LIFEGUARD TRAINING

Want Be a Lifeguard? Join Our Team!

The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is to provide entry level lifeguard participants
with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies.

REGISTER HERE

  • June 2026

    June 5th | 5:30-6:30pm Prerequisites

    June 6th | 9am - 5pm

    June 7th | 9am - 5pm

    June 13th | 9am - 4pm

  • The total cost of the course is $250.

  • Prerequisite testing takes place at the start of the first in-person class session. We recommend practicing swimming skills prior to the start of the course.

    American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course Prerequisites:

    • Must be at least 15 years of age on or before the final scheduled session of the course

    • Complete two swimming skills evaluations:

      • Swimming Prerequisite 1: complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest

        1. Jump into water and totally submerge, resurface and then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both

        1. Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs

        2. Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both

      • Swimming Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event with 1 minute and 40 seconds

        • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards

        • Submerge to a depth of 7 feet and retrieve a 10-pound object

        • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out or near the surface

        • Exit the water without using the ladder or steps

  • Location

    The lifeguarding course is conducted at the Hood River Aquatic Center.

    Preparing to Take the Lifeguard Course

    The lifeguarding course is designed for people that have no previous training or knowledge in lifeguarding. However, to pass the prerequisites and complete the course, candidates must be strong swimmers.

    For people interested in taking the course, we recommend practicing lap swimming, treading water, and submerging to depths of seven feet or greater before the start of the course. Swimming skills may be practiced during public lap swim hours. A 10-pound brick will be provided upon request.

    Certification

    Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be issued the following American Red Cross Certificate: Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid. The certificate is valid for 2 years.

    Course Completion Requirements

    To successfully complete the course and earn a certificate, participants must:

    • Complete all online course content by the assigned deadline

    • Attend all scheduled class sessions and participate in all class lectures, skill practices, activities, and drills

    • Demonstrate proficiency in all skills

    • Pass the final written exam with a minimum grade of 80 percent

    • Pass the three final skill assessments

    Additional Resources

    American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course Fact Sheet

    Questions

    For lifeguard course information not listed on this page, email the Aquatic Center Supervisor.