The American Red Cross lifeguard training and certification are imperative to the process of getting hired on as an official Red Cross lifeguard. Our detailed training includes both testing of hands-on skills as well as comprehension on written tests. The certification, which includes First Aid, CPR and AED training, is valid for two years upon completion and is accepted nationwide. The American Red Cross is the most respected source for training and certification of this kind.

The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course, which when successfully completed results in nationally recognized certification, 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 personnel take over.

How it Works

Take an online course and at-home-final at your own pace. You will be emailed these after you register.
Come to the 12 hours instructional day of this course. This is about half wet and half dry.
Come to the 4 hour testing day of this course, or choose a different testing day after your instructional day. You will choose the testing day when you register. If you can’t make any of our scheduled testing days, we will work with you on a custom date at no extra charge (not the 12 hour day).

Flexible

This course is modular. You don’t have to take the testing day attached to this course. When you register, you may choose a different testing date after the instructional day. If you can’t make any of the testing dates, we will do a custom dating for you at no cost (not the 12 hour day).

What is blended training?

Students complete an online training course, readings, and an at-home final before the course. This at-home work takes about 10 hours. Then candidates come to the instructor-led session, which is about 12 hours and then a testing session which is about 4 or fewer hours.

Location:

Briarwood Country Club
355 Deerfield Road
Deerfield, IL 60015-4497

Cost:

$399

Prerequisites:

Must be 15 years old on the first day of the course.
Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates must swim using the proper front crawl, proper breaststroke or a combination of both, but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used only for this test.
Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
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 to 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 with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Certification Requirements:

■Successfully complete the online course and at-home-final.
■Attend and participate in all class sessions.
■Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities.
■Demonstrate competency in all required final rescue skill scenarios.
■Pass Lifeguarding Skills final written exam with minimum grades of 80 percent.

Certificate Issued and Validity Period:

American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED: 2 years

Participant Text:

American Red Cross Lifeguarding Manual (EBook, included in the cost of course)

For more information email info@chicagolifeguard.com or call 847.921.7022

American Red Cross Lifeguard Course