Program Overview

Program Overview

The American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is designed to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies. The program offers a range of Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED courses to meet the diverse training needs of various audiences.

Program Purpose

The primary purpose of the course is to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over.

Prerequisites

Candidates must:

• Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course
• Swim 300 yards, continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing
  • Candidates 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
• Tread water for 2 minutes, using only the legs
  • Candidates should place their hands under their armpits
• Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
  • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards
  • Surface dive, feet-first or headfirst, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object
  • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they can get a breath
  • Exit the water without using a ladder or step

Certification Requirements

Candidates must:

• Attend the entire course and participate in all class sessions
• Actively participate in all course activities, including assuming various roles during scenarios
• Demonstrate competency in all required skills
• Pass the final skills scenarios
• Successfully pass final written exams with a minimum grade of 80%
  • If a participant fails to reach the minimum 80% on the final written exam, a retest is allowed using the other version of the exam, provided that the participant has passed the practical assessment

Certificate Issued and Validity Period

The American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED is valid for 2 years.

Cost

The cost of the program is:

• $150 for ECU Students
• $220 for Members
• $240 for Non-members

Age Requirement

Candidates must be at least 15 years old to take the class.