Lifeguard Training and Skills

What Does it Take to Be Lifeguard?

Lifeguards are not just swimmers; they are skilled in providing a safer swimming environment. Lifeguards require comprehensive training in water rescue and first aid, while exhibiting leadership, communication and problem-solving skills. Lifeguards must be proactive to prevent injury or illness, quick reactors in an emergency, and vigilant to face adversity professionally.

Learn how to prevent, protect and respond in the event of an emergency in and out of the water with American Red Cross Lifeguarding. The Red Cross Lifeguarding course content reflects the latest science and best practices, validated by the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council.

Lifeguarding Courses and Prerequisites

Red Cross Lifeguarding courses have a modern design to reinforce skills that improve learning outcomes in an engaging and accessible way.​ Upon successful completion of the Lifeguarding course, you will receive a Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid certification, which is valid for two years and accepted nationwide.

Created with your schedule and learning preferences in mind, the Red Cross curriculum includes two flexible training formats:

• In-person instructor-led
• Blended learning combines online learning with in-person sessions where you will practice skills and demonstrate competency.

To find a Lifeguarding course in your area, use our Find a Class Tool. You can also select your preferred course format of instructor-led (classroom only) or blended.

Prerequisites for lifeguarding include:

Age: Students must be at least 15 years old by the last day of class.

Skills: All lifeguarding participants must complete the required swimming skills prerequisite prior to taking. The prerequisite skills assessments include a swim-tread-swim sequence. Throughout the course, participants will learn and be evaluated on knowledge and skills related to lifeguarding, water rescues, extrications, CPR and AED and First Aid.

In addition, at the conclusion of the course participants must successfully complete 3 final skills assessments.

Lifeguarding Certification Course:

Red Cross Lifeguarding curriculum includes several lifeguarding courses designed to meet participants. Certification program includes:

• Lifeguarding, includes deep water training over 7’
• Shallow Water Lifeguarding (0-5, 6, 7’)
• Aquatic Attraction Lifeguarding (water less than or equal to 3’)
• Waterpark Skills
• Waterfront Skills

Please check with your local aquatic facility to determine which course is best suited for the job you are seeking.

Throughout the course, participants will learn and be evaluated on knowledge and skills related to lifeguarding, water rescues, extrications, CPR and AED and First Aid.

In addition, to obtain your Red Cross Lifeguarding certification, you must successfully complete 3 final skills assessments:

• Rotate in-conduct surveillance – rotate out
• Timed Single-rescuer CPR Scenario
• Multiple Rescuer Response Scenario

You will need to take one final written exam consisting of 50 questions and score a minimum of 80%.

Recertification Course:

The Lifeguarding Recertification course is designed to refresh your knowledge and skills and recertify you for another two years. To participate in the Lifeguarding Recertification class you must have a current American Red Cross lifeguarding certification, or certification expired by no more than 30 days. For more information, you can click here.

Lifeguard Skills and Characteristics

Aside from basic lifeguard skills, other lifeguard skills for your resume, like lifeguard leadership skills, can add value to your role, prevent accidents, and be the difference to save someone’s life.

Communication: Lifeguards are responsible for communicating with patrons to ensure a safer water environment. This can include answering questions from swimmers and advising others against dangerous activities to prevent injury. Lifeguards communicate not only with children but also adults such as parents and caregivers.

Attention to Detail: Attention to detail is an essential lifeguard skill. Lifeguards must be aware of what’s happening in their zones. They must recognize potentially dangerous situations and work to prevent life-threatening situations to help swimmers and patrons stay safe.

Lifeguard Leadership Skills: You do not have to be the head lifeguard to develop lifeguard leadership skills. No matter what your position, you will be asked to step into a leadership role, working with people of all ages to offer a better, safer water environment. And the longer you work as a lifeguard, the more opportunities you will have to enhance those lifeguard leadership skills.

Role Model: Lifeguards are part of the fabric of our communities. They are looked up to for guidance and support by both children and adults alike. We rely on their skills and guidance both in and out of the water.

Training with the Red Cross

For more than 100 years, the American Red Cross has been preparing participants with the skills to prevent, protect and respond in the event of an emergency.