Get the Training You Need Be a Lifeguard or Instructor

Aquatics, Lifeguard | 0 comments

UPDATE: Lifeguard instructors now have a 1 year grace period to complete the Lifeguard Instructor Review course.  You are not able to teach during the grace period.

The American Red Cross Lifeguard Instruction/Trainer review course is required for all instructors and instructor trainers as part of the recertification process. You must re-certify within 30 days of an expired American Red Cross LGI/T certification. According to the prerequisites, instructors must have taught or co-taught: 

  • one full or review Core course within the last two years, or 
  • one full or two review Instructor courses within the previous two years 

Lifeguards and instructors must be re-certified every two years. It is your responsibility to ensure your requirements have been met. 

Lifeguard instructor review and recertification was extended during COVID. The extension expires on August 31st and has a 30 day grace period.

What Can You Expect?

Lifeguard training covers a wide variety of topics, including water safety, rescue techniques, the human body, dealing with accidents, and sudden illnesses which may occur. A lifeguard must be ready to respond immediately to any emergency situation. 

The Lifeguard Training Manual from The American Red Cross answers everything from basic water safety to critical signs to spot when assessing an emergency incident. The Red Cross has educational videos specifically about lifeguarding topics covering lifeguarding responsibilities, surveillance, injury prevention, rescue skills, medical assessments, CPR and First Aid, using an AED, extrications, handling serious medical emergencies, and much more.

What are the Requirements?

All students are required to fulfill online training, classroom training, and water skills. Through this blended learning, all successful participants will be certified as lifeguard professionals and be trained in First Aid and CPR for two years. We recommend reviewing the lifeguard manual, safety videos, and review questions before attending. Make sure you’re prepared for intense classroom and in-water testing.

These are the items you must bring to class:

  • Instructor manual, if receiving Instructor certificate
  • Participant manual
  • Hip pack
  • Separate adult and infant rescue masks or Seal Easy Mask

You must attend all class sessions (no exceptions), demonstrate the skills necessary for certification, and pass the written exams with at least 80 percent accuracy. 

Completing the certification to become a lifeguard will allow participants to find a rewarding summer job at a local recreation center, park, or other swimming facilities. It will let some follow a career path to instruct others in water safety. For more details about planning to become a lifeguard, instructor, or instructor trainer, check out one of our previous blog articles.

Sign up for classes with Safety Solved to start your lifeguarding journey. Find out more about our upcoming events online, or follow us on Facebook. Learn more about all of our training services, including CPR/AED and First Aid techniques for all ages.

Don’t forget, lifeguard/instructor review and recertification extensions expire on August 31st with a 30-day grace period through the end of September. 

Ask us about onsite classroom instruction. *Due to recent changes in COVID mandates, expect to wear a mask during class.

Sources: American Red Cross

American Red Cross Student Videos

 

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