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Get Certified as a Lifeguard

American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification Course

This course covers the fundamental skills required to receive the American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification. You must be 15 years old by the last day of the class and pass a series of water tests before participating in this course.

Completion of this course does not guarantee employment at the PWCS Aquatics Center (all PWCS Aquatics Center lifeguards are certified through Ellis & Associates; if you are interested in working at our facility, please fill out this form to let us know).

Upcoming Courses (New)

Cost: $300

Month Date Time Registration
June 6/5/26 4-8 p.m. Full (waitlist is open)
6/12/26 4-8 p.m.
6/13/26 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
6/14/26 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Upcoming Courses (Recertification)

Cost: $200

Date Time Registration Link
     
  • Registration and payment must be completed online using the links above.

Prerequisites

  1. Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:
    • Swim 150 yards of front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both, continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing.
    • Tread water for two minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under their armpits.
    • Swim 50 yards of front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both, continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing.
  2. Perform a 20-yard brick retrieval within 1 minute and 40 seconds.

Requirements

  • Attend and participate in all class sessions.
  • Participate in all skill sessions/drills and demonstrate competency in all required activities and scenarios.
  • Demonstrate competency in all required final skill scenarios.
  • Pass all final written exams with a minimum grade of 80%.

Certificate Issued

  • American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED (valid for two years).

Click here for more information (PDF) about the American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification course.

American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification Course

The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor course is to train instructor candidates to teach the basic-level American Red Cross Lifeguarding course. You must be 17 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course.

Upcoming Instructor Courses (New)

Cost: $350

Month Date Time Registration
       

Upcoming Instructor Courses (Renewal)

Cost: $200

Month Date Time Registration
       

To participate in the Lifeguarding Instructor course, the individual must:

  1. Be at least 17 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course.
  2. Possess a current basic-level certification in Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED.
  3. Successfully complete the online Introduction to the Lifeguarding Instructor Course prior to the pre-course skills session via the class roster and online content completion status report.
  4. Obtain all instructor and participant materials before entering the first session of the instructor course.

To successfully complete the Lifeguarding Instructor course, the instructor candidate must:

  1. Successfully complete the online Introduction to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor course.
  2. Successfully complete the Precourse Skills Session.
  3. Attend and actively participate in all course sessions.
  4. Successfully complete class activities, including the required practice-teaching assignments.
  5. Demonstrate instructor-level skill competency in all skills and scenarios.
  6. Pass the final written exam with a minimum grade of 80%.

Participants who successfully complete the Lifeguarding instructor course will be issued a Lifeguarding Instructor certification that is valid for two years.