Lifeguard Training Certification

Lifeguard Training Certification

The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over. 

 To enroll in the Lifeguarding course, you must be at least 15 years old before the last scheduled class session. 

 To participate in the course, you must be able to pass a prerequisite skills evaluation by doing the following: 

  1. Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. You may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both but swimming on your back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used during the 300yd swim. 
  2. Tread water for 2 minutes using only your legs.  Use of your hands (ie: sculling) is not permitted. 
  3. Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. 
  • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Your face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed for this portion of the pre-test. 
  • Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. 
  • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object while keeping your face at or near the surface so you are able to get a breath. Swimming underwater is not permitted. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps. 

 The prerequisite skills evaluation will occur on the first day of the course. Please bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, spare change of clothes, snacks and water for the skills evaluation and for every class. 

 To successfully complete the course, you must attend the entire course, participate in all skill sessions/ drills, activities and scenarios, demonstrate competency in all required skills and scenarios, and pass the final written exams with a minimum grade of 80 percent. 

 If you have a medical condition or disability that might prevent you from participating in the activities, or have questions about being able to fully participate in the Lifeguarding course, please contact Aquatics Coordinator, Kelli Sargent to discuss this before the course begins. 

 Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED and First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22), valid for 2 years.
 

Course Information: 
Lifeguard training classes are offered each year as the need and interest dictates. Classes are held over multiple weekends from March-June and during Modesto City School’s Spring break.  Registration is first come, first serve and class sizes are limited. 
 

Lifeguard Recertification

 This 2-day class is designed for current American Red Cross Lifeguards who need to re-certify in order to keep their Lifeguard Certification current. Participants must have current Lifeguard & Title 22 Certification.  Participants will be asked to provide verification of current certs upon registration.  To participate in the course, you must successfully complete the prerequisite skills evaluation that will occur on the first day of the course.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED and First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22), valid for 2 years. 
 

NOTE: This class must be completed within the 30-days of their cert expiration date. After the 30-day grace period, the full lifeguard class must be repeated. Participants must bring CPR masks with them to class each day. 

First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22)

This American Red Cross course trains Lifeguards in the knowledge and skills necessary to help sustain life, reduce pain, and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness until more advance medical help arrive. This course meets first aid requirements of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a First Aid for Public Safety Personnel certification valid for 2 years. Participants must be 15 years of age. No pool time required for this course. This is a stand-alone course for certified Lifeguards whose certification course did not include Title 22.

View course dates, times, locations and fees for Aquatic Programs. 

For questions contact Aquatics Coordinator, email Kelli Sargent  or call 209-571-5863