The Red Cross Lifeguarding course certifies candidates who successfully complete the prerequisite assessment, online learning, and in-person training.  The course is strictly limited to candidates who are 15 years of age before the course end date and can demonstrate proficiency in swimming endurance, comfort in the water, and ability to meet the time requirements. If a candidate cannot complete a prerequisite, one reattempt is allowed following a rest break; inability to demonstrate an appropriate skill level could pose a safety threat to the class and the individual.

Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:

• Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed)
• Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs
• Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both

Prerequisite 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 – 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, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
• Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

After registering, email [email protected] to schedule an approximately 30-minute prerequisite assessment. Appointment availability is Monday – Thursday from 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm and Saturdays from 11:00 am – Noon (other hours by request).

The Red Cross Lifeguarding course is a Blended Learning format: after passing the prerequisite test, candidates use the Red Cross website to complete the online coursework by the first day of in-person training. The course consists of both written and performance tests; participation at ALL in-person training sessions is required to earn the Red Cross Lifeguarding certificate.

*if interested in working for the YMCA, please call 618-656-0436 or email Kody Welch at [email protected]!

Course Purpose
The purpose of the American Red Cross r. 24 Lifeguarding Instructor course is to train instructor
candidates to teach the basic-level courses in the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program.

Course Prerequisites

• Be at least 17 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the Lifeguarding Instructor
  course.
• Possess a current basic-level certification in American Red Cross Lifeguarding (Including Deep
  Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid. (Note: r.17 Lifeguarding
  certification accepted)
• Obtain instructor and participant course materials before starting the course.
• Successfully complete the online session of the Lifeguarding Instructor course prior to the
  precourse session.
• Successfully complete the prerequisite skill assessment scenario to continue in the course. The
  prerequisite skill assessment scenario evaluates the following skills (completed during class):
  • Entry
  • Swimming approach
  • Surface dive in deep water (7 to 10 feet)
  • Passive submerged rescue
  • Rapid extrication (with an assisting rescuer)
  • Rapid assessment
  • Single-rescuer CPR (3 minutes)

Course Length
The Lifeguarding Instructor course is delivered in a blended learning format, consisting of an online
session (completed independently by the candidate) and in-person sessions (led by an American Red
Cross–certified instructor trainer).

Certification
Candidates who successfully complete the Lifeguarding Instructor course will be issued the following
American Red Cross certificate: Lifeguarding Instructor, valid for 2 years.

Any candidate with a current r17 Lifeguarding certificate will also be issued a r24 Lifeguarding certificate, and be charged an additional fee of $50.

To maintain the Lifeguarding Instructor certification, the instructor must successfully complete the
Lifeguarding Instructor Recertification blended learning course within the 2-year certification period.

If the instructor certification is expired, the instructor is eligible to participate in the Lifeguarding
Instructor Recertification course for up to, but no longer than, 1 year past the Lifeguarding instructor
certification expiration date. This 1-year grace period applies only to achieving recertification. It does
not extend the instructor certification and the instructor may not teach courses during this time.

The Red Cross Lifeguarding Recertification course is restricted to candidates with a current Lifeguarding or Shallow Water Lifeguarding certificate or a certificate expired no more than 30 days from the end date of class. You must upload a copy of your current certificate at registration to verify your eligibility.
The course is Instructor-Led Training, participants who successfully complete the 9-hour in-person Lifeguarding (Deep Water) Recertification course will be issued the following Red Cross certificate: Lifeguarding (including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid that is valid for 2 years. Shallow Water Recertification is also available.

At the in-person training session, you are expected to:

1. Complete Prerequisites
   – Swim-Tread-Swim sequence without stopping to rest:

• Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed)
• Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs
• Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both

 – 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 – 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, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
• Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

2. Attend the entire course and actively participate in all course activities, including assuming various roles during skill practices, skill drills, activities and scenarios.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and skills for individual and team response including surveillance, scanning, drowning recognition, water rescue with extrication, resuscitation, CPR, AED, illness and injury prevention, and First Aid.
4. Pass the three (3) final skill assessments:

 – Timed Response;

• Complete a passive submerged rescue, extricate with an assisting rescuer, and rapid assessment (including delivery of 2 initial ventilations by either rescuer) within 1 minute, 30 seconds, and then provide 3 minutes of single rescuer CPR.

 – Rotation and Scanning:

• Rotate into the lifeguard station, conduct surveillance from the station for 1 minute, and rotate out of the station.

– Final Team Response Testing Scenario:

• Perform a passive submerged rescue, extrication and rapid assessment, followed by multiple-rescuer CPR and use of AED and BVM resuscitator.

5. Pass the final written exam with a minimum grade of 80 percent.

Please contact Kody Welch- Aquatics Director at [email protected] if you have any questions!