Minimum Lifeguard Requirements

CERTIFICATIONS

This is a partial listing of acceptable certifications. If your certificate is not listed below, please contact us to determine whether your certification meets our minimum certification requirements.

• Lifeguard Training Certification

  One of the following:

  • American Red Cross Lifeguard Training

  • YMCA Lifeguarding

• First-Aid certification

  One of the following:

  • American Red Cross Community First-Aid & Safety

  • American Red Cross Standard First Aid

  • National Safety Council “Green Cross” 8-hour First-Aid course

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

  One of the following:

  • American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer / AED

  • American Heart Association CPR for the Health Care Provider (Level “C”)

If you don’t have the necessary certifications
contact your local American Red Cross chapter for information on courses in your area.

TEST INFORMATION

All lifeguards must demonstrate competency and professionalism in rescue, first-aid, and CPR knowledge and skills. Lifeguard applicants must successfully complete the following pre-employment evaluation to be considered for employment.

• Timed 500-yard swim (20 lengths in a 25-yard pool) – must complete in under 11 minutes

  • Goggles are permitted.

• Recover 10-lb. object in 9’-12’ of water

  • Goggles are not permitted.

    • Passive victim recovery

    • Active victim recovery

    • Submerged victim recovery

We strongly encourage you to practice for the timed distance swim before you take the test. Experience indicates that many applicants overestimate their swimming ability in the early season. Begin swimming early to get ready for the timed swim!