The
purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is 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
personnel take over.
To
enroll in the Lifeguarding course, you must be at least 15 years old before the
last scheduled class session. To
participate in the course, you must be able to pass a prerequisite skill
evaluation that includes the following:
1. Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating
breath control and rhythmic breathing.
You 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.
2. Tread water for 2 minutes using
only the legs. You should place your
hands under your armpits.
3. Complete a timed event
within 1 minute, 40 seconds.
Starting
in the water, swim 20 yards. Your 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 to 10 feet to retrieve a
10-pound object.
Return
to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point
with both hands holding the object while keeping your face at or near the
surface so you are able to get a breath.
You should not swim the distance under water. Exit the water without using a ladder or
steps.
4. 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.
The
prerequisite skills evaluation will occur on the first day of the course. Please bring a swimsuit and towel for the
skills evaluation and for every class.
To
successfully complete the course, you must attend the entire course,
participate in all skill sessions/drills, activities and scenarios, demonstrate
competency in all required skills and scenarios, and pass the final written
exams with a minimum grade of 80 percent.
The
practice sessions will require some strenuous physical activity. You are encouraged to check with your health
care professional before participating in the practice sessions. If a medical condition or disability exists
that might prevent participation in the activities, or there are questions
about fully participating in the Lifeguarding course, please contact me to
discuss this before the course begins.
Please be prepared to provide proof that you completed the
eLearning content using one of the following methods.
- Print or take
a screen shot of your online course completion record available at the
conclusion of the eLearning course and bring it to the first in-person skill
session. It will read “Proceed to Skill Session”.
- Be prepared to
login to the eLearning course on the first in-person skill session to display
the completion status that appears above the “Launch Course” button.
If you have
questions, please contact Nikie directly at (225) 281 -
3326 .
