What you need to become a lifeguard

To become a lifeguard, you need a current Lifeguard Certification from an organization like the American Red Cross or Starfish Aquatics Institute, a high school diploma or GED, and to be at least 15 or 16 years old depending on your location and the facility. Most employers also require CPR/AED certification and First Aid certification, which often come bundled with lifeguard training courses. Beyond credentials, you need to pass a swimming test that proves you can swim a set distance, tread water, and retrieve objects from the pool bottom.

The path is straightforward: take a lifeguard training course, pass the written and practical exams, get hired by a facility, and renew your certification every two or three years. Most courses take two to five days and cost between $200 and $500. The job itself is available year-round at indoor pools and seasonally at beaches and outdoor facilities.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete a lifeguard training course from a recognized organization and pass both written and practical exams to earn certification.
  • CPR/AED and First Aid certifications are required by most employers and are often included in lifeguard training packages.
  • You need to pass a swimming test that includes distance swimming, treading water, and retrieving objects underwater.
  • Lifeguard certification is valid for two to three years and must be renewed through a recertification course or full training course.
  • Most facilities hire lifeguards year-round for indoor pools and seasonally for beaches and outdoor pools during summer months.

Finding and enrolling in a lifeguard training course

The American Red Cross is the largest provider of lifeguard training in the United States. You can find courses through their website by entering your zip code, which shows you classes at local pools, community centers, and YMCAs. Starfish Aquatics Institute, Ellis & Associates, and Jeff Ellis and Associates are other major providers. Many community colleges and high schools also offer lifeguard courses, often at lower cost than private providers.

Courses are offered year-round but are most frequent in spring and early summer when facilities are hiring for the busy season. Most courses run for two to five consecutive days, though some facilities offer weekend-only or evening options. You will need to bring a swimsuit and towel, and some courses require you to bring your own goggles. Register online or by phone; many courses fill up quickly during peak hiring season, so book early if you are aiming for a summer job.

What the lifeguard training course covers

A standard lifeguard course teaches water rescue techniques, how to recognize a drowning person, CPR and rescue breathing, and how to use rescue equipment like rescue tubes and backboards. You will learn the difference between active drowning (a person cannot call for help) and passive drowning (a person appears to be resting in the water), because most drowning victims do not thrash or yell. The course also covers patron surveillance, how to scan the water systematically, and how to position yourself to see the entire area you are responsible for.

You will spend time in the water practicing rescues, learning how to approach a distressed swimmer without being pulled under, and how to perform a proper tow back to the side of the pool. The course includes CPR and AED training, which teaches you how to perform chest compressions and use an automated external defibrillator. Most courses also cover First Aid basics, bloodborne pathogen awareness, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of a lifeguard. You will take a written exam covering all material and a practical exam in the water.

Swimming tests and physical requirements

Before or during your course, you will take a swimming test to prove you have the water skills the job requires. The test typically includes swimming 300 yards continuously without stopping, treading water for two minutes using only your legs, and retrieving a 10-pound object from the bottom of the pool in the deep end. Some facilities require you to swim the 300 yards in under a certain time, usually six to eight minutes. You must be able to do all of this in a swimsuit without fins or other aids.

There are no formal fitness tests beyond swimming ability, but the job itself is physically demanding. You will stand or sit for long periods in the sun, move quickly when an emergency occurs, and may need to perform rescues on people larger than yourself. If you struggle with the swimming test, many facilities offer practice sessions or conditioning classes before the course starts. Talk to the course provider about what the specific requirements are for the facility where you want to work, because standards vary slightly.

Passing the written and practical exams

The written exam covers the material from the course: how to recognize drowning, CPR steps, rescue techniques, facility rules, and your legal duties as a lifeguard. Most exams are multiple choice and require a score of 80 percent or higher to pass. You will have access to study materials before the exam, and instructors usually review key concepts on the last day of the course. If you fail, you can usually retake it the same day or within a few days at no extra cost.

The practical exam takes place in the water and tests your ability to perform rescues, administer CPR on a mannequin, and use rescue equipment correctly. An instructor will watch you perform a rescue on a simulated drowning victim, check that your CPR technique is correct, and observe your water skills. You must demonstrate competence, not perfection—the goal is to show you can handle a real emergency. If you do not pass on your first attempt, most providers allow one free retake within a set timeframe.

Getting hired at a pool, beach, or water facility

Once you have your certification, you can explore to pools, beaches, water parks, and other facilities that hire lifeguards. Most public pools and beaches post job openings on their city or county website or on job boards like Indeed. Private pools, country clubs, and YMCAs often hire through their own websites or by walking in with your resume and certification card. Seasonal positions at beaches and outdoor pools typically open in March or April for summer hiring, so explore early if you want a summer job.

When you explore, bring a copy of your lifeguard certification card, CPR/AED card, and First Aid card. Many facilities will call your references and may ask you to demonstrate your swimming ability or perform a rescue scenario during the interview. Lifeguard jobs are entry-level positions, so having no prior experience is normal. Facilities care most that you are certified, reliable, and comfortable in the water. Once hired, you will likely go through a facility-specific orientation that covers their rules, emergency procedures, and equipment.

Renewing your lifeguard certification

Lifeguard certifications from the American Red Cross are valid for three years. Starfish and other providers typically issue two-year certifications. Before your certification expires, you can renew it by taking a recertification course, which is shorter and less expensive than the initial course—usually one to two days and $100 to $250. Recertification courses review key skills and update you on any changes to guidelines, and you will take a written exam and perform rescues in the water again.

Some facilities require you to renew your CPR/AED certification separately, which is valid for two years and can be renewed through a one-day course. If your certification expires before you renew, you will need to take the full initial course again rather than the shorter recertification course. Most employers will not let you work as a lifeguard with an expired certification, so plan to renew at least a month before your card expires. Many facilities offer recertification courses on-site or can point you to nearby providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to become a lifeguard?

You need to be a competent swimmer who can swim 300 yards continuously, tread water, and retrieve objects from the bottom of the pool. You do not need to be an elite swimmer or have competitive experience. If you are not at that level yet, many facilities offer conditioning classes or practice sessions before the course starts. Talk to the course provider about what you need to work on.

Can I become a lifeguard at 14 years old?

Most lifeguard certifications require you to be at least 15 or 16 years old at the time you take the course. Some facilities may hire 14-year-olds for water safety aide positions or junior lifeguard programs, which have less responsibility and lower pay. Check with your local pools or beaches about age requirements, as they vary by location and facility type.

How much does lifeguard training cost?

Lifeguard training courses typically cost between $200 and $500 depending on the provider and location. Community colleges and YMCAs often charge less than private providers. Recertification courses cost $100 to $250. Some employers offer to pay for training if you commit to working for them for a set period, so ask during the hiring process.

What is the difference between American Red Cross and other lifeguard certifications?

American Red Cross is the most widely recognized and accepted certification in the United States. Starfish Aquatics Institute, Ellis & Associates, and other providers offer equivalent training and certifications that are also accepted by most employers. The content and standards are similar across providers. Choose based on what courses are available near you and which schedule works best.

Can I work as a lifeguard with just CPR certification?

No. CPR certification alone is not enough—you must have a full lifeguard certification from a recognized provider. Lifeguard certification includes CPR, but it also covers rescue techniques, water safety, and how to recognize drowning, which CPR alone does not teach. Some employers may hire you as a pool attendant or water safety aide with only CPR, but that is a different job with different pay and responsibilities.