Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I have to be to become a certified American Red Cross lifeguard?
Student must complete their 15th birthday on or before the end date of the course.
What are the lifeguard certification requirements?
An American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification student, to gain certification or recertification, must meet the following requirements for certification:
- Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates 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. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
- 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 to 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 with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath. Candidates should not swim the
distance under water. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
- Attend all training classes and required hours.
- Take Lifeguard Certification test at the end of the course which is both a physical and written test.
Students must arrive knowing how to swim and be in a condition to be able to meet the physical requirements.
Do you offer private or semi-private classes?
Yes we do; however, specific terms and conditions apply. Please Contact Us for information.
What certifications are awarded to students who successfully complete a Lifeguarding course?
One certification is issued. The certification name is Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED and is valid for 2 years from the date of completion. For the Shallow Water Lifeguarding course, the certification name is Shallow Water Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED and is valid for 2 years.
How do I pass/complete the Lifeguard Training course?
Students must attend and participate in all class sessions;
Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities;
Demonstrate competency in all required final rescue skill scenarios; and,
Pass all written examinations with minimum grades of 80 percent.
Refunds and Cancellations
Refunds are issued if students cancel in writing 24 hours PRIOR to the start of the program (minus a $40 administrative fee). Refunds are not issued for cancellations less than 24 hours. Refunds are not issued if students fail to attend, complete, or pass the program.
If a participant is already certified in CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Healthcare Providers, is he or she still required to participate in the CPR portions of a Lifeguarding or Lifeguarding Review course?
Yes. Lifeguarding participants must successfully complete all lessons of the Lifeguarding course or Lifeguarding Review course. The CPR/AED portions of the Lifeguarding courses are fully incorporated within the Lifeguarding course. The certification for the Lifeguarding course is one certification that includes professional rescuer CPR as a part of it. There is no separate certification for the CPR portion of the Lifeguarding course.
Is there a crossover course for basic-level lifeguards certified/licensed in lifeguard training by another training agency, such as the YMCA, Ellis and Associates or StarGuard?
No. Individuals must successfully complete the full Lifeguarding course to receive certification in American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED.
Do you offer CPR classes for public schools?
On August 20th, 2014, New Jersey State officials signed into law, Bill A2072, requiring all New Jersey public high school students to be trained in CPR/AED as part of their graduation requirements. The provisions of this law are effective with the 2014-2015 grade nine class. We offer flexible schedules and options to fit all school district needs and budgets. Please contact us to discuss!
Do you help connect us with employers post-certification for lifeguarding jobs?
Employers and aquatic companies/organizations contact us frequently throughout the year looking to hire lifeguards. We (and former students) post all these possible employment opportunities to our private social media web site, which is accessible only to students/their families upon completion of one of our courses. We can also try to recommend a few locations where Lifeguards can make inquires regarding possible employment opportunities.
Can you train my day camp or summer camp staff at our location?
Absolutely! Visit our Courses Delivered to You section for details of programs that we offer. We have great experience in training summer and day camp staff in preparation for summer camp season!
What locations do you offer Lifeguard Certification Classes?
We typically run group Lifeguard certification and re-certification classes in NJ, NY, and Eastern PA . However, we can deliver courses to YOUR LOCATION and we are open to broadening our locations beyond the NY/NJ metropolitan area. It's best to reach out and Contact Us so that we can discuss options and arrangements!
Do you help connect us with employers post-certification for lifeguarding jobs?
Employers and aquatic companies/organizations contact us frequently throughout the year looking to hire lifeguards. We (and former students) post all these possible employment opportunities to our private social media web site, which is accessible only to students/their families upon completion of one of our courses. We can also try to recommend a few locations where Lifeguards can make inquires regarding possible employment opportunities.
Can you train my day camp or summer camp staff at our location?
Absolutely! Visit our Courses Delivered to You section for details of programs that we offer. We have great experience in training summer and day camp staff in preparation for summer camp season! We can train at indoor pools, outdoor pools, lakes, and beaches.
What locations do you offer Lifeguard Certification Classes?
We typically run group Lifeguard certification and re-certification classes in NJ, NY, and Eastern PA . However, we can deliver courses to YOUR LOCATION and we are open to broadening our locations beyond the NY/NJ metropolitan area. It's best to reach out and Contact Us so that we can discuss options and arrangements!
My child plays sports or cannot make every scheduled course session - what options do I have?
Great question, we completely understand (as parents ourselves) that sports, school, music and other activities can get in the way of scheduling your lifeguard training. We do offer some flexibility offering options to make-up classes, join another location for the missed session, etc. It's best to Contact Us directly (973.445.1000) to work out the specific situation and details.
Are your lifeguarding courses completely in-person, online or blended learning?
Our team offers various different options of lifeguarding classes throughout the year between blended learning and all in-person sessions. Please check out the Courses page and review the specific details of each class. The course type is posted for each class session posted.
If I am scheduled to take a blended learning class what does that mean and what do I have to do in preparation?
Blended learning is a term that refers to taking the video / book learning portion of the lifeguarding class and doing it at your own pace, at your own leisure PRIOR to the class. This cuts down on physical classroom time. However, all the skills are demonstrated, practiced and tested still in person. Blended learning classes are shorter in duration days.
My child plays sports or cannot make every scheduled course session - what options do I have?
Great question, we completely understand (as parents ourselves) that sports, school, music programs, and other activities can get in the way of scheduling your lifeguard training. We do offer some flexibility in these scenarios. It's best to Contact Us directly (973.445.1000) to work out the specific situation and details.
Are your lifeguarding courses completely in-person, online or blended learning?
Our team offers various different options of lifeguarding classes throughout the year between blended learning and all in-person sessions. Please check out the Life Class Schedule page and review the specific details of each class. The class type is posted for each class session.
If I am scheduled to take a blended learning class what does that mean and what do I have to do in preparation?
Blended learning is a term that refers to taking the video / book learning portion of the lifeguarding class and doing it at your own pace, at your own leisure PRIOR to the class. This cuts down on physical classroom time. However, all the skills are demonstrated, practiced and tested still in person. Blended learning classes are shorter in duration days.
Where do I get details about the class logistics?
Upon registering for a class, you will receive a confirmation email along with detailed instructions on things like directions, where to meet, what to wear, what to bring, and eating options. Be sure to look out for this email and if you lost it or did not receive please reach out to us prior to class to ensure you are comfortable and prepared!
What do I need to bring the first day of class for registration?
The first day of the in-person class, you will need to bring your payment (if you didn't mail it in). If you are a re-certifcation student you will need to bring a copy of your prior lifeguard certification and pocket mask. Each student will need a pocket mask and can purchase one in the classroom, if needed.
How long does a lifeguard certification last?
The American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification (which includes CPR, First-Aid and AED for the professional rescuer) lasts 2 years before it will need to be renewed.
When you want to renew, you would take the Lifeguard Recertification class instead of the full New Lifeguard course prior to the expiration to ensure continuity of certification.
Do students have to wear a mask during class due to Covid?
Our direction is to bring one always. We will provide an environment where students can social distance, however, due to the nature of the program certain portions of the class are not conducive to social distancing (rescue skills in water, water skills/testing/rescues). For times outside the water, students may wear a mask if they feel more comfortable even while social distancing.
How are you accommodating the classes for Covid concerns and restrictions?
Even before Covid, our team has provided a very sanitary environment for students. We will continue to implement such best practices and we will closely follow the guidelines provided to instructors from the American Red Cross to ensure everyones safety. Such things include:
- Sanitizing equipment after each individuals use
- Everyone having their own mannequins
- Continue to use breathing barriers and emphasize the importance during the program.
- Allow students to wear masks (not in the pool)
- Social Distance during classroom setting, when appropriate for the course skills being taught.
- Hand Sanitizers available during the class.
- Screening for fevers at the start of class by asking students about their health status at the start of each day class.
- Remind students, if you are sick stay home and we will reschedule the missed class. If a student appears to be sick, we will ask them to make up the class at a later point.
- Class sizes reduced to appropriately match the available space of classroom and pool space we are allotted.