American Red Cross   

Lifeguard Training & Certification Course  

Registration Information

Registration for our 2023 American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course is now open!

Click here to register online now!

General Information

The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training course is to teach candidates the knowledge and skills needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. The course content and activities prepare candidates to recognize and respond quickly and effectively to emergencies and prevent drowning and injuries. For more information on skills and topics covered in the course, please visit the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training website.

Course registration fee: $160.00 (Includes all training material, pocket mask, equipment use, and certification cards)

Successful course completion requires participation in skill practice. The practice sessions will require some strenuous physical activity. You are encouraged to check with your healthcare professional before participating in the practice sessions. If a medical condition or disability exists that might prevent participation in the activities, or there are questions about fully participating in the Lifeguarding Course, please contact the lifeguard course instructor, Nathan Eurey (neurey@lincolntonnc.org), to discuss this before the course begins.

To enroll in the Lifeguard Training course, you must be at least 15 years of age before the last scheduled class session. To participate in the Lifeguard Training Course, you must complete a pre-course skills assessment which includes the following:

1. 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.
2. Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under their armpits.
3. Swim 20 yards using Front Crawl or Breaststroke, surface dive head-first or feet-first to a
   minimum depth of 7-10 feet, retrieve a 10 lb. brick and return it to the surface, swim back to the starting point with the brick in both hands, and keep the face at or near the surface so they are
   able to get a breath and exit the water without using a ladder or steps, within 1 minute, 40
   seconds. Swim goggles are not allowed.

If the pre-course skills assessment is not passed students will receive certification for CPR / AED for Lifeguard and First Aid. If the course is not passed there will be NO REFUND! The pre-course skills assessment will occur on Wednesday, May 25th. Please bring a swimsuit and towel for the skills assessment and for every class thereafter.

Upon successful completion of the Lifeguard Training course, each participant will receive an American Red Cross Universal Certificate indicating Lifeguarding / First Aid and CPR/AED for Lifeguard, all valid for 2 years.

Class Schedule

Participants should bring a bathing suit and towel for all class dates highlighted in yellow. 

All classes will meet at the Lentz Recreation Center Pool, which is inside Betty G Ross Park. 

If there are any questions regarding this course, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department office at 704-735-2671.