Lifeguarding Class Information

The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to:

• Prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies in both shallow water (less than 7 feet) and deeper water (7 feet or more).
• Provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) professionals take over.

The Blended Learning Lifeguarding Course combines self-paced online modules with in-person training led by a Red Cross-certified instructor. Participants must complete the online coursework before attending hands-on skill practice and scenario-based training.

• Online Component: Participants must complete online coursework before the first in-person session. Expect to spend approximately X hours on this portion. A completion certificate may be required for entry into the in-person sessions.
• In-Person Training: Sessions will focus on water rescues, CPR/AED, first aid, and emergency response scenarios.

Upon successful completion, participants will receive an American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification, including CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid, valid for two years.

Entry into the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is strictly limited to those who meet the minimum age requirement and have successfully completed the prerequisite skills evaluation. Failure to have attained the appropriate skill level could pose a safety threat to themselves and to others in the class.

Participants in the Lifeguarding program must be 18 years of age on or before the last scheduled session of the course.

If a candidate is not successful on the first attempt at the prerequisite skills, they have one more opportunity to meet the prerequisites after sufficient rest, prior to the first scheduled class session.

If the candidate does not successfully perform any of the prerequisite skills, they will not be allowed to complete the class. We encourage all participants to confirm they meet prerequisites before enrolling.

• Prerequisite 1: Jump in, submerge, resurface and swim 150 yards continuously, tread water for 2 minutes, and then swim 50 more yards. While swimming, you must keep your face in the water and demonstrate good breath control. You may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed. When treading, you must use only your legs.
• Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Your face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed. Surface dive (head-first or feet-first) to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping your face at or near the surface. Swimming the distance underwater is not permitted. Exit the water without using a ladder or the steps.

21.5 Hours (excluding meals and rest breaks)

• Swimsuit and towel
• Comfortable, dry clothes for classroom sessions
• Water bottle to stay hydrated
• Snacks or meals, as there may be limited breaks
• Hair ties or swim caps for those with long hair
• Notebook and pen/pencil for taking notes
• Any required course materials

If you need access to parking, please visit Vanderbilt University Transportation & Parking for more information on available options.

For questions or more details, please contact aquatics@vanderbilt.edu.