Aquatic Rescue

Earn your lifeguard certification from Safety Training Pros and the American Red Cross. Our courses reflect the latest science and best practices, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to emergencies in and around the water.

Courses and Materials

Red Cross training provides participants with flexible learning options, enhanced tools, and comprehensive course materials.

• Blended Learning: Combines online coursework with instructor-led classes for maximum flexibility.
• eBook and Skill Videos: Access videos and resources to review and refresh your knowledge during and after training.

Our curriculum is guided by the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, ensuring participants receive up-to-date, science-backed training.

Course Prerequisites

• Be at least 15 years old.
• Pass the following swimming requirements:
  • Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence: Jump in, submerge, resurface, and swim 150 yards using front crawl, breaststroke, or both (goggles allowed). Stop and tread water for two minutes using only legs, then swim another 50 yards.
  • Timed Event: Within one minute 40 seconds, swim 20 yards (no goggles), dive to retrieve a 10-pound object from 7-10 feet deep, and return it to the surface. Swim 20 yards on your back holding the object, keeping your face near the surface, and exit the water without using steps or a ladder.

Skills Covered

Participants will develop and be evaluated on the following skills:

• Lifeguarding techniques, water rescues, and extrications.
• CPR, AED, and First Aid for professional rescuers.
• Surveillance and rotation management.

Certification Requirements

To earn your certification, participants must:

1. Attend the entire class and perform all rescues and activities.
2. Pass the swimming requirements.
3. Pass three final skills assessments.
4. Successfully complete a 50-question written exam with a minimum score of 80%.

Certification Issued

Participants who complete the course successfully will receive a certification valid for 2 years. For example, Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid.

The American Red Cross Lifeguard Program delivers excellent training to prepare lifeguards to prevent, protect, and respond to aquatic emergencies. Our training course content reflects the latest science and best practices, validated by the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. The Lifeguard Recertification course is designed to refresh your knowledge and skills. Upon successful completion, you will renew your certification for another two years.

Blended Learning Recertification

The latest blended learning course (r.24) includes online + in-person skill demonstration and features adaptive learning. Participants can test out of the online content they already know, creating a custom learning path for each student in the online portion of the course.

Prerequisites:

• Participants must have a current American Red Cross Lifeguard certification (expired by no more than 30 days).

Skills Assessment

Participants must pass the swim requirements, final written test, and three final skill assessments:

1. Timed Response: Complete a passive submerged rescue, extrication with assistance, rapid assessment (including two initial ventilations by either rescuer) within 1 minute 30 seconds, followed by 3 minutes of single-rescuer CPR.
2. Rotation and Scanning: Rotate into the lifeguard station, conduct surveillance for 1 minute, and rotate out.
3. Final Team Response Testing Scenario: Perform a passive submerged rescue, extrication, rapid assessment, followed by multiple-rescuer CPR and use of AED and BVM resuscitator.

Certification Issued

Participants who successfully complete the recertification course will be issued one of the following certifications, valid for 2 years:

• Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid
• Shallow Water Lifeguarding (Up to 5, 6, or 7’)
• Aquatic Attraction Lifeguarding (Up to 3’)
• Waterfront Skills
• Waterpark Skills

Becoming a Red Cross Instructor is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Not only do you have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others by teaching them essential lifesaving skills, but you also become part of a highly trained, elite group of professionals.

Whether you’re interested in teaching CPR, first aid, water safety, or other courses, the American Red Cross Instructor training provides comprehensive training and support to help you succeed.

Instructor Courses and Certification

Determine which instructor certification path fits you best:

• New Instructor: For those who have never been an instructor and wish to teach learners.
• Experienced Instructor: Online bridging courses for certified instructors with other organizations who want to transition to teaching with the Red Cross.
• Instructor Trainer: For instructors who teach other instructors (also known as train-the-trainer).

Certifications and Renewal

• Instructor and Instructor Trainer certifications are valid for 2 years.
• Instructors must also maintain basic level (provider) certification as required in the program area.
• Most instructors complete an online recertification course. Lifeguarding Instructors are required to complete an in-person renewal course.

Courses for New Instructors Without Experience

Instructor candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Successfully complete the online course prior to an in-person skills session.
• Successfully complete the in-person skills session.
• Prior to teaching your first class, an instructor must become affiliated with or become a Red Cross Training Provider with a signed agreement.

Available Instructor Courses

• First Aid Instructor Courses: First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor, Babysitter’s Training Instructor, Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor Skills Session.
• Aquatics Instructor Courses: Lifeguarding Instructor, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers Instructor (CPRO).
• Healthcare Instructor Courses: CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers Instructor, Basic Life Support (BLS), Emergency Medical Response Instructor.