SETTING
Online + Classroom/Pool Skills Session
- Combines the flexibility of online training with instructor-led sessions
- Convenient locations and times for in-person skills check with experienced instructors
DESCRIPTION
The American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor course trains instructor candidates to teach the basic-level American Red Cross Cross Lifeguarding courses (including deep water, shallow water, aquatic attraction, waterpark skills, waterfront skills), CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, select Skill Boosts, Bloodborne Pathogens Training, and select Water Safety presentations.
LENGTH
Online: 6 hours (varies)
In Person: 18 hours
INTENDED AUDIENCE
Instructor candidates may include, but are not limited to, head lifeguards, aquatic facility managers/supervisors, aquatic directors, recreation program coordinators, swim coach, teachers and youth leaders, camp directors, Water Safety Instructor®, boating or sailing instructor, scuba diving instructor, physical education teacher, water park manager, water front/beach/lake/pond manager. Instructor candidates may be taking an instructor training course to fulfill employment requirements, to complete requirements for a major area of study or certification, for professional growth or for personal satisfaction.
PREREQUISITES
Entry into the course is strictly limited to those who meet the prerequisites. Failure to have attained the appropriate skill level could pose a safety threat to themselves and to others in the class.
Participants must:
- Be at least 17 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course.
- Possess a current basic-level certification in American Red Cross Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid.
- Successfully complete the prerequisite skill assessment scenario that 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)
REQUIREMENTS
Participants must:
- Successfully complete the online session, including each lesson and assessments.
- Successfully complete the prerequisite skill assessment scenario.
- Successfully complete the skill practice and polish session, demonstrating instructor-level competency.
- Attend the in-person skills session and actively participate in all course activities, including assuming various roles during skill practices and assessment scenarios.
- Demonstrate instructor-level skill competency in all skills. This means being able to demonstrate all of the skill steps as they are written, in the correct order, and in accordance with the proficiency criteria to meet the objectives of the skill.
- Successfully complete the required practice teaching assignments.
- Pass the written exam with a minimum grade of 80%.
CERTIFICATION
Upon successful completion, participants will be issued a digital instructor certificate by email from the American Red Cross that is valid for 2 years.
To maintain certification, Lifeguarding Instructors must successfully complete the Lifeguarding Instructor Recertification course prior to expiration. NOTE: Lifeguarding Instructors are not required to maintain a basic-level Lifeguarding certification unless they also intend to fulfil the role of a lifeguard.