The American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course provides participants with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies. The course includes water rescue techniques, surveillance and patron prevention, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and teamwork and communication skills required for professional lifeguards. Successful completion results in an American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification.
Important Registration Information
This course includes a mandatory online component that must be completed before participating in in-person sessions. Plan accordingly. Blueray maintains a no-refund policy due to limited course availability.
Age Requirement
Participants must be 15 years of age or older on or before the final scheduled session of the course.
Mandatory Online Course Requirement
Completion of the online portion is required before attending any in-person sessions.
- Course access is emailed directly by the American Red Cross
- Check spam/junk folders
- Allow 1–2 business days after registration
- Online coursework requires at least 6 hours
- If not received, contact 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Pre-Course Physical Skills Test
- 300-yard swim (front crawl or breaststroke)
- 2-minute tread water without hands
- Retrieve 10-lb object from at least 7 ft depth, swim 20 yards, exit without ladder within 100 seconds
Lifeguarding Course Requirements
- Attend and participate in all sessions
- Demonstrate competency in required skills
- Successfully complete final rescue scenarios
- Pass written exams with minimum score of 80%
Required Items
- Government-issued photo ID
- Online course completion certificate
- Pen or pencil
- Swimsuit and towel
- UV protection (sunscreen, rash guard, hat, sunglasses)
- Comfortable clothing
- Packed lunch (no off-site lunch break)