid for two years upon completion and accepted nationwide.
​Lifeguard Training Courses Offered:​
  • Shallow Swimming Pools (max depth 5 ft.)​
  • Swimming Pools (max depth 12 ft.)
  • Deep Pools (max depth 20 ft.)
  • Waterfronts (Includes bays, lakes, ponds, beaches, and swimming pools 20 ft. deep or less)
  • Water Parks (Includes water parks and swimming pools 12 ft. deep or less)
  • Youth Camps (Includes waterfronts and swimming pools 20ft. deep or less)
  • Lifeguard Recertification Courses
Prerequisites for In-Person Training:
  1. Be at least 15 years old by the last day of the course
  2. Pass and complete the Home Study Course
  3. Pass a Pre-Skills Assessment appropriate for your course:​​
Shallow
Swimming Pools 
  • Swim 100 yards, continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing using front crawl and/or breaststroke (goggles allowed)
  • Tread water for two minutes, using only legs
  • Complete a timed event within 50 seconds:
    • ​Start in water, swim 20 yards (no goggles)
    • Surface dive to a depth of 4 to 5 feet and retrieve a 10-pound object
    • Return to the surface, walk/swim 20 yards to starting position with both hands on the object at the surface of the water
    • Exit water without using ladder or steps
Swimming Pools​ and
​Water Parks
  • Swim 300 yards, continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing using front crawl and/or breaststroke (goggles allowed)
  • Tread water for two minutes, using only legs
  • Complete a timed event within 1 minute 40 seconds:
    • Start in water, swim 20 yards (no goggles)
    • Surface dive to a depth of 7 to 10 feet and retrieve a 10-pound object
    • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on back to starting position with both hands on the object and keeping the face at or near the surface
    • Exit water without using ladder or steps
Deep Pools, Waterfronts, and
​Youth Camps
  • Swim 550 yards, continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing using front crawl and/or breaststroke (goggles allowed)
  • Swim 5 yards, submerge and retrieve three dive rings placed 5 yards apart in 4 to 7 feet of water, resurface and continue to swim another 5 yards to complete the skill sequence.
  • Tread water for two minutes, using only legs
  • Complete a timed event within 1 minute and 40 seconds:
    • ​Start in water, swim 20 yards (no goggles)
    • Surface dive to a depth of 7 to 10 feet and retrieve a 10-pound object
    • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on back to starting position with both hands on the object and keeping the face at or near the surface
    • Exit water without using ladder or steps

Schedule Lifeguard Training

Need your staff trained for summer programs? We'll bring the training directly to your facility. 
      Along with the latest American Red Cross curriculum, the use of cutting edge training technology, and industry leading service, you're about to learn why so many choose ​Teach America To Swim. We'd like to welcome you, and thank you in advance for your business. If there's anything you need, never hesitate to contact us immediately.

Find Training Near you.

Please select your state below to see where lessons are offered. Programs offered at each location will vary based on the facility's safety regulations.