The Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center Lifeguard Instructors are certified by the American Red Cross. That means that you are getting a national level course that will provide participants with the information to become a certified American Red Cross Lifeguard. Our courses are taught through a blended learning style course which combines online learning with hands on skills, activities and lecture. These teaching methods combine to meet the demands of our busy lives, cutting down the in-person contact time and letting students go through material more times if needed.
In an American Red Cross Lifeguarding course our goal is to provide each lifeguard candidate with entry-level knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies. Lifeguard candidates will also be taught professional-level care for breathing, cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses so they can support victims until emergency medical services can take over care.
To ensure that our students are safe and have the basic endurance and maturity required to become a lifeguard; they must:
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 of both. Swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Goggles may be used.
- Tread water for 2 minutes using their legs only.
- Complete a timed event within 1 minute and 40 seconds:
a. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards (goggles are not allowed)
b. Surface dive (feet or head first), 7 to 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 surface of the water. Candidates cannot swim the distance under water.
d. Exit the pool without using the ladder. Time stops when the object and the candidate are out of the water.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
No, unfortunately to become certified you need to be at all class sessions. We practice skills many times, but they build upon each other.
How long is my certification good for?
2 years
What certifications am I getting when I sign up for the Lifeguard Class?
You will be trained as a lifeguard as well as become first aid, CPR and AED certified.
Due to our facility’s needs, we also add the waterpark training so you will become certified in waterpark as well.
How do I access the online training?
On the first night of class you will complete the pre-requisite skills stated above. Once you pass the pre-requisites we will sign you up for the online training. Your instructor will show you and give you directions on logging in from home.
Lifeguard & Waterpark Lifeguard
This class will provide you with the tools to gain employment as a lifeguard or waterpark lifeguard. To take this course you must be 15 years of age and pass swimming skills assessment. Skills assessment will be given the first day of class. If the student is unsuccessful in completing the swimming skill assessment, a refund will be provided less $50. This class is blended learning requiring completion of an online portion prior to class. All content per syllabus must be completed prior to class or the student will not be able to attend and no refunds given. Please make sure we have your correct email and you have received your class packet via email prior to class.
Lifeguard Review
This class is a review for current American Red Cross Lifeguards. In a review you have the opportunity to renew your certification if all skills and exams are completed successfully. This is a course that requires water and in-class sessions to complete.
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 the first class. Due to the nature of this course, teaching assignments will be delivered two weeks prior to the class and registration closed without instructor approval.
Program Contact Information:
Megan S. Pleli
Aquatic Program Manager
meganp@biparks.org
206-842-2302 ext 102