Lifeguard Training Courses

Lifeguarding is the perfect summer job for high school and college students on Long Island.  A fun and challenging job that has many rewards, and were not just talking about a great sun tan!

Our class provides a relaxed environment and new training techniques including videos, group discussion and hands-on practice. You’ll be educated in water rescue and surveillance skills, first aid and CPR/AED. Courses are available for a variety of environments, including pools, waterfronts, waterparks and shallow water pools.

Our instructors are all American Red Cross certified lifeguard instructors with years of experience as lifeguards and in teaching.  We are fully insured and provide a unique approach to the course content which creates a comfortable, fun learning experience. We know you won't be disappointed.

Lifeguard Training Class Pretest

On the first day of your Lifeguard Course you will be expected to complete the following prerequisite skills:

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Check-In: Identification & Age Verification

Participants must be at least 15 years old by the last day of the class. Your instructor will verify your identification to confirm the proper spelling of your name. A high school ID or library card are good examples of acceptable name identification if you have not yet obtained a permit or driver's license. The students age can be verified by any state issued document, copies will be acceptable.

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Distance Swim

Participant will 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.

Why is this required? As a lifeguard you may be required to make a rescue in deep water or at a distance. Once a lifeguard reaches a victim they will need to make the appropriate rescue and tow the victim to safety. A distance swim allows our instructor to evaluate the candidates technique and stamina to ensure they have the capability to potentially one day save a victims life.

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Treading Water

The candidate will then be asked to tread water for 2 minutes, using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits or raise them out of the water.

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Why is this required? A lifeguard may have to perform a deep water rescue. In order to secure a victim to a rescue tube or backboard they will be required to have at least one hand, and often two, on the victim at all times. Instructors will ensure the participant has the physical capabilities to complete a deep water rescue by evaluating the treading water skill.

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Timed Event

The candidate will complete a timed event within 1 minute and 40 seconds:

■ Starting in the water, swim 20 yards (Swim goggles are not allowed).

■ Surface dive, feet-first or headfirst, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.

■ Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface in order to breathe (or to get a breath).

■ Exit the water without using a ladder or steps. 

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Why is this required? Lifeguards may need to make a deep water rescue, bring a victim to the surface and towing them to safety. The event is time due to the fact that an underwater victim has most likely lost consciousness and taken water into their lungs. A drowning victim has   2-4 minutes until they experience brain damage from lack of oxygen and 4-6 minutes until death. A lifeguard must be able to approach and rescue a victim quickly to ensue the highest chance of survival.

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Course Length

The American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course is designed to be 28 hours, 35 minutes long. We exclusively offer a blended learning training program in which the participant completes an online portion of the course prior to the first day of class. You must show your proof of online course completion during the pretest.

Certification

Candidates will receive a Red Cross certification card in Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR and AED which is valid for 2 years.

Failing the Prerequisite Test

You must pass all portions of the pre-test in order to continue your candidacy for certification. If you do no pass the pre-test, you will be refunded $300 of your course fee. Passing the pre-test does not guarantee you will pass the course. Candidates much show a competency in water rescue skills, performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, operating an Automated External Defibrillator and administering First Aid. Final multiple choice exams must be completed with a passing score of 80%. We welcome candidates of all ages, but maturity and a sense of responsibility will be considered when passing any candidate.

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Cancellations

You may cancel your candidate sign up at any time. Most cancellations will receive a full refund with no questions asked, however any cancellation within 72 hours of the start of the course will be charged the pre-test fee and will only be refunded $300. We hope you understand that there are only a certain number of spots in the class and a last minute cancellation will leave us unable to fill the spot.

Rates

$400 for full certification course, $210 for lifeguard recertification.

Groups

Isn't it more fun with friends? Don't forget to ask about our group rates!

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Our private group classes are an excellent option for summer camp staff members. Getting certified together ensures your group will know how to work together as a team and give everyone an opportunity to practice their emergency action plan before emergency strikes. We guarantee your group will be more prepared than any other training course on Long Island.

Call today - (516) 405-0676 or email support@lifeguardli.com

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