Prerequisites & expectation
Overview
The coursework will involve physical exercise. Students must pass a prerequisite swimming test on the first day to continue in the class. We recommend practicing these skills before class.
Students must be 15 years old by the last day of the course to become American Red Cross certified.
There is an online component that must be completed before the start of the in-person portion of the class.
There is required equipment you must bring to class.
Expectations and requirements must be met in order to pass the class and receive your certificate.
More information is below.
Prerequisite Swimming Test
Swim-Tread-Swim: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest.
Jump in, submerge, resurface, and swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or both (no back or side swimming allowed; goggles are permitted).
Tread water for 2 minutes using only your legs.
Swim 50 yards using front crawl, breaststroke, or both.
Timed Event (1 minute, 40 seconds):
Swim 20 yards starting in the water (face can be in or out, no goggles).
Submerge to 7-10 feet, retrieve a 10-pound weight, then swim 20 yards back on your back, holding the 10-pound weight with both hands, face above water.
Place brick on the wall, then exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Online Instruction
Each student must complete online coursework before the start of the class. The coursework will be available through the American Red Cross Learning Center, which is set up during the registration process using a valid email. Completing this coursework is essential to develop skills, review scenarios, and prepare for tests. Failure to finish the online coursework before the class ends will result in not receiving your certificate.
What do I need to bring to class?
Required Equipment- CPR mask, whistle, and hip pack (available for purchase from us for $25.00 online or in person; distributed at the class. You can add it to your purchase when you pay through registration.)
Bathing suit
Towel
Lunch and/or snack
Something to drink (water or Gatorade is recommended, as this is a physical class)
Pen/pencil
Handheld Device
ID/proof of age (minimum age: 15)
Requirements To be Certified
To earn certification, participants must:
Pass the Prerequisite Swimming Test.
Complete all online content before in-person sessions.
Attend and participate in all class sessions.
Actively engage in all activities, including role-playing during skills practices, drills, and scenarios.
Demonstrate proficiency in all skills.
Pass the final written exam with at least 80%.
Pass the three final skill assessments:
Timed Response: Complete a passive submerged rescue, extricate with help, and perform a rapid assessment (2 initial ventilations) in 1 minute, 30 seconds, then provide 3 minutes of single-rescuer CPR.
Rotation and Scanning: Rotate into the lifeguard station, perform surveillance for 1 minute, and rotate out.
Final Team Response Testing Scenario: Perform a passive submerged rescue, extrication, and rapid assessment, and provide multiple-rescuer CPR, AED, and BVM resuscitation.