Lifeguard Training

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General Information

The Seattle Parks and Recreation teaches American Red Cross Lifeguard Training. This course is approximately 30 hours in length and includes Lifeguard Training, First Aid, CPR/AED for the Lifeguard. There is also an optional 4 hour module that helps prepare students for the Northwest Lifeguard Test.

This American Red Cross course is your first step in becoming a lifeguard for the City of Seattle. The purpose of the Lifeguard Training Course is to train, educate and test an individual’s ability to be a professional lifeguard.

Learning and testing elements include:

• Being a professional lifeguard
• Interacting with the public
• Preventing aquatic injuries
• Swimmer and facility surveillance
• Rescue skills
• Being prepared for emergencies
• First aid for injuries and sudden illness
• Spinal injury management
• CPR/AED and emergency care

When you successfully complete the 30 hour lifeguard training course, you will be certified in Lifeguard Training, First Aid and CPR/AED for the Lifeguard. Lifeguarding and First Aid Certifications are valid for two years. CPR/AED for the Lifeguard is valid for two year years.

PREREQUISITES:

• Must be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of this course.
• Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
• 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.

MORE INFORMATION

• Payment is required in order to register for the class. Please contact the pool to make a reservations, and for further information about fees and textbooks.
• If participant is under 18 years of age, a parent/guardian must sign a permission/registration form.
• Space is limited, registration will be done on a first come first serve basis.
• Lifeguarding and First Aid certifications are valid for two years.
• CPR/AED for the Lifeguard is valid for one year.