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 non-surf, open-water areas found at public parks, resorts, summer camps and campgrounds.

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

Course Prerequisites:

• Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence
  • Jump into the water, totally submerge, recover to the surface and swim 350 yards.
  • After swimming 350 yards, immediately maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs.
  • After treading for 2 minutes, immediately swim 200 more yards.
    • While swimming, you must swim continuously, keeping your face in the water and demonstrating good breath control, while keeping your body horizontal in the water.
    • You may use the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted.
    • Swim goggles are allowed.
    • You cannot hold the wall or lane line at any point in the sequence.
    • While treading, you can only use your legs and must keep your body in a vertical position.
    • Place your hands under your armpits.
    • Your head must remain above the surface of the water.
• Timed Event
  • Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds.
    • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards on the surface.
    • Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) 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, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face at or near the surface.
    • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
• Underwater swim
  • Swim five yards, submerge and retrieve three dive rings spaced five yards apart. Return to the surface and swim five yards, then exit the water.

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 Deep Water Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid certificate.)