Lifeguard Certification FAQ's
How old do I have to be to get Lifeguard certified? 15 years and older
To become a lifeguard, do I have to have to be a perfect swimmer? No. You must however be able to swim 300 yards (12 lengths of a 25 yard pool) without stopping using front crawl and breaststroke, tread water for 2 minutes using legs only, and retrieve a 10-lb weight from 7 feet deep and swim 20 yards with the weight, using legs only and exit the water without using a ladder or steps within 1 minute 40 seconds. In general the most difficult part of the swim test is the brick and we STRONGLY suggest that you practice with a 10-lb hand weight before you take training. Lifeguard Brick Test Video
What if I can not pass the swim test? If you are unable to pass any of the tests you may not continue with the class, however you can transfer to a future class if available.
What if I already have CPR and/or First Aid certification do I need to attend that part of the class? Yes. The Red Cross does not separate the certifications.
Can I attend one day of training in one session and another day of training in a different session? No. For the continuity of training you may not break up sessions.
Learn more about Red Cross Lifeguarding: Lifeguard Certification Fact Sheet
Lifeguard Class Info for Registered Participants
Online Training SessionAt least two (2) days prior to the in-class dates participants must complete an online training session thru the American Red Cross Learning Center. The Red Cross charges $28 for the online session which is in addition to the training fees charged by Safe Swim. Follow these steps to complete the Online Training Sessions
Lifeguard Training Forms
Once you have register online, you must download the Lifeguard Training Forms. Please complete and bring these forms with you to training.
Lifeguard Manual
You can download a free PDF version of the manual to study for training. Please Note: You are not required to purchase or print the manual.
Free Digital Manual: Lifeguard Manual or Purchase the Manual: www.shopstaywell.com
What to Bring to Class
Bathing suit and towel; a pen or pencil and paper for notes; Lifeguard Training Forms; CPR pocket mask, or participants may purchase a mask during the class for $15.
Printing your Lifeguard Certification
Once you have successfully completed all the course requirements: Online course, In class skills and passed the final exams your certificate of completion will be ready for print in the American Red Cross Learning Center. Please allow 5 to 10 business days for your certificate to be approved by the Red Cross.
How to print your certification:
1. Go to http://classes.redcross.org
2. Enter your username and password (same user name & password you used to complete the online course)
3. Click on "My Learning" tab (top left)
4. Click on "My Transcript" under My Learning in the left navigation
5. Here you will see Lifeguarding and you will see the link to "Print Certificate of Completion" under Completion Status
Additionally, if you ever lose your certification, you can log in to the American Red Cross Learning Center and reprint it.
If you need assistance accessing your account or printing your certification, please contact the American Red Cross Training Support Center at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Please Note: Safe Swim is not able to reset your password, print your certificate or access your account, so please contact the Red Cross for assistance.
Program Policies
VISITORS - Only registered participants are allowed on the pool deck or in the class rooms during training. All visitors including parents must wait in the parking lot.
REFUNDS - No refunds will be issued once course fees have been submitted. In the event that a participant is unable to pass the prerequisites or final exams the participant may transfer to a class at a later date (if available) for a transfer fee of $35. If a participant is absent from any scheduled class days or times, the participant will not be offered a transfer or refund of any kind.
TRANSFERS - The class transfer fee is $35 and registered participants are required to notify Safe Swim at least 48 hours prior to the first class date that you are currently registered for in order to be eligible to transfer.
Looking for a Lifeguard Job?
Check out our current employment opportunities and fill out our online employment application.
Interviews are available during training, please see a Safe Swim representative during training for more details.
Lifeguard Links
Red Cross Lifeguard TrainingRed Cross Lifeguard Instructor Certification
