American Red Cross Lifeguard Training

To register for Lifeguard Training, students must be 15 years old on or before the last day of the scheduled course. All participants must pass a physical pre-test on the first day. You may find the pre-test described below.

Successful Class Completion

All students must:

Attend and participate in all class sessions
Demonstrate competence in all required skills and activities
Demonstrate competence in all required final rescue skill scenarios
Pass both the Section 1- CPR/AED and First Aid for the Professional Rescuer and Section 2- Lifeguarding final written exams with a minimum grade of 80%

Pre-Test

300-yard continuous swim, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim freestyle, breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on the back is not allowed. Goggles may be worn during this portion of the pre-test.

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10-lb. brick retrieval from the bottom of the pool (7 - 10 ft. depth) - This test includes swimming 20 yards, retrieving the brick from the bottom, swimming the brick back 20 yards, and climbing out of the pool without using the ladder or steps, in under 1 minute and 40 seconds.

2-minute water tread without the use of your hands. Hands are to remain under the armpits, on your shoulders, or in the air.