American Red Cross Licensed Training Provider

Lifeguard | First Aid | CPR | AED Certification

The American Red Cross lifeguard certification course is the first step to getting hired as a certified lifeguard. Our detailed program includes both testing of hands-on skills as well as a written test. Certification courses include: lifeguard, first aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

You will learn how effective preparation and quick response times are vital to being a lifeguard, while also understanding the crucial elements in helping to prevent drownings and injuries. All courses are taught by Sunset Pools’ licensed American Red Cross instructors.

Prerequisites

  • Applicants must be at least 15 years of age successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations:

Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:

  • Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed.)
  • Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs.
  • Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.

Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:

  • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.)
  • Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 – 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
  • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
  • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

SHALLOW WATER LIFEGUARDING CERTIFICATION

Our shallow water lifeguarding certification course provides entry-level participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies in shallow water up to 5′, 6′, or 7′, as well as providing care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses.

Prerequisites

  • Applicants must be at least 15 years of age and successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations.

Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:

  • Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed.)
  • Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs, floating, or both.
  • Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.

Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 50 seconds:

  • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.)
  • Submerge to a depth of 4 – 7 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
  • Return to the surface and walk or swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
  • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

RECERTIFICATION

Lifeguard recertification can be achieved with Lifeguarding Review classes that refresh your knowledge and skills and update your certification for another two years. To participate in the Lifeguard Review class, you must have a current lifeguard certification, or certification that has expired by no more than 30 days.

COMPLETION

Upon successful completion of the Lifeguarding courses, you will receive a Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certification, which is valid for two years and accepted nationwide.