Swim Lessons

The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course 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 (EMS) personnel take over. Pre-Requisite:1. Must be 16 years on final scheduled sessions of this course.2. Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using free style, breaststroke or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used for this portion.3. Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place hands in their armpits.4. Complete a timed event within 1 minute and 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face ma 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.