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By: Mercy Healthplex Fitness Staff
Become a certified lifeguard through the American Red Cross. Certification is discounted for those who complete the course and commit to joining the HealthPlex Lifeguard Team.
All candidates must be at least 15 years old. Both Shallow Water Lifeguarding and Lifeguarding certification options are available. This is a Blended Learning class requiring online course requirements (Approximately seven hours). This includes a series of videos and tests. Once enrolled, students will receive an email from the American Red Cross with instructions. The online portion must be completed by Saturday, March 1. Participants must attend all dates to receive certification.
Cost: Members $130, Non-Members $250
Classroom / Pool Schedule:
Friday, March 7: 4–9 p.m.
Saturday, March 8: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Sunday, March 9: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Friday, March 14: 4–9 p.m.
Saturday, March 15: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Shallow Water Lifeguarding Prerequisites
1. Be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course.
2. Swim 100 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. You 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. Tread water for two minutes, using only the
legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
3. Complete a timed event within 50 seconds.
a. Start in the water, swim 20 yards using the front crawl or breaststroke. Your face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are NOT allowed.
b. Submerge to a depth of 4 to 5 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and walk or swim 20 yards to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object at the surface of the water.
c. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
American Red Cross Lifeguarding Prerequisites
1. Be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course.
2. Swim 300 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. Tread water for two minutes, using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
4. Complete a timed event within 1 minute and 40 seconds.
a. Start in the water, swim 20 yards. Swim goggles are NOT allowed.
b. Surface dive, feet-first or headfirst, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
c. 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 so they are able to get a breath.
d. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
For more information, contact Amanda Bonnell at 513-624-1886 at [email protected].
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