Certification Overview

Successful completion of the Lifeguard course results in a 2-year American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification, which includes:

• Lifeguarding
• First Aid
• CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer

A digital certificate is issued upon successful completion.

Prerequisites

Participants must meet the following requirements before course participation:

• Must be at least 15 years old
• Must successfully complete both prerequisite swimming skill evaluations

Prerequisite 1: Swim–Tread–Swim Sequence

• Jump into the water, fully submerge, resurface, and swim 150 yards continuously using front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination
  (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Goggles are allowed.)
• Tread water for 2 minutes using legs only
• Swim an additional 50 yards using front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination

Prerequisite 2: Timed Event (1 minute, 40 seconds)

• Starting in the water, swim 20 yards (face in or out of the water; goggles not allowed)
• Surface dive to a depth of 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object
• Swim 20 yards on the back, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face at or near the surface
• Exit the water without using a ladder or steps

Course Format & Length

This course is offered in a blended learning format:

• Online coursework: Approximately 7–9 hours
• In-person training: Approximately 19–21 hours

Participants receive access to the online portion after registration.

Course Cost

• WKU Preston Center Members: $250
• Non-Members / Community: $275

Certification Overview

Successful completion results in a 2-year American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certification. Certification maintenance requirements are reviewed during the course.

Prerequisites

Instructor candidates must:

• Be at least 17 years old by the final scheduled course session
• Hold a current American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification (including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid
• Obtain all required instructor and participant course materials prior to the course
• Successfully complete the online session prior to the precourse session
• Successfully complete the prerequisite skill assessment scenario

Failure to meet any prerequisite will prohibit continuation in the course. Candidates may enroll again once all prerequisites are met.

Course Format & Length

This course is offered in a blended learning format:

• Online coursework completed prior to in-person sessions
• In-person training: Approximately 19–21 hours

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Course Availability

There are no Lifeguard Instructor courses scheduled at this time.

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Course Cost

• WKU Preston Center Members: $300
• Non-Members / Community: $325