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Lifeguard Virtual Reality Oculus goggles

Lifeguard VR Training

Our award-winning app features dynamic, customizable VR scenarios that help lifeguards strengthen scanning, improve awareness, and prepare for real-world response.

Revolutionize Surveillance and Scanning Skills with Virtual Reality

Many critical components of lifeguard training can’t be replicated in a traditional classroom setting. The Red Cross Lifeguard VR app bridges that gap – giving lifeguards a more immersive way to practice and strengthen essential scanning and surveillance skills.

With dynamic, realistic scenarios, lifeguards can apply what they’ve learned in training, improving awareness, decision-making, and response in a safe, controlled environment. The result is a more engaging experience that supports stronger learning outcomes and better real-world preparation. Getting started is simple.

Lifeguards download the free app.
Trainers provide login credentials to access scenarios through the Learning Center.
Lifeguards practice scanning their zone, identifying distressed swimmers, and responding quickly — putting critical skills to the test in real time.

View Features & Requirements (PDF)

A student using a VR headset and controller to train with the Lifeguard VR App.

Expanded Capabilities in Lifeguard VR

A more dynamic approach to lifeguard training.

Lifeguard VR includes enhanced capabilities designed to create a more engaging, adaptive, and effective training experience.

Expanded Scenario Variety
A significantly broader range of scenario variations creates a dynamic experience that evolves with each session — keeping training fresh and engaging every time.
Dynamic, Evolving Simulations
Scenario elements such as swimmer behavior, timing, and activity levels shift throughout each session — helping lifeguards stay alert, focused, and responsive.
Customizable Training Options
Trainers can tailor scenarios to align with specific environments, swimmer groups, and response challenges, supporting targeted skill development.
Designed for Ongoing Practice
Continuously changing scenarios allow lifeguards to train regularly, reinforcing and strengthening essential skills over time.

A lifeguard holding a Red Cross Rescue Tube overlooking a swimming pool.

Designed to Strengthen Real-World Lifeguarding Skills

Lifeguard VR brings realistic, scenario-based practice into the training environment, supporting instructors and supervisors in delivering more dynamic and effective skill development. With immersive simulations, trainers can help lifeguards:

Strengthen surveillance and scanning skills to improve learning outcomes
Recognize and respond to signs of distress and drowning behaviors
Reinforce first aid and emergency response knowledge
Identify patrons who may need assistance in real time
Track progress with performance metrics, including scanning heatmaps, identification accuracy, and assessment data to support ongoing improvement

A screenshot from a simulation in the VR Lifeguard App showing people in and around a swimming pool.

Realistic, Dynamic Training Environments

Lifeguard VR simulates a wide range of real-world conditions to create a more immersive and effective training experience, including:

Typical water movement and environmental activity
Drowning behaviors across the continuum of an incident
Varying levels of swimmer activity and distraction
Lifeguard positioning across assigned zones
Visual obstructions such as lane lines, starting blocks, and pool features
Dynamic variations in swimmer appearance and behavior

Recognized for Innovation

Lifeguard VR is a multi-award-winning training solution, recognized for advancing how lifeguards build critical surveillance and response skills.

A 5-Time Award Winning Product

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Saving lives starts here^™

Proceeds from Red Cross training support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross including disaster relief, blood collection and the Service to the Armed Forces Program.