what do you do in the american red cross lifeguard course

The American Red Cross Lifeguarding

course is designed to teach skills and knowledge to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services take over. This class includes, Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR/AED.

Full Answer

How do I become a Red Cross lifeguard?

Instructor candidates fall into three categories:

• New/First-Time Instructor Candidates
• Re-entry Instructor Candidates (Red Cross instructors whose certification expired no more than 2 years ago)
• Crossover Instructor Candidates (For instructors certified with other training providers, such as YMCA, Ellis and Associates, Canadian Red Cross, etc.)

How to become a certified lifeguard?

To summarize, here are the steps to becoming a lifeguard:

• Enroll in a lifeguard training program locally.
• Complete the pre-test to move on to your training.
• Complete the training course and earn your lifeguard certification.
• Earn your CPR, First Aid, and AED certification.

Does the American Red Cross offer CPR training?

With over 500,000 cardiac arrests occurring each year, CPR training from the American Red Cross can be the difference between life and death. Developed and taught by experts, our training satisfies OSHA, workplace or other regulatory requirements. From personalized learning to interactive scenarios to peer-to-peer learning and hands-on skill practice, you will be prepared to provide care when it's needed most.

Does American Red Cross have a babysitting course?

The Babysitting Basics course from the American Red Cross gives those ages 11 and older a foundation on which to build their babysitting business. Designed for new babysitters, this course delivers information clearly, concisely and interactively - and it's the perfect way for young people to learn about all of the responsibilities that come with the job.

Is the Red Cross lifeguard test multiple choice?

The Red Cross certification tests are multiple-choice. 80% is passing. (For most Red Cross exams you can have two tries if you need them, but they will be two different tests with different questions.)

How do you prepare for a lifeguard test?

Preparing for Lifeguard ClassesSwim 300 yards continuously to demonstrate your breath control. ... Tread water without using your arms for 2 minutes; arms should be placed under armpits.Complete a timed event on the lifeguarding course in 1 minute and 40 seconds.Swim 20 yards with the starting point being in the pool.More items...

What do you wear to lifeguard training?

A swimsuit (women: modest one piece is recommended, men: trunks or jammers), a towel, goggles are recommended, pen or pencil, notebook for notes, water bottle, and a lunch/snacks.

What are the primary responsibilities of a lifeguard?

Lifeguard Job Requirements and Responsibilities: Warns swimmers of improper activities or danger and enforces pool regulations and water safety policies. Administers first aid in the event of injury, rescues swimmers in distress or danger of drowning, and administers CPR and/or artificial respiration, if necessary.

Is a lifeguard course hard?

Lifeguard training is underrated in how difficult it is. Of course, you will need to gain a lifeguarding qualification –the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ). The truth is, the test you need to pass to gain your NPLQ is intensive. It requires specialist training in order to be successful.

Is becoming a lifeguard hard?

Being a good lifeguard is physically challenging. You will want to be in good shape. Lifeguards follow the 10/20 rule. Once a lifeguard notices a potential problem, they must respond in 10 seconds and be able to reach the person in 20 seconds, so it is absolutely necessary to be in shape and to be a strong swimmer.

Do lifeguards have to be shirtless?

Essential Lifeguard Clothing Basic apparel for lifeguards consists of an approved lifeguard swimsuit for females and swim trunks or Bermuda shorts for males.

Can lifeguards have piercings?

o Hoop earrings must be less than ½” in size. o No more than 2 earrings are allowed per ear. should be 1/8 inch in diameter or smaller. o All other visible body piercings are not allowed.

Do pool lifeguards wear shoes?

Footwear. The right lifeguard footwear can make a big difference for both your comfort and your effectiveness. While tennis shoes are cozy and protective, they offer no waterproofing and may slow you down during a rescue. You'll most often want to wear a pair of flip-flops, which are easy to kick off whenever needed.

What is the most critical job of a lifeguard?

The primary responsibility as a lifeguard is to prevent drowning and other injuries from occurring. Candidates must be able to ensure the safety of patrons by minimizing or eliminating hazardous situations or behaviors.

How do lifeguard shifts work?

During the Shift Throughout the day, a lifeguard will generally spend about 20 minutes to 30 minutes at a time at their assigned post. Once at a post, the lifeguard cannot leave the area and must stay alert and vigilant, watching the water. At the end of the 20- to 30-minute segment, the lifeguards will rotate posts.

What skills are needed to be a lifeguard?

Vital Lifeguard SkillsStrong swimming skills.Responsible.Attentive.Patient.Energetic.Physically fit.Ability to remain calm and act quickly.Good customer service.More items...•

How do you swim with a 10 pound brick?

Here's what you have to do:Swim 20 yards (without goggles) and locate the brick submerged 7-10 feet deep in the pool.Surface dive (from the water) either feet or head first and retrieve the brick.Swim with the brick back to your starting location holding it throughout the swim.More items...

How do I prepare for the brick exam?

How to Prepare for the Lifeguard Brick TestLocate the Brick. Start preparing for the brick test by practicing the 20-yard swim without goggles. ... Retrieve the Brick. ... Swim the Brick Back to the Start. ... Exit the Water Without Using the Ladder. ... Take Your Time. ... Keep the Brick in Front. ... Get to the Surface Quickly. ... Swim on Your Back.More items...•

Can you use goggles lifeguard test?

Look up how to do an efficient head first AND feet first surface dive down to the bottom. Get in the pool and practice it. Get to the bottom and open your eyes. You are not able to use goggles during part 2 of the skills test.

What is swimming 300 yards?

300 yards = 12 lengths/6 laps. Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water.

How old do you have to be to be a lifeguard?

Prerequisites for lifeguard training include: Students must be at least 15 years old by the last day of class. Students must pass a pre-course swimming skills test prior to taking lifeguarding courses.

Do you have to pass a swimming test to become a lifeguard?

Students must pass a pre-course swimming skills test prior to taking lifeguarding courses. The American Red Cross offers the following course options for Lifeguard training: Lifeguarding: Full Course –. This option is for those training for the first time or for those whose certifications have expired.

What is the Red Cross Lifeguard Manual?

The American Red Cross Lifeguard Manual contains skills sheets and references to help you understand the importance of water safety and arm you with all of the knowledge necessary to help save lives and avoid injury.

How long is the Red Cross training course?

Course length: 18 hours in-person/7 hours and 30 minutes online Total - 25 hours, 30 minutes. Why Train with us? For over 100 years, the American Red Cross preparation courses and training have been regarded as the best available in the nation.