Become a certified ARC Lifeguard by completing this blended (online/in-person combination) course with GMCF! Instructor Lisa Kinsman is a highly experienced and well qualified trainer who will provide you with a skillful and enjoyable course experience, with the goal of teaching you everything you need to know in order to become an American Red Cross Lifeguard. This is a requirement for working as a lifeguard at most public pools and beaches.
Upcoming course schedules:
In-Person Course Schedule:
January 24 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
January 25 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
January 31 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
February 1 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(Recertification: January 31 & February 1 only)
Registration closes 1/16/26
The Waterfront Skills module may be optionally added for an additional cost and will require an additional 2-3 hours of in-person instruction. This can be arranged with the instructor once the course has started.
Online Component:
Approximately 9 hours of online work are required to complete the course.
Full Certification:
Closed
A minimum number of participants must be registered for this course to proceed.
Recertification:
Closed
A minimum number of participants must be registered for this course to proceed.
In-Person Course Schedule:
April 7 & 14, 6:00-7:00 PM
Registration closes April 6th
Registration fee: $30
Description:
Receive instruction and practice the prerequisite skills evaluation for the upcoming American Red Cross Lifeguarding course!
This course will allow you to practice these skills at the GMCF pool under qualified supervision, as well as to ask questions you may have about the Lifeguarding course. No certificate is issued upon completion of this course. It is an optional preparatory course for the full Lifeguarding certification.
Participants must be 15 years of age or older by the end of the next Lifeguarding course at GMCF to participate.
Registration:
A minimum number of participants must be registered for this course to proceed.
In-Person Course Schedule:
May 2 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Prerequisite skills test
May 9 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
May 10 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
May 16 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
May 17 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(Recertification: May 16 & 17 only)
Registration closes April 25th
Registration fee (full certification): $357
Registration fee (recertification): $178.50
$100 of the course fee covers material costs for course materials and is refundable only if the course does not meet minimum requirement numbers.
The remainder of the course fee is refundable only if a participant does not pass the initial skills assessment, or the course does not meet minimum requirement numbers.
Online Component:
Approximately 9 hours of online work are required to complete the course.
Full Certification:
A minimum number of participants must be registered for this course to proceed.
Recertification:
A minimum number of participants must be registered for this course to proceed.
Online component & prerequisites
Details on online component will be provided to registrants in advance of the course. The online component will require up to 9 hours of work and must be completed prior to the in-person dates above.
Participants must be 15 years of age or older by completion of the course.
To enroll in the Lifeguarding course, you must be at least 15 years old before the last scheduled class session. To participate in the course, you must be able to pass a prerequisite skills evaluation (held during the course) by doing the following:
- Jump into the water from the side, totally submerge, recover to the surface and swim 150 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. You 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. Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. You should place your hands under your armpits. After treading for 2 minutes, swim 50 more yards.
- Complete all of the following in a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Your face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
- 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 under water. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
The prerequisite skills evaluation will occur on the first day of the course. Please bring a swimsuit and towel for the skills evaluation and for every class.
To successfully complete the course, you 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. You 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, you will receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, valid for 2 years.
Registration Instructions
ARC Lifeguard Certification
Become a certified ARC Lifeguard by completing this blended (online/in-person combination) course with GMCF!
ARC Lifeguard Recertification
NOTE: this course registration is for recertification ONLY.
To participate in the Lifeguarding Recertification class you must have a current American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification, or certification expired by no more than 30 days.