The purpose of the American Red Cross Blended Learning Lifeguard course is to provide entry-level lifeguard candidates with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide a professional level of care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until EMS personnel take over

The course includes Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. Participants will be required to complete the course prerequisites and the online portion of the course prior to attending the skills sessions. The online component has been designed to instruct participants in the knowledge-based aspects of the Lifeguarding program, as well as to introduce them to the skills they will practice during the instructor-led portion of the training.

Course Prerequisites

Participants must be at least 16 years of age before the last scheduled class session.

• Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing using a combination of the front crawl and breaststroke, but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.

• Tread water for two minutes using only the legs.

Participants must also complete the following timed activity within one minute and 40 seconds:

• Start in the water, and swim 20 yards without goggles.

• 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 the surface so you are able to get a breath.

• Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Access and complete the online component prior to the first day of class. No exceptions and no refunds due to failure to complete prerequisites.

Course Requirements

• Attend and actively participate in all course sessions.

• Complete all (online) eLearning units prior to in-person sessions.

• Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities.

• Demonstrate competency in all required final rescue skill scenarios.

• Pass the CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid, Lifeguarding final written exams with at least a score of 80%.