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Lifeguard
Certification

The professional standard for anyone working at a pool, lake or waterpark. Train under an active open water lifeguard.

American Red Cross Lifeguard certification is the professional standard for anyone working at a pool, lake or waterpark. Our course prepares you for everything the job demands — water rescue, emergency response, and the calm decision-making that keeps people safe.

Infant CPR manikin and adult CPR training torso beside an LA County Lifeguard jacket
Lifeguard Certification

American Red Cross · Valid 2 Years

Train for the Real Thing

What's Included

  • CPR/AED and First Aid training
  • Water rescue techniques (shallow- and deep-water)
  • Emergency action planning
  • Nationally recognized Red Cross certification, valid 2 years

What You'll Be Able to Do

  • Recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies before they escalate
  • Perform water rescues and administer CPR/AED
  • Manage breathing emergencies, injuries, and sudden illness
  • Work confidently at pools, lakes, and water parks
Next class starts June 6. Register now to reserve your seat.
Register for Lifeguard Certification

Before You Enroll

Lifeguard Certification is a physically demanding course. Make sure you meet the age requirement and can pass the pre-course swimming skills test before registering.

Quick Facts

Age requirement
Must be at least 15 years old.
When it's offered
Once a year, in May or June.
Class minimum
A minimum of 5 students is required for the class to run.

Pre-Course Swimming Skills Test

You must pass two distinct in-water skill sequences before you can officially begin the course.

Sequence 1

Continuous Swim · Tread · Swim

  1. Swim 150 yards using front crawl (freestyle) or breaststroke, maintaining continuous breath control.
  2. Tread water for 2 minutes using only your legs — arms must stay crossed or tucked under your armpits.
  3. Swim 50 yards immediately following the tread, using front crawl or breaststroke.

Goggles are allowed. The entire sequence must be completed without stopping or resting.

Sequence 2

Timed Brick Test · 1 minute, 40 seconds

  1. Swim 20 yards from a water start to the testing area.
  2. Surface dive 7–10 feet (head-first or feet-first), retrieve a 10-pound brick, and return to the surface.
  3. Swim 20 yards on your back to the start, holding the brick with both hands and keeping your face near the surface.
  4. Exit the pool without using a ladder or steps.

Goggles are not permitted for this test.

Trained Where It Counts.

American Heart Association Authorized Training Center & American Red Cross Licensed Training Provider

Our lead instructor, Dawn Kelly, is an active LA County EMT and Open Water Lifeguard II. You'll be learning from someone who responds to real emergencies.

Lifeguard Certification Questions

How long does certification last?
Lifeguard certification through the American Red Cross is valid for 2 years.
What are the prerequisites?
You must be at least 15 years old and pass the pre-course swimming skills test on day one. See the "Before You Enroll" section above for the full age requirement, the swim-tread-swim sequence, and the timed brick test.
When is the course offered?
We offer Lifeguard Certification once a year, in May or June. A minimum of 5 students is required to run the class. Reach out to be added to the list for the next session.
What should I bring to class?
Swimsuit, towel, goggles (allowed for the swim-tread-swim sequence only — not for the brick test), comfortable clothes for CPR skills practice, a photo ID, and your registration confirmation.

Become someone the water can trust.

Whether it's your career or your calling, the certification starts here.

Book Now