Lifeguard Certification
University Recreation offers American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification courses during the Spring Semester. Registration is open to members of the general public.
This is a Blended Learning course and will require completion of an online module before the first date of each session. The online module takes approximately 7 hours to complete. Registration closes one week prior to the class date, and you will receive online module information via email shortly after registration closes. Only U of A faculty/staff are able to register online. Additionally, participants must be able to fulfill all requirements listed below and will be tested on the first day of the class. If participants are unable to fulfill the requirements below during the testing period, no refund will be issued.
- 15 years old on or before the final scheduled class date.
- Swim 300 yards; continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke, or combination. Swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
- Tread water for two minutes using only the legs (candidates should place their hands under the arms).
- Complete the following timed sequence within 1 minute and 40 seconds:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards (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 seven to ten feet and retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface (candidates may not swim the distance under water). Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Spring 2023 Courses:
Each Lifeguard Course includes 4 sessions over 3 days. You must be able to attend ALL course sessions in order to complete the certification.
Course Option 1: April 14-16
- Friday, April 14: 5pm-9pm
- Saturday, April 15: 9am - 1pm and 2pm-7pm
- Sunday, April 16: 2pm-5pm
Registration Closes April 7 at 12pm
Course Option 2: May 5-7
- Friday, May 5: 5pm-9pm
- Saturday, May 6: 9am-1pm and 2pm-7pm
- Sunday, May 7: 2pm-5pm
Registration Closes April 28 at 12pm
- $250.00 for U of A students
- $300.00 for non-students
Cancellation Fee: $25.00 until two weeks prior to the first class session; 50% of class cost until one week prior to class; 100% of class fee within one week of class
Refunds: Refunds will not be given if participants are unable to complete the course requirments during the testing period on the first day of the course, or if participants are not present for all listed days and times for each session.
University Recreation also offers American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Courses. Registration is open to members of the general public.
This course trains Lifeguarding instructor candidates to teach American Red Cross Lifeguarding, Lifeguarding Blended Learning, Shallow Water Lifeguarding, Aquatic Attraction Lifeguarding, Waterpark Skills, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, and Bloodborne Pathogens Training.
This is a Blended Learning course and will require completion of an online module before the first date of the session. The online module takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
Registration closes one week prior to the class date, and you will receive online module information via email shortly after registration closes. Only U of A faculty/staff are able to register online. Additionally, participants must be able to fulfill all requirements listed below and will be tested on the first day of the class. If participants are unable to fulfill the requirements below during the testing period, no refund will be issued.
- 17 years old on or before the final scheduled class date.
- Hold a current Red Cross Lifeguard certification
- Be able to demonstrate proficiency in all Red Cross Lifeguard skills, including CPR/AED and First Aid
- Swim 300 yards; continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke, or combination. Swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
- Tread water for two minutes using only the legs (candidates should place their hands under the arms).
- Complete the following timed sequence within 1 minute and 40 seconds:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards (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 seven to ten feet and retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface (candidates may not swim the distance under water). Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Spring 2023 Courses:
Each Lifeguard Instructor course includes 5 sessions over 4 days. You must be able to attend ALL course sessions in order to complete the certification.
March 2 - March 5
- Thursday, March 2: 5pm-9pm
- Friday, March 3: 5pm-9pm
- Saturday, March 4: 9am-1pm and 2pm-7pm
- Sunday, March 5: 2pm-7pm
Registration Closes February 23 at 12pm
- $250.00 for U of A students
- $300.00 for non-students
Cancellation Fee: $25.00 until two weeks prior to the first class session; 50% of class cost until one week prior to class; 100% of class fee within one week of class
Refunds: Refunds will not be given if participants are unable to complete the course requirments during the testing period on the first day of the course, or if participants are not present for all listed days and times for each session.
For more information about the American Red Cross Lifeguard curriculum, or to search other classes offered in the area, visit the American Red Cross Training & Certification page.