Lifeguard Certification

DETAILS

Our detailed training includes both testing of hands-on skills as well as comprehension on written tests. The certification, which includes First Aid, CPR and AED training, is valid for two years upon completion and is accepted nationwide. Learn how to effectively prevent and respond to water emergencies with the American Red Cross lifeguard training.  

Participants must attend ALL scheduled class dates and times (NO MAKE-UPS), demonstrate proficient land and water skills, and pass the written exam with a score of least 80%. Upon successful completion of the course the participant will be certified in:

  • Red Cross Lifeguarding (valid for two years)

    • Red Cross First Aid for the Professional Rescuer

    • Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer

NOTE: No other Red Cross First Aid, CPR/AED class can be used towards Lifeguard Certification

Certification Dates

  • Please check back later for new swim test dates

Dates don’t work? Please contact Aquatics Coordinator, Alicia Richmond to be added to our lifeguard class mailing list. You will be contacted with future lifeguard certification course dates.

 NOTE: Required minimum attendance of 4 students.

Certification Fees

Lifeguard Certification:

Y Members: $200
Non-Members: $250

Lifeguard Review:

Y Members: $100
Non-Members: $125

Qualifications & Pre-Course Swim Test

  1. Minimum age of 15 by the last day of the scheduled course. Those under the age of 18 must have parental consent to participate in the course.

  2. Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence: swim 150 yards (6 lengths or 3 laps) without stopping, using the front crawl and/or breaststroke. Must demonstrate breath control and rhythmic breathing. Swim goggles may be used. Then stop at the deep end and treat water for 2 minutes using only legs. Swim an additional 50 yards (2 lengths, 1 lap) using the front crawl and/or breaststroke.

  3. Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds without swim goggles:

    • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards.

    • Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a rubber 10lb brick.

    • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the brick and keeping the face at the surface so they are able to breathe. Candidates should not swim the distance under water.

NOTE: There are no formal classes that must be taken as a prerequisite for Lifeguard certification courses.

SIGN-UP FOR THE SWIM TEST

Contact Aquatics Coordinator, Alicia Richmond to sign up for one of the pre-course swim tests. Upon the successful completion of the the swim test you can register for a course at our Membership Desk.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Alicia Richmond, Aquatics Coordinator

Direct Number: (304) 485-5585 ext. 205
Email: alicia.richmond@parkersburgymca.org