American Red Cross Lifeguard Training & Certification
Get Certified with Pool Professionals’ Blended Lifeguard Training Course
Take the first step toward a rewarding lifeguarding career with American Red Cross Lifeguard Training from Pool Professionals. With over 35 years of experience in North Carolina’s aquatic industry, we provide comprehensive lifeguard certification training that equips participants with the essential skills, knowledge, and confidence to protect swimmers and respond effectively to emergencies.
Our American Red Cross Blended Lifeguard Training Course combines flexible, self-paced online learning with instructor-led, hands-on training in water rescue techniques, CPR, AED, First Aid, and emergency response. Whether you’re preparing for your first lifeguarding job or renewing your qualifications after a certification has expired, our experienced instructors provide the practical training needed to help you succeed.
With lifeguard training opportunities in Raleigh, Greensboro, and Wilmington, NC, Pool Professionals makes it convenient to take the next step toward becoming a certified lifeguard.
Ready to get certified? Explore upcoming course dates, review the prerequisites, and reserve your spot before registration closes.
LOCAL OFFICES
For immediate assistance, please call your local Pool Professionals office during normal business hours:
Raleigh – (919) 787-7878
Greensboro – (336) 668-1446
Wilmington – (910) 399-1083
What Is Blended Lifeguard Training?
Our American Red Cross Blended Lifeguard Training Course combines the convenience of self-paced online learning with comprehensive, instructor-led training to prepare participants for real-world aquatic emergencies.
This flexible format allows you to build foundational knowledge online before applying essential lifesaving techniques through hands-on practice and skills assessments.
Online Lifeguard Training
The online portion takes approximately 8 hours to complete and introduces fundamental lifeguarding principles, water safety procedures, and emergency response techniques.
Registration closes 7 days before the course start date, at which time participants receive access to their online training materials.
Before attending in-person sessions, participants must:
- Successfully complete all required online learning modules.
- Use a computer to access training, as tablets and iPads may not be compatible.
- Complete the coursework before the first scheduled in-person session.
- Save a screenshot or confirmation of completion to bring to class (recommended).
Important: Online training must be completed before attending the hands-on portion of the course.
Hands-On Lifeguard Training & Skills Assessment
During in-person training, our experienced instructors guide participants through practical rescue techniques, emergency response procedures, and realistic aquatic safety scenarios.
Hands-on instruction focuses on:
- Aquatic Emergency Recognition: Identifying distressed swimmers, recognizing signs of drowning, and responding quickly to emergencies.
- Water Rescue Techniques: Practicing safe approaches, swimmer assists, and rescue procedures.
- CPR & AED Training: Developing the skills to respond to cardiac and breathing emergencies.
- First Aid & Emergency Care: Learning how to assess injuries and provide immediate assistance.
- Practical Rescue Assessments: Demonstrating lifesaving skills and emergency response techniques according to American Red Cross standards.
Upon successfully completing the online coursework, required swimming tests, in-person training, and final examinations, participants earn American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications valid for 2 years.
Lifeguard Training Requirements & Prerequisites
Before enrolling in our American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course, participants must meet specific age, swimming, and physical fitness requirements. Lifeguarding demands strength, endurance, and the ability to respond quickly in aquatic emergencies, making these prerequisites an essential part of preparing for certification.
Candidates must be at least 15 years old by the final scheduled course session and successfully complete both portions of the prerequisite swimming test.
Important: Swimming Prerequisites & Non-Refundable Course Fees
All participants must successfully pass the required swimming tests to continue in the Lifeguard Training Course. If you cannot meet these prerequisites, you will not receive a refund of your course fees.
Before registering, carefully review the swimming requirements below and make sure you can complete each assessment. We strongly recommend practicing these skills in advance to ensure you’re physically prepared for the course.
Part 1: Swim-Tread-Swim Test
This assessment evaluates swimming endurance, water competency, and the ability to remain afloat without using your hands.
Participants must:
- Jump into the water, fully submerge, and resurface.
- Swim 150 yards using freestyle or breaststroke.
- Tread water for 2 minutes without using their hands.
- Swim an additional 50 yards using freestyle or breaststroke.
Swim goggles are permitted during this portion of the test.
Part 2: Timed Brick Retrieval Test
This assessment evaluates a participant’s ability to retrieve a submerged object and return safely within a designated time limit.
Candidates must complete the following within 100 seconds:
- Swim 20 yards to reach a submerged 10-pound object.
- Retrieve the object from water at least 7 feet deep.
- Return to the starting position while transporting the object.
Swim goggles are not permitted during the timed brick retrieval.
Shallow Water Lifeguard Certification Prerequisites
Pool Professionals also provides prerequisite information for candidates pursuing Shallow Water Lifeguard Certification, which has modified swimming requirements for applicable training courses.
Swim-Tread-Swim Test:
Candidates must swim 50 yards using freestyle or breaststroke, tread water for 2 minutes without using their hands, and swim an additional 50 yards. Swim goggles are permitted.
Timed Brick Retrieval Test:
Within 50 seconds, participants must:
- Swim 20 yards from the starting position.
- Dive to a depth of 4 to 7 feet and retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Return 20 yards on their back while holding the object with both hands and keeping their face at or near the surface to breathe.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Swim goggles are not permitted during this assessment.
Physical Fitness & Health Considerations
Lifeguard training involves strenuous physical activity, including swimming, diving, object retrieval, and simulated rescue procedures. Participants should be confident in their swimming abilities and physically prepared before registering.
If you have asthma or another medical condition that may be triggered by physical exertion, please contact Pool Professionals at 919-787-7878 before enrolling to discuss any necessary precautions.
Registration Reminder: Course fees are non-refundable if you fail to meet the swimming prerequisites. Please confirm that you meet all age, swimming, and physical fitness requirements before registering.
Testing & Certification Requirements
To earn American Red Cross lifeguard certification, participants must:
- Complete all required online coursework.
- Pass the swimming prerequisites.
- Attend every scheduled training session.
- Score at least 80% on the required written examinations.
- Demonstrate all practical rescue skills to course standards.
Attendance alone does not guarantee certification. Candidates must pass all written and practical assessments.
If your previous lifeguard certification has expired, you must complete the full Lifeguard Training Course again.
What to Bring to Lifeguard Training
Arrive prepared for classroom instruction and physical training with:
- Swimsuit and swim goggles
- Towel and warm, dry clothing
- Pencils and paper
- Confirmation of online coursework completion
Each participant receives a numbered lifeguard manual to borrow during training. A free digital version is also available. A $35 replacement fee may apply to manuals that are damaged or not returned.
Important Course Policies
Please review all course requirements and policies before registering.
Attendance: Every scheduled class session is mandatory. Make-up sessions are not available. Missing class or accumulating more than one hour of absences requires reenrollment and payment of the full course fee.
Refunds: Full refunds generally require notification at least 2 weeks before the course starts. A doctor’s note is required for illness-related refund requests. No refunds are provided for no-shows, course failures, or unmet swimming prerequisites. Review the applicable non-refundable seat policy before enrolling.
Transfers: A $100 fee applies when transferring to another class.
Course Cancellations: Pool Professionals may cancel courses due to low enrollment. In these cases, participants will receive refunds or be offered rescheduling opportunities when available.
Lifeguard training involves strenuous physical activity. If you have asthma or another condition that physical exertion may trigger, contact Pool Professionals at 919-787-7878 before registering.
Why Choose Pool Professionals for Lifeguard Certification?
Since 1990, Pool Professionals has provided swimming pool management, maintenance, staffing, and aquatic safety services throughout North Carolina.
Our extensive experience supporting community pools, swim clubs, and recreational facilities gives us firsthand insight into the importance of well-trained lifeguards.
Through comprehensive American Red Cross training, we help participants build the confidence, awareness, and emergency response skills essential to professional lifeguarding.
Register for Lifeguard Training in North Carolina Today
Don’t put your lifeguarding goals on hold. Take the next step toward earning your American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification with Pool Professionals. Our blended training course equips you with essential lifesaving skills, hands-on experience, and the confidence to respond to aquatic emergencies.
With regularly scheduled lifeguard training courses in Raleigh, Greensboro, and Wilmington, NC, now is the time to prepare for your next lifeguarding opportunity. Whether you’re pursuing your first summer job or returning to the aquatic industry, our experienced instructors are ready to help you succeed.
Don’t miss your chance to get certified! Registration closes 7 days before each course, so review upcoming class dates, confirm you meet the prerequisites, and reserve your spot before enrollment closes.
Secure Your Spot in an Upcoming Lifeguard Training Course!
Have questions before registering? Call 919-787-7878 or email tgay@poolprofessionals.com for assistance.
FAQ: Lifeguard Training & Certification
Q: How do I become a certified lifeguard in North Carolina?
To become a certified lifeguard, you must successfully complete an approved lifeguard training course, such as the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Blended Course offered by Pool Professionals. Participants must meet minimum age and swimming requirements, complete online coursework, attend hands-on training, and pass written and practical examinations.
Q: How old do you have to be to take lifeguard training?
You must be at least 15 years old by the final scheduled day of the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course. Participants must also demonstrate the swimming abilities and physical endurance required to complete the training.
Q: Can I get my lifeguard certification online?
Lifeguard certification cannot be completed entirely online. Pool Professionals offers a blended learning course that combines approximately 8 hours of self-paced online instruction with mandatory in-person training. All online modules must be completed before attending the hands-on sessions.
Q: What swimming skills are required for lifeguard certification?
Candidates must pass a swimming prerequisite test that includes swimming 150 yards, treading water for 2 minutes without using their hands, and swimming another 50 yards. Participants must also complete a timed exercise involving the retrieval of a 10-pound object from deep water. Different swimming requirements apply to Shallow Water Lifeguard Certification.
Q: How long is American Red Cross lifeguard certification valid?
American Red Cross lifeguard certification earned through this course is valid for 2 years and includes Lifeguarding, CPR, AED, and First Aid. If your certification
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