Looking to become a certified American Red Cross Lifeguard? Look no further than the Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center. Our Lifeguard Instructors are fully certified by the American Red Cross, meaning you’ll receive a nationally recognized course that will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills to become a lifeguard. Our innovative teaching approach combines online learning with hands-on activities and lectures, making it easy to fit our courses around your busy schedule. And with professional-level training in breathing, cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses, you’ll be fully prepared to respond to any aquatic emergency with confidence. Join us today and take the first step towards becoming a certified lifeguard.
REQUIREMENTS
- Be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course.
- Swim 300 yards continuously, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl (freestyle), breaststroke, or a combination. Swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Goggles may be used.
- Tread water for two minutes using their legs only.
- Complete a timed event within one minute and 40 seconds:
a. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards (goggles are not allowed)
b. Surface dive (feet or head first), 7-10 feet, and retrieve a 10-pound object
c. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards back to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the water’s surface. Candidates cannot swim the distance underwater.
d. Exit the pool without using the ladder. Time stops when the object and the candidate are out of the water.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I miss a class?
Unfortunately, to become certified, you must attend all class sessions. We practice skills many times, but they build upon each other.
How long is my certification good for?
Two years
What certifications am I getting when I sign up for the Lifeguard Class?
You will be trained as a lifeguard and become first aid, CPR, and AED certified.
Due to our facility’s needs, we also added waterpark training so that you will become certified in the waterpark.
How do I access the online training?
You will complete the above prerequisite skills on the first night of class. Once you pass the prerequisites, we will sign you up for the online training. Your instructor will show you directions for logging in from home.
Lifeguard & Waterpark Lifeguard
Blended Learning. All online coursework must be completed before the first in-person class date. For online learning and course information, please check your email up to one month before the first class date.
Lifeguard Review
This class is a review of current American Red Cross Lifeguards. In a review, you can renew your certification if all skills and exams are completed successfully. This is a course that requires water and in-class sessions to conduct.
Lifeguard Instructor Course
Through a blended learning style class, learn to teach a lifeguard course from beginning to end. You must be 17 years old and possess a current lifeguard certification. Skill assessment and polish will be completed in the first class. Due to the nature of this course, teaching assignments will be delivered two weeks before the class, and registration will be closed without instructor approval.
Program Contact Information:
Mark Benishek
Recreation Division Director
Office: 206.842.5661 #116
Cell: 206.488.8465
