The American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED program provides participants with the knowledge and skills they need to recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing and first aid emergencies. The courses in this program teach participants the knowledge and skills needed to give immediate care to an injured or ill person and to decide whether advanced medical care is needed. This program offers a choice of first aid, CPR and AED courses to meet the various training needs of a diverse audience.
Adult CPR Learning Objectives
Explain how to use personal protective equipment to lower the risk for infection.
Demonstrate proper technique for removing disposable gloves.
Recognize life-threatening conditions and situations that necessitate calling 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number.
Have the confidence and knowledge needed to make the decision to take action in an emergency situation.
Describe the emergency action steps, CHECK—CALL—CARE
Demonstrate how to perform high-quality CPR.
Explain what to do if the chest does not rise with breaths.
Understand the importance of CPR with breaths—and if unable or unwilling, the role of compression-only CPR.
Prerequisites
None
Pediatric CPR Learning Objectives
Describe the key differences in the emergency action steps, CHECK—CALL—CARE when caring for children and infants versus adults.
Demonstrate how to perform high-quality CPR for children and infants.
Recognize when a responsive child or infant is choking.
Demonstrate how to care for a child or infant who is responsive and choking.
Describe how to care for a child or infant who becomes unresponsive.
Prerequisites
None
Adult AED Learning Objectives
Understand the value of using an AED along with CPR.
Identify precautions to take when using an AED.
Demonstrate how to use an AED [CPR/AED course].
Prerequisites
None
Pediatric AED Learning Objectives
Demonstrate how to use an AED for children and infants
Prerequisites
None
Adult First Aid Learning Objectives
Recognize a sudden illness.
Describe general care for common sudden illnesses.
Describe how to assist a person with medication.
Recognize life-threatening bleeding.
Demonstrate how to control life-threatening bleeding using direct pressure and apply a bandage when the bleeding stops.
Explain how to control life-threatening bleeding using a manufactured tourniquet.
Recognize and respond to common injuries, including burns and head, neck and spinal injuries.
Recognize and respond to environmental injuries, including heat stroke, hypothermia and poison exposure.
Prerequisites
None
Pediatric First Aid Learning Objections
Describe the sudden illnesses that are especially common in children and in infants and explain how to give care.
Describe pediatric considerations for life-threatening bleeding.
Explain how to use a pediatric tourniquet to control life-threatening bleeding in young children
Prerequisites
None
Head, Neck, Muscle, Bone, Joint Injuries and Splinting Learning Objectives
Describe head, neck and spinal injuries.
Describe strains, sprains, dislocations and fractures.
Apply the emergency action steps to a muscle, bone or joint injury.
Give care for a muscle, bone or joint injury by applying a rigid splint and a sling and binder.
Demonstrate how to apply a rigid splint to a leg.
Demonstrate how to apply a sling and binder.
Prerequisites
Participants must be certified in First Aid and/or CPR or enrolled in an equivalent Red Cross course to take this skill boost.
Life-Threatening Bleeding and Tourniquet Application Learning Objectives
Recognize life-threatening bleeding.
Demonstrate how to control life-threatening bleeding using direct pressure.
Demonstrate how to control life-threatening bleeding using a manufactured tourniquet.
Demonstrate how to control life-threatening bleeding with wound packing.
Prerequisites
Participants must be certified in First Aid and/or CPR or enrolled in an equivalent Red Cross course to take this skill boost.
Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Administration Learning Objectives
Describe an opioid overdose.
Apply the emergency action steps to an opioid overdose.
Demonstrate how to administer naloxone using a nasal spray or nasal atomizer
Prerequisites
Participants must be certified in First Aid and/or CPR or enrolled in an equivalent Red Cross course to take this skill boost.
Anaphylaxis and Epinephrine AutoInjector Administration Learning Objectives
Describe anaphylaxis.
Differentiate between an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis.
Apply the emergency action steps to an anaphylaxis emergency.
Demonstrate how to administer an epinephrine auto-injector
Prerequisites
Participants must be certified in First Aid and/or CPR or enrolled in an equivalent Red Cross course to take this skill boost.
Asthma and Quick-Relief Medication Administration Learning Objective
Describe asthma and an asthma attack.
Understand general care for asthma.
Apply the emergency action steps to an asthma attack.
Administer quick-relief medication using an inhaler with a spacer
Prerequisites
Participants must be certified in First Aid and/or CPR or enrolled in an equivalent Red Cross course to take this skill boost.
Bloodborne Pathogens
The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Bloodborne Pathogens Training course is to teach participants how to protect themselves and others from exposure to bloodborne pathogens on the job, and what to do if an exposure occurs. The course content and activities will prepare participants to make appropriate decisions about preventing bloodborne pathogen disease transmission.
Prerequisites
None
Until Help Arrives
The Until Help Arrives online course provides the general public with the basic cognitive information on key actions that can be taken during a life-threatening emergency that can help sustain or save a life until EMS arrives including: Compression Only CPR (no breaths) AED Education Choking Education Bleeding (administering direct pressure and tourniquet) and Opioid Overdose (administering naloxone). The Until Help Arrives online course developed by the American Red Cross and American College of Emergency Physicians equips students with the basic knowledge to assist trained responders during a life-threatening emergency.
Prerequisites
None
Cat and Dog First Aid
Learn the basics in caring for cats and dogs through a variety of topics – from understanding and checking your pet's vital signs, to preventative care for cats and dogs, to caring for the most critical emergency situations - including breathing and cardiac emergencies, wounds, bleeding, and seizures.
Prerequisites
None
Responding to Emergencies: Comprehensive First Aid/CPR/AED
The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Responding to Emergencies: Comprehensive First Aid/CPR/AED program is to help students recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing and first aid emergencies. The courses in this program teach students the knowledge and skills needed to give immediate
care to an injured or ill person and to decide whether advanced medical care is needed. This program is designed primarily for use in secondary schools, colleges, universities and other settings that require a curriculum of greater length than the American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED program.
Prerequisites
None
First Aid for Severe Trauma
Uncontrolled bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death from trauma. The First Aid for Severe Trauma (FAST) program provides participants with the knowledge and skills they need to respond to an emergency involving life-threatening bleeding, including how to:
Recognize a life-threatening bleeding emergency.
Ensure safety and communicate effectively in an emergency.
Control life-threatening bleeding using direct pressure, a tourniquet, or both.
The program is designed to enhance participants’ ability to take decisive, lifesaving action to assist a person with a traumatic injury and life-threatening bleeding until professional responders arrive.
Prerequisites
None
First Aid for Severe Trauma Instructor Course
The primary purpose of the American Red Cross First Aid for Severe Trauma Instructor course is to train instructor candidates to teach the basic- level First Aid for Severe Trauma course.
Prerequisites
Instructor candidates in the American Red Cross First Aid for Severe Trauma Instructor course must be at least 16 years of age on the last day of the instructor course and possess a current basic level certification in First Aid for Severe Trauma or equivalent.
CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers
The primary purpose of the courses in the American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers program trains participants with the knowledge and skills needed to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies for adults, children, and infants until advanced emergency medical services (EMS) professionals take over.
Prerequisites
None
CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers Instructor
The CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers Instructor course trains instructor candidates to teach the American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers course.
Prerequisites
Be at least 17 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course.
Possess a current basic-level certification in CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, Lifeguarding, Basic Life Support or Emergency Medical Response
Successfully complete the online Introduction to the CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers
Basic Life Support
The American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) course provides participants with the knowledge and skills they need to assess, recognize and care for patients who are experiencing respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, airway obstruction or opioid overdose. When a patient experiences a life threatening emergency, healthcare providers need to act swiftly and promptly. The course emphasizes providing high-quality care and integrating psychomotor skills with critical thinking and problem solving to achieve the best possible patient outcomes.
Prerequisites
None
Basic Life Support Instructor
The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Basic Life Support Instructor course is to train instructor candidates to teach the basic-level American Red Cross Basic Life Support course.
Prerequisites
Instructor candidates in the American Red Cross Basic Life Support Instructor course must possess a current basic-level certification in Basic Life Support or equivalent.
Wilderness and Remote First Aid
To provide individuals a foundation of first aid principles and skills to be able to respond to emergencies and give care in areas that do not have immediate emergency medical services (EMS) response. This includes wilderness and remote environments, including urban disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes.
Prerequisites
Possess current adult CPR/AED certification
Be at least 14 years of age on or before the last scheduled session of the course
Wilderness and Remote First Aid Instructor
The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid Instructor course is to train instructor candidates to teach the Wilderness and Remote First Aid course.
Prerequisites
Be at least 17 years of age on or before the final scheduled session of this course.
Have successfully completed Fundamentals of Instructor Training within the last year or have a current Health and Safety Services instructor authorization.
Possess valid basic-level American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid certification or equivalent wilderness first aid training from another agency, such as American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI), Emergency Care and Safety Institute (ECSI), Mountaineers, National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), National Ski Patrol, Remote Medical International (RMI), Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities (SOLO), Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA) or Wilderness Medicine Institute (WMI).
Successfully complete the precourse session
Babysitter’s Training
To provide youth who are planning to babysit with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly give care for children and infants. This training will help participants to develop leadership skills; learn how to develop a babysitting business, keep themselves and others safe and help children behave; and learn about basic child care and basic first aid.
Prerequisites
This training is designed for youths ages 11 to 15.
Babysitter’s Training Instructor
The purpose of the American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Instructor course is to train instructor candidates to teach the basic-level Babysitter’s Training program. This course prepares instructor candidates to use program materials, conduct training sessions and evaluate the progress of course participants.
Prerequisites
Be at least 16 years of age on or before the final scheduled session of the instructor course.
Possess a Fundamentals of Instructor Training Certificate issued within the last year or possess a current national Health and Safety Services Instructor Authorization Certificate.
Successfully complete the precourse session. This includes demonstrating competency in the precourse skills.
Babysitting Basics
This online course will prepare students to be better babysitters. Topics include how to provide care for infants and children; how to stay safe; what to do in an emergency; how to choose age-appropriate activities; and how to recognize and handle a variety of behaviors. Students will also learn the basics of starting a babysitting business. The course consists of six interactive modules featuring video, activities, games and tools babysitters can use to build their knowledge and skills and manage their babysitting business. This course, which includes a final exam at the end, takes about 4 hours to complete. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a printable certificate.
Prerequisites
Designed primarily for youth ages 11 and older
Advanced Child Care Training
The American Red Cross Advanced Child Care Training Online course teaches the knowledge and skills necessary to responsibly care for children and infants in and outside of the home. This includes training in leadership, child behavior and discipline, professionalism, safety, basic childcare (bottle feeding, holding, etc.).
Prerequisites: None
Lifeguard Management
The American Red Cross Lifeguard Management online course is designed to prepare aquatic professionals to effectively manage lifeguards and help keep patrons, staff and facilities safe.
Prerequisites
None
Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water)
The primary purpose of the courses in the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to:
Prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies.
Provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) professionals take over.
Prerequisites
Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the Lifeguarding course.
Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations:
Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:
Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed)
Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs
Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both
Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed).
Submerge to a depth of 7 - 10 feet to 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 at or near the surface.
Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) Recertification
The primary purpose of a recertification course is to give participants who are currently certified American Red Cross Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) the opportunity to review the course knowledge and skills within a formal course setting to maintain their American Red Cross Lifeguarding (including Deep Water) certification.
Prerequisites
Hold a current certification, or expired by no more than 30 days, in American Red Cross Lifeguarding that included training in deep water 7 feet or deeper.
Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations outlined in the Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) course.
Aquatic Attraction Lifeguarding (Water ≤ 3 feet)
The primary purpose of the courses in the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to:
Prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies.
Provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) professionals take over.
Prerequisites
Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the Lifeguarding course.
Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations:
Prerequisite 1: Complete the water competency sequence without stopping to rest:
Step into the water from the side and totally submerge.
Recover to the surface, then maintain position at the surface for 1 minute by treading water or floating (or a combination of the two).
Rotate one full turn and orient to the exit.
Level off and swim on the front or back 25 yards.
Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 50 seconds:
Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed).
Submerge to a depth of 3 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
Return to the surface and walk or 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 at or near the surface.
Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Aquatic Attraction Lifeguarding (Water ≤ 3 feet) Recertification
The primary purpose of a recertification course is to give participants who are currently certified American Red Cross Aquatic Attraction Lifeguarding (Water up to 3 feet) the opportunity to review the course knowledge and skills within a formal course setting to maintain their American Red Cross Aquatic Attraction Lifeguarding certification.
Prerequisites
Hold a current certification, or expired by no more than 30 days, in American Red Cross Aquatic Attraction Lifeguarding that included training in water 3 feet deep.
Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations outlined in the Aquatic Attraction Lifeguarding course.
Shallow Water Lifeguarding (Water Up To 5, 6, or 7 feet)
The primary purpose of the courses in the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to:
Prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies.
Provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) professionals take over.
Prerequisites
Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the Lifeguarding course.
Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations:
Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:
Jump into the water and totally submerge,resurface then swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed)
Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs, floating, or both
Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both
Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 50 seconds:
Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed).
Submerge to a depth of 4 - 7 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
Return to the surface and walk or 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 at or near the surface.
Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Shallow Water Lifeguarding (Water up to 5, 6, or 7 feet) Recertification
The primary purpose of a recertification course is to give participants who are currently certified American Red Cross Shallow Water Lifeguarding (Water up to 5, 6, or 7 feet) the opportunity to review the course knowledge and skills within a formal course setting to maintain their American Red Cross Shallow Water Lifeguarding certification.
Prerequisites
Hold a current certification, or expired by no more than 30 days, in American Red Cross Lifeguarding that included training in water 5, 6, or 7 feet deep.
Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations outlined in the Shallow Water Lifeguarding (Water up to 5, 6, or 7 feet) course.
Junior Lifeguarding
American Red Cross Junior Lifeguarding is designed to guide youth to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course by building a foundation of knowledge, attitudes and skills for future lifeguards. Participants are not required to master or perfectly execute skills. They should learn techniques and build stamina during this program. The Junior Lifeguarding course does not certify participants in first aid, CPR or AED or as a lifeguard.
Prerequisites
Junior Lifeguarding is designed for youths 11 years of age, or those who have completed the 5th grade through 14 years of age.
Swim the front crawl for 25 yards continuously while breathing to the front or side.
Swim the breaststroke for 25 yards using a pull, breathe, kick and glide sequence.
Complete the water competency sequence without stopping.
Step into water from the side and totally submerge.
Maintain position for one minute by treading water or floating (or a combination of the two).
Rotate one full turn and orient to the exit.
Level off and swim on the front or back 25 yards.
Exit without using a ladder or steps.
Lifeguarding Crossover Courses
The purpose of the Lifeguarding crossover courses for Lifeguarding (including deep water 7’ or deeper) or Shallow Water Lifeguarding is to provide participants with a current lifeguarding certification from an approved equivalent training organization the opportunity to participate in an abbreviated course to obtain an American Red Cross Lifeguarding or Shallow water Lifeguarding certification.
Prerequisites
Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the Lifeguarding course.
Possess a basic-level Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) certification or Shallow Water Lifeguarding certification from one of the following organizations:
Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard
YMCA
Ellis & Associates International Lifeguard Training Program™
Boy Scouts of America (BSA)
StarGuard ELITE
United States Lifesaving Association (USLA)
Successfully complete the online course content in the Lifeguarding blended learning course in advance of the crossover course.
Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations for the course Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) or Shallow Water Lifeguarding
Lifeguard Instructor
The purpose of the American Red Cross r. 24 Lifeguarding Instructor course is to train instructor candidates to teach the basic-level courses in the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program.
Prerequisites
Be at least 17 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the Lifeguarding Instructor course.
Possess a current basic-level certification in American Red Cross Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid. (Note: r.17 Lifeguarding certification accepted)
Successfully complete the online session of the Lifeguarding Instructor course prior to the precourse session.
Successfully complete the prerequisite skill assessment scenario to continue in the course. The prerequisite skill assessment scenario evaluates the following skills:
Entry
Swimming approach
Surface dive in deep water (7 to 10 feet)
Passive submerged rescue
Rapid extrication (with an assisting rescuer)
Rapid assessment
Single-rescuer CPR (3 minutes)
Lifeguarding Instructor Recertification
The purpose of the American Red Cross r. 24 Lifeguarding Instructor Recertification course is to give instructors the opportunity to review the course knowledge and skills within a formal course setting to maintain their American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor certification. Successfully completing this course is the only method for maintaining certification as an American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor.
*Lifeguard Instructor Trainer Recertification also available.
Prerequisites
Possess a current, or expired by no more than 1-year, American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor certification.
Successfully complete the online session of the Lifeguarding Instructor Recertification course prior to the in-person session.
Lifeguarding Instructor Basic-Level Lifeguarding Certification
The Lifeguarding Instructor Basic-Level Lifeguarding Certification course provides the opportunity for Lifeguarding instructors to attain a basic-level certification in Red Cross Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) while participating in a lifeguarding instructor course. The training is conducted and evaluated in water depths ranging from 0 feet to water 7 feet and greater (ranging from 8-12 feet maximum, depending on the depth of the facility in which the training is conducted).
Prerequisites
Be at least 17 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course.
Be participating in one of the following Red Cross Lifeguarding instructor courses:
Lifeguarding Instructor
Lifeguarding Instructor Crossover/Re-entry
Lifeguarding Instructor Recertification
Lifeguarding Instructor Trainer Recertification
Lifeguarding Instructor Trainer Academy
Successfully complete the Lifeguarding Blended Learning online course
Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations:
Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:
Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed)
Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs
Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both
Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The 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 – 10 feet to 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 at or near the surface.
Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Lifeguarding Instructor Crossover/Re-entry
The purpose of the American Red Cross r. 24 Lifeguarding Instructor Crossover/Re-entry course is to train instructor candidates to teach the basic-level courses in the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program. The crossover/re-entry course recognizes the previous training of American Red Cross lifeguarding instructors and/or those with current lifeguarding instructor certification from other equivalent organizations to become American Red Cross lifeguarding instructors.
Prerequisites
Be at least 19 years of age on or before the final scheduled session of the instructor course.
Possess the following Lifeguarding certification:
A current basic-level certification in American Red Cross Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid.
Possess one of the following instructor-level certifications:
Documentation of previous American Red Cross Lifeguarding instructor certification (expired no more than 2 years).
Documentation of current external credentials (certificate) showing that the individual successfully completed a formalized lifeguarding instructor course with one of the following organizations:
Boy Scouts of America (BSA)—either Aquatics instructor or BSA Lifeguard Instructor
Ellis & Associates International Lifeguard Training Program™--Lifeguard Instructor
Lifesaving Society of Canada—Lifesaving Instructor
Royal Lifesaving Society of the United Kingdom—Lifesaving Instructor
StarGuard ELITE – StarGuard ELITE Instructor
United States Lifesaving Association—Open Water Lifeguard Instructor
YMCA—Lifeguard Instructor
Successfully complete the online content for the Lifeguarding Blended Learning course
Successfully complete the online session of the Lifeguarding Instructor Crossover/Re-entry course prior to the precourse session.
Waterfront Skills Module
The purpose of the Waterfront Skills Module in the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program is to provide participants certified in Lifeguarding (that included training in deep water 7 feet or deeper) with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies in non-surf, open-water areas found at public parks, resorts, summer camps, and campgrounds.
Prerequisites
Have a current American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding (that included training in deep water 7 feet or deeper).
Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the Waterfront Skills Module.
Successfully complete the three prerequisite swimming skills evaluations:
Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest
Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 350 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed)
Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs
Swim 200 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both
Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds
Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed).
Submerge to a depth of 7 - 10 feet to 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 at or near the surface.
Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Prerequisite 3: Complete an underwater swim
Swim 5 yards, submerge and retrieve three dive rings placed 5 yards apart in 4 – 7 feet of water
Resurface and continue to swim another 5 yards
Waterfront Skills Recertification
The primary purpose of a recertification course is to give participants who are currently certified American Red Cross Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) and Waterfront Skills the opportunity to review the course knowledge and skills within a formal course setting to maintain their American Red Cross Waterfront Skills certification.
Prerequisites
Have a current American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding (that included training in deep water 7 feet or deeper).
Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the Waterfront Skills Recertification course.
Successfully complete the three prerequisite swimming skills evaluations outlined in the Waterfront Skills Module.
Waterpark Skills Module
The purpose of the Waterpark Skills Module in the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program is to provide participants certified in Lifeguarding (that included training in deep water 7 feet or deeper) or Shallow Water Lifeguarding (Water Up To 5, 6, or 7 feet) with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies in aquatic facilities with waterpark features.
Prerequisites
Have a current American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding (that included training in deep water 7 feet or deeper) or Shallow Water Lifeguarding (Water Up to 5, 6, or 7 feet).
Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the Waterpark Skills Module.
Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations:
Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:
Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed)
Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs, floating, or both
Swim 50 yards using the front crawl,breaststroke or a combination of both
Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 50 seconds:
Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed).
Submerge to a depth of 4 - 7 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
Return to the surface and walk or 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 at or near the surface.
Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Waterpark Skills Recertification
The primary purpose of a recertification course is to give participants who are currently certified American Red Cross Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) or Shallow Water Lifeguarding (up to 5, 6, or 7 feet) and Waterpark Skills the opportunity to review the course knowledge and skills within a formal course setting to maintain their American Red Cross Waterpark Skills certification.
Prerequisites
Have a current American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding (that included training in deep water 7 feet or deeper) or Shallow Water Lifeguarding (Water Up to 5, 6, or 7 feet).
Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the Waterpark Skills Recertification course.
Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations outlined in the Waterpark Skills Module
Basic Swim Instructor
The purpose of the Red Cross Basic Swim Instructor course is to train instructor candidates to teach fundamental Learn-to-Swim courses and water safety presentations in the Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program to help course participants reach water competency and to learn to be safer in and around water. The Basic Swim Instructor course trains instructor candidates by developing their understanding of how to use the course materials, how to conduct training sessions and how to evaluate participants’ progress.
Prerequisites
Be at least 15 years of age on or before the final scheduled lesson of this course.
Demonstrate the ability to perform the following swimming skills:
Swim the following strokes consistent with the Stroke Performance Charts, Level 3
Front crawl—25 yards
Breaststroke (kick only)—25 yards
Elementary backstroke—25 yards
Sidestroke (kick only)—25 yards
Maintain position on back for 1 minute in deep water (floating or sculling).
Tread water for 1 minute.
Complete the water competency sequence: Step into water and totally submerge, float or tread water for 1 minute, rotate one full circle and orient to exit, swim 25 yards without stopping and exit the water
Water Safety Instructor
The purpose of the Water Safety Instructor course is to train instructor candidates to teach Parent and Child Aquatics, Preschool Aquatics, Learn-to-Swim, Adult Swim and water safety courses and presentations.
Prerequisites
Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course.
Demonstrate the ability to perform the following swimming skills:
Swim the following strokes consistent with the Stroke Performance Charts, Level 4:
Front Crawl – 25 yards
Back Crawl – 25 yards
Breaststroke – 25 yards
Elementary Backstroke – 25 yards
Sidestroke – 25 yards
Butterfly – 15 yards
Maintain position on back for 1 minute in deep water (floating or sculling)
Tread water for 1 minute
General Water Safety
This 30-minute presentation provides individuals with an awareness of the importance of water safety training and key information on being safe in, on and around water. General Water Safety is intended for individuals who want to learn about the importance of water safety and how to be safe in, on and around water.
Prerequisites
None
Home Pool Safety
This 30-minute presentation provides information for home pool owners and apartment pool users on how to keep their family and guests safe in an aquatic environment. Home Pool Safety is intended for home pool owners and apartment pool users.
Prerequisites
None
Personal Water Safety
This 5-hour course builds on basic swimming and safety skills and provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to help avoid aquatic emergencies. Participants learn survival and self-rescue techniques. It provides basic information on safety in natural water environments and boating and personal watercraft. Successful completion of this course results in a certificate of completion that has no validity period. Personal Water Safety is intended for individuals who participate in aquatic activities and want to improve their water safety and survival skills.
Prerequisites
Participants must be able to:
Jump into deep water from the side
Recover to the surface
Maintain position by treading or floating for 1 minute
Rotate one full turn then turn as necessary to orient to the exit point
Level off
Swim front crawl and/or elementary backstroke for 25 yards
Exit the water
Rip Current Safety
This 30-minute presentation provides individuals with an awareness of the dangers of rip currents. Participants learn how to recognize rip currents, how to avoid them and what to do if caught in one. Rip current safety is intended for families and individuals interested in learning about or who spend time at surf beaches.
Prerequisites
None
Safety Training for Swim Coaches
Developed in collaboration with USA Swimming, this course is designed to teach those involved in competitive swimming how to help maintain a comfortable and safe environment for swimmers, prevent accidents and emergencies, and respond to swimmers with illnesses or injuries in water or on land.
Prerequisites
There are no skill prerequisites to enroll; However, because there is an in-water skills session, participants must be comfortable in chest-deep water.
Water Safety Today
This 2-hour course teaches participants how to recognize, prevent and respond to emergencies in, on and around the water. Successful completion of this course results in a certificate of completion that has no validity period. Water Safety Today is intended for anyone with an interest in learning water safety knowledge and skills.
Prerequisites
None
Longfellow’s WHALE Tales
This dry-land water safety program is intended for children ages 5 through 12. It includes information on the following topics:
Do Your Part, Be Water Smart
Swim as a Pair with a Lifeguard There
First Look Around: Is the Scene Safe and Sound?
Don’t Just Pack It, Wear Your Life Jacket
Play It Smart at Your Home, Pool or Park
Wave, River or Tide, Water Smarts Are Your Guide
Think So You Don’t Sink
Reach or Throw, Don’t Go
Stay Calm, Think It Through and You Can Know What to Do
Prerequisites
None
Sun Safety
This 30-minute presentation teaches participants the dangers of too much exposure to direct sunlight. Participants learn how to protect themselves and others when enjoying activities in the sun. Sun Safety is intended for any general audience who enjoys outdoor activities.
Prerequisites
None
Becoming an American Red Cross Ambassador for Water Safety
Becoming a Water Safety Ambassador covers fundamentals of water safety, provides an orientation to Red Cross materials to teach water safety in a dryland, classroom-based setting and offers ideas on how to implement water safety education in your community. This online eLearning module is intended for teachers as well as adult and youth leaders in the community who are committed to sharing Red Cross resources to impact drowning rates, especially in places that are most at risk for drowning.
Prerequisites
None
Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers
Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers focuses on developing an awareness of the risks of drowning and how to minimize those risks, especially for young children. It teaches parents and caregivers about:
Water Competency
The Circle of Drowning Prevention
The Chain of Drowning Survival
Prerequisites
None
Basic Water Rescue
This 4-hour certification course provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies. It also prepares participants for aquatic emergencies by teaching them how to protect themselves while assisting others. Basic Water Rescue does not provide participants with all the knowledge and skills needed to be certified as a lifeguard. Basic Water Rescue is intended for public safety personnel, camp personnel and day trip leaders, daycare workers, school teachers, aquatic fitness instructors, aquatic therapists, anyone involved in aquatic activities and others who work around water.
Prerequisites
There are no skill prerequisites to enroll; However, because there is an in-water skills session, participants must be comfortable in chest-deep water.
*Equipment and facility requirements may restrict course availability.