Waterfront Module for currently certified American Red Cross lifeguards

The purpose of the American Red Cross Waterfront Skills module is to teach lifeguards the skills and knowledge needed to prevent and respond to emergencies in nonsurf, open-water areas found at public parks, resorts, summer camps and campgrounds.

Candidates must have a current American Red Cross Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid certificate.

Course Prerequisites:
1. Be 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.
4. Tread water for 2 minutes, using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
5. Complete a timed event within 1 minute and 40 seconds.

• Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
• Surface dive, feet-first or headfirst, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
• Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface.

Upon successful completion, candidates will receive an American Red Cross certificate for Waterfront Skills valid for 2 years. (The Waterfront Skills certificate is only valid when accompanied by a current American Red Cross Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid certificate.)