Lifeguarding

Course Description

The American Red Cross Lifeguarding course aims to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over.

The American Red Cross Lifeguarding course includes CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, First Aid, and Lifeguarding. Participants must be able to complete all prerequisites at the beginning of the first session. No absences or tardiness will be allowed. Access to course books is included. Please bring a face mask with a one-way valve, swimsuit, towel, lunch/dinner, and a writing utensil.

Course Prerequisites 

Please view an example video. This is an EXCELLENT description of what instructors will be looking for during this part of the course. Please see our refund policy below regarding a failure to complete prerequisites. We offer the opportunity to come in and try these skills out before the start of the course. Information on dates & times is listed below.

• Continuous 300-yard swim while showing rhythmic breathing. Only freestyle or breaststroke is permitted.
• Two-minute tread without using your hands.
• Timed Brick Event
  • A 10lb rubber brick is placed at the bottom of the pool about 20 yards from the beginning point. The participant must swim to the brick, dive down and get it, come up, and return to the starting point with both hands on the brick. The participant cannot use their hands or touch the bottom with their feet. Once back at the starting point, the participant must stand up, throw the brick out of the water, and then exit the water. The participant has 1 minute and 40 seconds to complete this task. 

We do offer an opportunity to come in PRIOR to the course to try the prerequisites and get help in areas you may need it for. We encourage you to register for this free program. 

Course Participant Minimums

Classes with fewer than four participants will be canceled on the “Registration Deadline” date. If the class is canceled, the participant will receive a full refund.

Refund Policy

Refunds or transfers to other classes are not allowed when the course is less than 48 business hours in advance for most courses (instructor-level courses or other courses that require online prerequisites will require a whole week's notice). Once a course has started, we cannot offer refunds (including students failing an online or in-person requirement). Cancellations and transfers made 48 business hours in advance will result in a $20 administrative fee. Refunds are not given when participants fail prerequisite testing or have started prerequisites. 

Parking Information

All vehicles must register with Parking Services and correctly display the permit while the car is parked on campus. If you do not have a permit, the closest pay-to-park garage is the Ximenes Garage. It takes debit or credit, and it will cost $2/hr. Learn more about parking or call (210) 458-7275.