Ready to get certified? Here’s what to know before your class.
The American Red Cross lifeguard training and certification program includes both testing of hands-on skills as well as a written test. Upon successful completion of the Lifeguarding or Shallow Water Lifeguarding course, you will receive a Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certification, which is valid for two years and is accepted nationwide.
Age: Students must be at least 15 years old by the last day of class.
Qualifications: Students must pass a pre-course swimming skills test prior to taking lifeguarding courses.
Lifeguarding Swimming Skills Test
- Swimming: Swim 300 yards (300 meters) continuously, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both; but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
- Treading water: Tread water for 2 minutes, using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
- Timed event: Complete a timed event within 1 minute and 40 seconds:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Swim goggles are not allowed.
- Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet (2.1 to 3 meters) to retrieve a 10-pound object (4.5kg).
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point. Both hands must hold the object and the face must remain at or near the surface in order to breathe (or get a breath).
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
