Lifeguard Training and Certification

THPRD is always seeking responsible swimmers to join our lifeguard training programs.

THPRD is always seeking responsible swimmers to join our lifeguard training programs.

The district is always seeking motivated, responsible young swimmers to join our lifeguard training program. Improve your swim skills, develop rescue and first aid skills, and earn certification that can help you land a lifeguarding job.

Junior Lifeguard Training

Participants receive comprehensive training in the knowledge, attitude and skills necessary to prepare for the Lifeguard Training Program. Strong swimming skills required (Level 5+). Volunteer lifeguarding opportunities are available for those who successfully complete the program.

Lifeguard Training

Course focuses on the job of a lifeguard in a swimming pool environment, with emphasis on victim recognition, surveillance, equipment-based rescues, First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer. This swim-intensive (Level 5+) course is offered in two formats:

• Traditional: (25 hours and 20 minutes, in person)
• Blended Learning: (19 hours and 30 minutes, in-person + 7 hours and 30 minutes online)

Prerequisites

• Participants must be at least 15 years of age.
• Swim 300 yards continuously, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing.
• Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs.
• Complete a timed event within 1:40: start in the water, swim 20 yards, surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object, surface and swim 20 yards on back with both hands holding the object, exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Certification Requirements

• Attend all class hours; course is 30-plus hours with 10 participants per instructor.
• Successfully complete all required skill testing in CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid and Lifeguarding certifications.
• Score 80 percent on the CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Lifeguarding written exams.

Water Safety Instructor Training

Through video and hands-on skill building, the course includes all the water safety and drowning prevention tools and information needed to plan and conduct courses in American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program, including Parent and Child Aquatics, Preschool Aquatics, Learn-To-Swim, Longfellow's WHALE Tales, Safety for Swim Coaches, six water safety presentations and two water safety courses.

Course is offered in two formats:

• Traditional: (31 hours and 15 minutes, in person)
• Blended learning: (23 hours and 30 minutes in person + 7 hours online)

Prerequisites

• Participants must be at least 16 years of age by last session.
• Successfully complete a pre-course skills test that includes front crawl (25 yards), back crawl (25 yards), breast stroke (25 yards), elementary backstroke (25 yards), sidestroke (25 yards), butterfly (15 yards), maintain position on back in deep water (float or scull for 1 minute), tread water (one minute).

Certification Requirements

• Attend and actively participate in all sessions (no make-up sessions).
• Complete reading and written assignments for each class.
• Participate in all water activities.
• Successfully complete four practice teaching assignments.
• Score at least 80% on written exam.

Lifeguard Instructor Training

Through video and hands-on skill building, the course reviews American Red Cross Lifeguard Training and prepares candidates to become Lifeguard Instructors. There will be multiple teaching opportunities for instructor candidates and feedback sessions provided by your peers and instructor trainers. Successful completion of the course will certify instructor candidates in Emergency Oxygen Administration and Delivery, Blood-bourne Pathogens Training. The course will also give candidates the foundational information to teach Lifeguard Training, Water Front Skills*, Water Park Skills*, Aquatic Attraction Lifeguarding** (Water less than or equal to 3ft).
*- must possess the base certification to teach class.
**- must go through bridging course to teach class.

Prerequisites

• 300-yard swim using front crawl, breaststroke, or combination of these two. Participants must demonstrate good breath control and rhythmic breathing patterns.
• Tread water using only the legs for 2 minutes.
• Complete a timed event within 1:40: start in the water, swim 20 yards, surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object, surface and swim 20 yards on back with both hands holding the object, exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
• Lifeguarding skills evaluation: Participants must be able to demonstrate all skills to the standard demonstrated in training videos and instructor skill sheets.

Certification Requirements

• Attend and actively participate in all sessions (no make-up sessions).
• Complete reading and written assignments for each class.
• Participate in all water activities.
• Successfully complete four practice teaching assignments.
• Score at least 80% on written exam.

Class Offerings