Recreational Services

Lifeguard

If you’re 15 or older and looking for a great summer job or challenging career that’s in demand, the Red Cross Lifeguarding program is the place to start. Through videos, group discussion and hands-on practice, you’ll learn patron rescue and surveillance skills, first aid and CPR/AED. Courses are available with a focus on a variety of environments, including pools, waterfronts, waterparks and shallow water attractions.

Class Information

Two-Year Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certification; Waterfront certification available Lifeguarding Manual and resuscitation mask will be provided to borrow, but must be returned at the end of the class

Prerequisites/Requirements:

• Must successfully pass a Pre-Course Session (see below)
• Participants must be at least 15 years old
• A one piece bathing suit must be brought to the first class, and every class thereafter
• Must attend and fully participate in the entire class
• Mustpass all skill checks and receive an 80% or higher on written exam
• We do not reserve spots without payment

Class Length: Training is approximately 32 hours

Cost:
UT Students,REC Members, and Camp Adventure students : $210 
Non-Members : $220 
- The cost includes the pre-course session
- NOTE: Participants who fail a certification class will not receive a credit or a refund.

Registration Deadline: 2 days before 1st class

Lifeguard Pre-Course Session
This pre-course is prerequisite for the Lifeguard course and is offered at no additional cost. The pre-course must be completed BEFORE the participant starts the Lifeguard class. Participants will be given two attempts at pre-course skills during any one session; those who fail the pre-course session may continue to re-enroll in the future pre-course sessions without any additional costs. When participants re-enroll in a future pre-course class, they must first notify the Office of Recreational Services. No walk-ins are allowed. Participants must bring a swimsuit, towel, and padlock for the locker room

Standard Lifeguarding Skills Check
300 yd. Swim: 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.
2 Minute Tread: Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
Brick Test: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 8 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 are able to get a breath. Candidates should not swim the distance under water. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps. Swim goggles are not allowed.

Shallow Water Lifeguarding Skills Check
100 yd. Swim: Swim 100 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.
2 Minute Tread: Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
Brick Test: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 8 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 are able to get a breath. Candidates should not swim the distance under water. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps. Swim goggles are not allowed.

NOTE: The Lifeguard Waterfront Class is now being offered as a separate class from the full lifeguard course. You must have a lifeguard certification or be registered for the lifeguard class directly beforehand in order to register. The Lifeguard Waterfront Class cost $50.

Waterfront Lifeguarding Module Skills Check

550 yd Swim: Swim 550 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 are allowed.     
2 Minute Tread: Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
Brick Test: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 8 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 are able to get a breath. Candidates should not swim the distance under water. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps. Swim goggles are not allowed.
Dive Rings: Swim 5 yards, submerge and retrieve three dive rings placed 5 yards apart in 4 to 7 feet of water, resurface and continue to swim another 5 yards to complete the skill sequence.

 

Lifeguard Review

The purpose of a Lifeguard Review course is to give individuals the opportunity to review the course content within a formal course setting. The review course format optimizes a participant's ability to successfully complete the knowledge and skills evaluations.

The Lifeguard Review course can be taken by anyone with a current and valid Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certification who wants to renew their certificates.

Class Information 

• Two-year Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED Certification will be awarded upon successful completion of the course
• Book and resuscitation mask will be provided to borrow, but must be returned at the end of the class
• Must attend and fully participate in entire class
• Must pass all skill checks and receive an 80% or higher on written exams

Cost:
Membership: $85
Non-Member: $95

Prerequisites/Requirements:

• Participants must have current certifications in Lifeguard/Waterfront/Shallow Water, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, and First Aid.
• Participants must be able to perform appropriate pre-course skill checks for Lifeguarding/Waterfront/Shallow Water

Class Length: training is approximately 12 hours (Two Day Sessions)

Registration Deadline: 2 days before 1st class