Lifeguard Training Course
THE EXPERIENCE
What to Expect
Participants should be prepared for physically demanding water activities, swimming requirements, and hands-on practice throughout the course.
STEP BY STEP
Complete the required online learning before attending your scheduled in-person session. This portion introduces the knowledge and concepts you’ll need to understand before practicing your skills. Online learning is a 16 module course designed to teach all components of the lifeguard course.
Step 2: In-Person Training
Work directly with an instructor to practice water rescues, surveillance techniques, CPR/AED, First Aid, and other required lifesaving skills. You’ll apply what you learned online through hands-on exercises and practical scenarios.
Final Assessment
To complete the course, participants must successfully meet the required skills assessments and pass the written examination with 80%. All applicable course prerequisites and certification requirements must be met.
Come prepared to learn, participate, and develop the skills that help save lives.
TRAINING DETAILS
Course Length is about 22 hours in duration. Beginning the 3rd Friday of the month with a 2-hour session for credentials verification, a competency test of a 200 Yard swim and a 2-minute tread with no hands, and a timed brick retrieval. The following 2 days will follow a series of in-person water skills and on land practical skills needed to complete the lifeguarding course. Plan for 8-10 hours days with appropriate breaks and lunch in between.
- Duration – Your training consists of a 3-Day Program.
- Day 1 – Friday @ Guaynabo Pool & Classroom 5:30pm-7:30pm – Credentials check, and Swim Competency of a 550 Yard swim and a 2-minute tread with no hands, and a timed brick retrieval, and underwater swim retrieving 3 dive rings 20 yards apart.
- Day 2 – Saturday @ Guaynabo Classroom 8am-6pm –Land Practical skills including CPR/AED, first aid, multiple rescuer response scenarios, including classroom guided discussion.
- Day 3 – Sunday @ Guaynabo 8am-6pm– Water based skills and rescues, final rescue skills assessments, written test.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
This experience service includes:
- Excellent Facilities – Gift shop, lockers, restroom, showers, storage, swings, and seating area
- Theory Review – Thorough group discussions on scenario reviews, safety guidelines, and Red Cross procedures
- Training Equipment – Hands-on gear like manikins (adult, infant), AED trainers, disposable gloves, and others
- Certified Professionals – Red Cross Instructors; fully trained and certified
- Red Cross Certification – Processing fee to generate the required digital certificate
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Consider the following options for your adventure:
- Lifeguard Manual – Digital or Hard Copy
- Rescue Gear – As an emergency responder, we strongly recommend that you have your own gear. This will make you a better rescuer, ready to respond when the time comes. For this reason, Scuba Dogs offers a 20% discount on all items purchased before beginning your training. The required gear is a Pocket Mask, whistle, Hip Pack, and basic first aid kit.
- Transportation – Rental car, taxi or Uber are recommended
CRITERIA TO JOIN
All participants must meet the following requirements for this service:
- Skills – This course has prerequisite skills of 200-yard swim on front, timed brick retrieval, and 2 minutes of treading without use of arms
- Age – 15 years old
- Guardian Approval – Minors under 18 years old must obtain an adult guardian approval to participate
- Liability Release – All trainings always have a certain level of risk, thus a liability release must be filled and signed by all participants
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Following are answers to some of the most common questions and concerns:
- How old do I need to be to take the lifeguarding course?
You must be at least 15 years old on or before the final day of the course. You must also pass the required swimming and water-skills evaluations before proceeding with training. - What swimming skills do I need before taking the course?
You must complete a continuous sequence of swimming 150 yards, treading water for two minutes using only your legs, and swimming another 50 yards. You must also complete a timed event involving a 20-yard swim, retrieval of a 10-pound object from 7–10 feet of water, a return swim carrying the object, and an exit without a ladder or steps. The timed event must be completed within 1 minute and 40 seconds. - Can I complete my lifeguard certification entirely online?
No. Blended learning combines online coursework with required, instructor-led training. You must complete the assigned online learning and attend in-person sessions to practice rescues, CPR/AED, and first aid and successfully complete the required assessments.