Recreational Services

Water Safety Instructor

The Water Safety Instructor (WSI) course trains instructor candidates to teach American Red Cross water safety courses, including the six levels of Learn-to-Swim, three levels of Preschool Aquatics, two levels of Parent and Child Aquatics, three Adult Swim courses, Basic Water Rescue and Personal Water Safety. Instructor candidates will also become familiar with Safety Training for Swim Coaches, Longfellow’s WHALE Tales, and the Water Safety Presentations and will be able to conduct these courses and presentations as well.

Class Information

Instructor Led
The traditional, instructor-led delivery method of the Water Safety Instructor course consists of an online orientation to the program, a pre-course session and 10 lessons. The pre-course session and Lessons 1 through 9 include classroom and in-water skills sessions. Lesson 10 is classroom only and includes a final written exam.

Blended Learning
The blended learning option for the Water Safety Instructor course features simulation learning. The online learning sessions provide about 7 hours of custom activities, games and instructional videos set in a vibrant three-dimensional pool environment. Instructor candidates interact with multiple scenarios that require them to use lesson planning and teaching strategies and apply water safety and classroom management concepts. Assessment and corrective feedback are integrated throughout the course. The blended learning delivery method of the Water Safety Instructor course is intended to be organized so that the instructor candidates alternate between progressing through the simulation learning content time and the corresponding in-person session at the aquatic facility.

Prerequisites:

  • Instructor candidates must be able to demonstrate six strokes (front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke, elementary backstroke, sidestroke and butterfly) 
  • Be able to float for one minute and tread water for one minute at Learn-to-Swim Level 4 ability. 
  • Must be at least 16 years of age by the course end date.

The blended learning option for the Water Safety Instructor course features simulation learning. The online learning sessions provide about 7 hours of custom activities, games and instructional videos set in a vibrant three-dimensional pool environment. Instructor candidates interact with multiple scenarios that require them to use lesson planning and teaching strategies and apply water safety and classroom management concepts. Assessment and corrective feedback are integrated throughout the course. The blended learning delivery method of the Water Safety Instructor course is intended to be organized so that the instructor candidates alternate between progressing through the simulation learning content time and the corresponding in-person session at the aquatic facility.

All class materials and supplies will be provided.

Cost:

Students/Members/Camp Adventure: $210
Non-Members: $220

 

Water Safety Instructor Review Course

Cost:

Students/Members/Camp Adventure: $130
Non-Members: $139 

Last Updated: 5/2/23