What You Need to Do to Become a Certified Lifeguard

Lifeguard certification requires you to pass a course that teaches water rescue, CPR, and first aid. Most courses take two to three days and cost between $300 and $500. You must be at least 15 years old, swim 300 yards without stopping, and tread water for two minutes. After you pass the written test and practical skills exam, you receive a card valid for two or three years depending on the certifying organization.

The two largest certifying bodies in the United States are the American Red Cross and the Lifeguard Training Institute (LTI). Both teach the same core skills — rescue techniques, CPR, AED use, and how to recognize drowning — but their course schedules and locations differ. Some pools, beaches, and water parks run their own courses through these organizations, while others require you to bring certification from outside.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete a lifeguard certification course through an accredited organization like the American Red Cross or Lifeguard Training Institute before you can work as a lifeguard.
  • Most courses require you to swim 300 yards continuously and tread water for two minutes as a baseline fitness test before the course begins.
  • Certification courses include CPR and first aid training and typically take two to three days to complete.
  • Your certification card is valid for two or three years, after which you must renew through a recertification course that takes less time than the original course.

Finding a Lifeguard Certification Course Near You

The American Red Cross offers courses through their website at redcross.org. You can search by zip code to find classes in your area, see the exact dates, and register online. Most Red Cross courses run on weekends or during school breaks. Some are held at community pools, YMCAs, or recreation centers; others are held at beaches or water parks.

The Lifeguard Training Institute lists certified instructors on their website at lifeguardtraining.com. You search by state to find instructors near you, then contact them directly to schedule a course. LTI courses are often more flexible with timing because instructors can run them on demand rather than on a fixed schedule.

If you already work at a pool or beach, ask your manager whether they run in-house courses or have a preferred certifying organization. Some employers offer courses at a discount or cover the cost entirely as part of hiring.

What Happens During the Course

On the first day, you will demonstrate the swimming and treading water skills required to pass. If you do not meet these benchmarks, you cannot continue — the course does not teach basic swimming. The instructor will have you swim 300 yards (about nine pool lengths) using any stroke, and tread water for two minutes without touching the pool bottom or wall.

The rest of the course covers rescue techniques in the water, how to recognize a drowning person (which often looks nothing like what movies show), CPR on adults and children, use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and first aid for common injuries. You will practice rescuing a conscious victim, an unconscious victim, and a victim with a spinal injury. You will also learn how to manage a panicked person in the water without putting yourself at risk.

On the final day, you take a written test covering the material from the course and perform a practical skills exam. The practical exam includes a timed rescue scenario where you must swim to a victim, bring them to safety, and perform CPR if needed. You must pass both the written test and the skills exam to receive your certification.

Costs and What Is Included

American Red Cross courses typically cost $300 to $450 depending on your location and whether the course includes additional certifications like Oxygen Administration or Waterfront Lifeguard. The price usually includes the course instruction, the certification card, and a handbook. Some locations charge extra for the AED training component, though most include it.

Lifeguard Training Institute courses range from $250 to $400. The variation depends on whether you are taking the standard course or adding certifications like First Aid Instructor or Water Safety Instructor. Both organizations offer bundle deals if you want CPR and First Aid as separate cards in addition to your lifeguard card.

Some employers reimburse certification costs after you complete the course, so ask before you pay out of pocket. Community colleges and recreation departments sometimes offer courses at a lower rate than private instructors.

Renewing Your Certification

American Red Cross lifeguard certification is valid for three years. To renew, you take a recertification course that covers the same material but moves faster because you already know the basics. Recertification courses usually take one day instead of three and cost $100 to $200.

Lifeguard Training Institute certification is valid for two years. Their recertification course also takes one day and costs roughly $100 to $150. You must renew before your card expires; an expired card means you cannot work as a lifeguard until you complete a full initial course again, not just a recertification.

Most employers will not let you work past your expiration date, so mark your calendar three months before it expires and register for recertification early. Courses fill up quickly during summer, so do not wait until the last week.

Physical Requirements and Prerequisites

You must be at least 15 years old to take a lifeguard certification course. There is no upper age limit. You do not need any prior lifeguard experience, but you must be a strong swimmer. The 300-yard swim test is non-negotiable — if you cannot pass it on the first day, you will not be allowed to continue the course and will not receive a refund in most cases.

You should be in reasonably good health. The course involves sustained physical activity in the water, and you will be practicing rescue techniques that require strength and endurance. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to swim or perform CPR, tell the instructor before the course starts so they can discuss whether you can safely participate.

You do not need to own any special equipment. The course provides rescue tubes, backboards, and other tools. Bring a swimsuit, goggles if you wear them, and a towel. Some instructors require you to bring your own rescue tube for practice, so ask when you register.

After You Get Certified

Once you have your certification card, you can explore for lifeguard jobs at pools, beaches, water parks, and community centers. Most employers require your card to be current and will ask to see it during the hiring process. Some positions also require you to pass a background check or a swimming test specific to that facility.

Your certification card is a credential, not a job may provide. Having the card means you meet the legal requirement to work as a lifeguard, but employers still choose who to hire based on experience, availability, and fit for their specific location. Some facilities prefer lifeguards with additional certifications like Water Safety Instructor or First Aid Instructor, which you can add later.

Keep your certification card in a safe place and bring it to every job interview. Take a photo of it on your phone as a backup in case you lose the physical card. If your card is lost or damaged, contact the certifying organization to request a replacement, which usually costs $10 to $20 and takes one to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a lifeguard certification course online?

No. The American Red Cross and Lifeguard Training Institute both require in-person instruction and hands-on practice in the water. You cannot pass the swimming test or the rescue skills exam remotely. Some organizations offer online modules for the written material, but you still must attend the in-person portion to complete the course.

What if I fail the swimming test on the first day?

If you do not pass the 300-yard swim or the two-minute tread water test, you cannot continue the course. Most organizations will not refund your fee. You can retake the course at a later date after you have improved your swimming fitness. Consider taking swimming lessons before attempting the course again.

Do I need CPR certification before I take the lifeguard course?

No. The lifeguard certification course includes CPR training and certification as part of the curriculum. You do not need to have CPR beforehand, though having it does not hurt. After you finish the lifeguard course, your CPR certification is valid for two years (American Red Cross) or one year (some LTI courses), depending on the organization.

How long does it take to get hired after I get certified?

That depends on the employer and the season. During summer, many facilities hire quickly because they need staff. During winter, fewer positions are open. Once you have your card, you can explore when ready. The hiring process typically takes one to three weeks from process to your first day of work.

Can I work as a lifeguard with just a CPR card?

No. A CPR card alone does not meet the legal requirement to work as a lifeguard. You must have a current lifeguard certification card from an accredited organization. CPR is included in the lifeguard course, so you will have both certifications when you finish.