Lifeguard Training

Learn how to prevent, protect and respond in the event of an emergency in and out of the water with American Red Cross Lifeguarding. The Red Cross Lifeguarding course content reflects the latest science and best practices, validated by the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council.

Lifeguarding Courses and Prerequisites

Red Cross Lifeguarding courses have a modern design to reinforce skills that improve learning outcomes in an engaging and accessible way.​ Upon successful completion of the Lifeguarding course, you will receive a Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid certification, which is valid for two years and accepted nationwide.

Created with your schedule and learning preferences in mind, the Red Cross curriculum includes two flexible training formats:

• In-person instructor-led
• Blended learning combines online learning with in-person sessions where you will practice skills and demonstrate competency.

To find a Lifeguarding course in your area, use our Find a Class Tool. You can also select your preferred course format of instructor-led (classroom only) or blended.

Prerequisites for lifeguarding include:

Age: Students must be at least 15 years old by the last day of class.

Skills: All lifeguarding participants must complete the required swimming skills prerequisite prior to taking. The prerequisite skills assessments include a swim-tread-swim sequence. Throughout the course, participants will learn and be evaluated on knowledge and skills related to lifeguarding, water rescues, extrications, CPR and AED and First Aid.

In addition, at the conclusion of the course participants must successfully complete 3 final skills assessments.

Lifeguarding Certification Course:

Red Cross Lifeguarding curriculum includes several lifeguarding courses designed to meet participants. Certification program includes:

• Lifeguarding, includes deep water training over 7’
• Shallow Water Lifeguarding (0-5, 6, 7’)
• Aquatic Attraction Lifeguarding (water less than or equal to 3’)
• Waterpark Skills
• Waterfront Skills

Please check with your local aquatic facility to determine which course is best suited for the job you are seeking.

Throughout the course, participants will learn and be evaluated on knowledge and skills related to lifeguarding, water rescues, extrications, CPR and AED and First Aid.

In addition, to obtain your Red Cross Lifeguarding certification, you must successfully complete 3 final skills assessments:

• Rotate in-conduct surveillance – rotate out
• Timed Single-rescuer CPR Scenario
• Multiple Rescuer Response Scenario

You will need to take one final written exam consisting of 50 questions and score a minimum of 80%.

Recertification Course:

The Lifeguarding Recertification course is designed to refresh your knowledge and skills and recertify you for another two years. To participate in the Lifeguarding Recertification class you must have a current American Red Cross lifeguarding certification, or certification expired by no more than 30 days. For more information, you can click here.

Training with the Red Cross

For more than 100 years, the American Red Cross has been preparing participants with the skills to prevent, protect and respond in the event of an emergency.