The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding with Waterfront Skills course is to provide lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over. The waterfront module teaches lifeguards the skills and knowledge needed to prevent and respond to emergencies in non-surf, open-water areas found at public parks, resorts, summer camps and campgrounds.
Prerequisites:
1. Candidates must be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course.
2. Swim 550 yards, continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both, but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
3. Swim 5 yards, submerge and retrieve three dive rings placed 5 yards apart in 4 to 7 feet of water, resurface and continue to swim another 5 yards to complete the skill sequence.
3. Tread water for 2 minutes, using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
4. Complete a timed event within 1 minute and 40 seconds:
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive an American Red Cross Lifeguarding with CPR/AED For the Professional Rescuer, First Aid and Waterfront Skills certificate, valid for two years.
Options available: