What you need to become a lifeguard

To work as a lifeguard, you need a Lifeguard Training certification from an organization like the Red Cross or Ellis & Associates, plus CPR/AED certification. Most employers also require you to be at least 15 or 16 years old (this varies by state and employer), pass a swimming test, and pass a background check. Some facilities require additional certifications like First Aid or Oxygen Administration, but the core two—Lifeguard and CPR—are what you start with.

The path is straightforward: take a Lifeguard Training course (usually 2 to 3 days), pass the written exam and skills test, then take a separate CPR/AED course on the same weekend or shortly after. Both certifications last two to three years, so you will need to renew them before they expire if you want to keep working.

Key Takeaways

  • Red Cross Lifeguard Training and CPR/AED certification are the two core credentials almost all employers require.
  • Lifeguard Training courses run 2 to 3 days and include a written exam, skills test in the water, and a rescue scenario you must pass.
  • You must be able to swim 300 yards continuously and tread water for 2 minutes without using your hands to take the course.
  • CPR/AED certification is separate from Lifeguard Training and usually costs $60 to $100; Lifeguard Training costs $150 to $300 depending on the provider and location.
  • Certifications expire after 2 to 3 years, so you will need to renew them to stay employed as a lifeguard.

Finding and enrolling in a Lifeguard Training course

The Red Cross and Ellis & Associates are the two largest providers of Lifeguard Training in the United States. Both offer in-person courses at pools, community centers, YMCAs, and recreation departments. You can search for courses on the Red Cross website (redcross.org) by entering your zip code, or contact your local YMCA or Parks and Recreation department directly—they often run courses on a regular schedule and can tell you the next available dates.

Some employers, like large water parks or resort chains, run their own Lifeguard Training courses for new hires. If you are explore to a specific facility, ask during the hiring process whether they offer in-house training; if they do, they may cover the cost or reimburse you after you complete it.

Before you enroll, confirm the course includes both Lifeguard Training and CPR/AED, or whether you need to take CPR separately. Some courses bundle them; others require you to complete CPR within a certain window (usually 30 days) before or after the Lifeguard course.

Swimming skills you need before taking the course

You do not need to be an Olympic swimmer, but you do need to meet the prerequisite swimming skills before you can enroll. The Red Cross requires you to swim 300 yards continuously without stopping and tread water for 2 minutes without using your hands. Ellis & Associates has similar requirements. If you cannot do these yet, spend a few weeks practicing in a pool or taking swimming lessons first.

The course itself teaches you rescue techniques, water safety, and how to respond to emergencies—not basic swimming. Instructors will test your swimming ability on the first day, and if you cannot meet the minimum, you will not be allowed to continue. There is no penalty for trying and not passing, but you will need to practice and try again at a later course.

What happens during the Lifeguard Training course

A typical Lifeguard Training course runs Friday evening through Sunday, or three full days during the week. The schedule includes classroom time (water safety laws, recognizing drowning, CPR basics), pool time (practicing rescues, using rescue equipment, scanning techniques), and a final exam.

On the last day, you take a written test covering the material from the course, and you perform a series of rescue scenarios in the water. One common scenario is a "passive drowning victim" (an instructor playing an unconscious person) floating in the deep end—you have to spot them, swim to them, bring them to the side, and perform CPR. You must pass both the written exam and the skills test to earn your certification.

The course also covers First Aid basics, how to use an AED, recognizing spinal injuries, and how to document incidents. By the end, you will know how to respond to the most common emergencies you will face on the job.

CPR/AED certification and when to take it

CPR/AED certification is separate from Lifeguard Training, though many courses offer it as an add-on or on the same weekend. A CPR/AED course is usually 4 to 6 hours and teaches you how to perform chest compressions, rescue breathing, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). You will practice on a mannequin and take a skills test.

Some employers require CPR/AED to be current before your first day of work; others allow you to complete it within 30 days of hire. Check with the facility where you are explore to see what their timeline is. If you are taking both courses, doing them back-to-back (Lifeguard Training over a weekend, CPR the following day or week) is common and efficient.

CPR/AED certification lasts two years, while Lifeguard Training lasts three years. This means you will need to renew your CPR before your Lifeguard certification expires. The Red Cross and other providers offer renewal courses that are shorter and cheaper than the initial course.

Cost and how to pay for training

Lifeguard Training courses cost between $150 and $300, depending on the provider, location, and whether CPR is included. CPR/AED courses alone cost $60 to $100. Some community centers and YMCAs offer lower prices than private providers, so it is worth calling around.

If you are hired by a facility before you are certified, ask whether they will pay for your training or reimburse you after you complete it. Many large employers (water parks, resorts, municipal pools) cover the cost of certification for new hires. Some also offer discounts if you take the course through their preferred provider.

If cost is a barrier, look for courses offered by your local Parks and Recreation department or YMCA, which often have lower fees than private Red Cross instructors. Some nonprofits also offer scholarships or sliding-scale fees for lifeguard training.

Getting hired after you are certified

Once you have your Lifeguard and CPR/AED certifications, you can explore to pools, beaches, water parks, resorts, and community centers. Most employers ask to see your actual certification card during the interview or on your first day. You should also be prepared to pass a background check and, at some facilities, a drug test.

Your first job as a lifeguard often comes with on-the-job training specific to that facility—where the AED is, how to use their specific rescue equipment, emergency procedures, and how to log incidents. Even though you are certified, each facility has its own protocols.

Lifeguard positions are seasonal at many outdoor pools and beaches, so hiring happens in spring and early summer. Indoor pools and water parks often hire year-round. If you are looking for summer work, aim to be certified by April or May.

Renewing your certifications

Your CPR/AED certification expires after two years, and your Lifeguard certification after three years. Before either expires, you can take a renewal course, which is shorter and less expensive than the initial course. A CPR renewal is usually 2 to 4 hours and costs $40 to $75. A Lifeguard renewal is typically one day and costs $100 to $150.

Most employers will not let you work after your certification expires, even if you are only a few days past the expiration date. Mark your calendar when your certifications expire and plan to renew at least a month before the date. If your certification lapses, you will need to take the full initial course again, not just a renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You need to meet the minimum swimming requirements (300 yards continuously, 2 minutes treading water), but you do not need to be competitive-level. Most people who can swim reasonably well can meet these standards with a little practice. If you are not there yet, take swimming lessons for a few weeks first.

Can I take Lifeguard Training online?

No. Lifeguard Training requires in-person instruction and water-based skills testing. Some providers offer online modules for the classroom portion, but you must complete the pool portion and final exam in person at a certified facility.

How long does it take to become a lifeguard?

If you already meet the swimming prerequisites, you can be certified in one weekend: Lifeguard Training Friday through Sunday (2 to 3 days), then CPR/AED on the same weekend or the following week. If you need to build your swimming skills first, add a few weeks of practice.

What if I fail the Lifeguard Training exam?

You can retake the course at the next available session. There is no limit to how many times you can try. Most people pass on their first attempt if they prepare and meet the swimming prerequisites going in.

Do I need First Aid certification in addition to CPR?

Most employers require only CPR/AED, which covers the basics of First Aid. Some larger facilities or water parks may ask for a separate First Aid certification, but this is less common. Ask the facility where you are explore what they require.