Red Cross Lifeguard Certification courses at FSBC follow a blended learning format: students complete an on-line learning component followed by in-person training.

Registered class participants will receive an email from the Red Cross with a link to the Red Cross Learning Center and the online portion of the class within 10 days of the class start date. The online portion must be completed by the first day of the course to receive a certification. Classes convene from 8 AM – 6:45 PM each day.

Our goal is to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services personnel take over.

Participants must be at least 15 years old before the last scheduled class session. They must also be able to pass a prerequisite skills evaluation including:

• Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Swimming on the back or side is not allowed.
• Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs.
• Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
  • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Swim goggles are not permitted.
  • Surface dive, feet-first or head-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 with both hands holding the object while keeping your face at or near the surface so you are able to get a breath. You should not swim the distance underwater. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

The prerequisite skills evaluation will occur at the beginning of the first day of the course. Participants should bring a swimsuit, and towel, along with a change of dry clothes. Participants should arrive ready to swim on the first day of the course.

To successfully complete the course, participants must attend the entire course, participate in all skill sessions/ drills, activities, and scenarios, demonstrate competency in all required skills and scenarios, and pass the final written exams with a minimum grade of 80 percent.

The practice sessions will require some strenuous physical activity. YParticipants are encouraged to check with your health care professional before participating in the practice sessions. If you have a medical condition or disability that might prevent you from participating in the activities or have questions about being able to fully participate in the Lifeguarding course, please contact us to discuss this before the course begins.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, valid for 2 years.