Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about American Red Cross Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor and Water Safety Instructor courses.

 

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lifeguard & lifeguard review

Lifeguard & Lifeguard review age Requirement

American Red Cross requires participants to be at least 15 years old on the last class date. For current class dates, locations and fees visit Lifeguard Training or Lifeguard Review

Lifeguard & Lifeguard Review course length?

Streamline Health Services offers 2 DAY Lifeguard and Lifeguard Review courses.

Certifications Included in the Lifeguard and Lifeguard Review course?

American Red Cross Lifeguard, First Aid/CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, valid for 2 years.

Lifeguard & Lifeguard Review course prerequisites?

The American Red Cross requires participants to successfully complete the following prerequisites, in order to receive certification. Refunds will not be issued to participants who do not successfully complete any and all of the course prerequisites and course completion requirements, according to the American Red Cross Standards. Please make sure you are capable of completing the following course prerequisites and course completion requirements before you attend class. Thank You!

  1. Participants must be at least 15 years old on the last class date 
  2. Participants must complete the American Red Cross 8 Hour Lifeguard Online Course prior to the first class date
  3. Participants must swim 300 yards continuously, without stopping – using the front crawl or breaststroke only
  4. Participants must tread water for 2 minutes, using legs only – participants may not use their arms and their face must remain above the water at all times 
  5. Timed Drill (1 minute, 40 sec): Participants must swim 20 yards, dive down and retrieve a 10 pound weight from 7 feet deep, then swim back another 20 yards with the 10 pound weight in their hands using their legs only, Participants must keep two hands on the weight and their face above water at all times. Once the participants reaches the pool wall they must place the weight on the pool deck and climb out of the pool with no assistance. According to American Red Cross requirements, participants may not wear goggles for this drill.
  6. The American Red Cross also requires the following for successful course completion: participants must attend all scheduled dates and times, demonstrate proficient skills and pass a writing exam with a score of at least 80 percent.

 

The American Red Cross Requirements for Lifeguard Recertification – must hold current American Red Cross certifications, not expired more than 30 days on the last class date, in the following: Lifeguard, First Aid/CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer.

How long does the Online Course take to complete?

American Red Cross Lifeguard Online Course takes approximately 8 hours to complete and must be finished prior to the first class date.

Do Lifeguard Recerts. need to complete the Online Course?

No. Lifeguard Recerts. do not need to complete the American Red Cross online course, as long as the following certifications are current: American Red Cross Lifeguard, First Aid/CPR/AED for the professional rescuer.

I have current First Aid, CPR/AED certifications, do I need to attend this portion of the course?

Yes. Unfortunately, the American Red Cross requires you to attend all class dates/times and will not allow providers to separate the certifications.

When will I receive my Lifeguard certification?

Within 2 days of successfully completing the American Red Cross Lifeguard course, participants will receive an email from the American Red Cross containing a link to their digital certification. In order to print a copy of your digital certification please complete the following directions.

  1. Login to Red Cross Learning Center 
  2. Enter username and password
  3. Click My Certification – for assistance contact 1-800-RED-CROSS

lifeguard INSTRUCTOR

Lifeguard Instructor age requirement?

American Red Cross requires participants to be at least 17 years old on the last class date. For current class dates, locations and fees visit the Lifeguard Instructor page.

Lifeguard Instructor course length?

Streamline Health Services offers a 2 DAY Lifeguard Instructor courses. Lifeguard Instructor is a blended learning format course, with both online and classroom components. The American Red Cross requires all Lifeguard Instructor candidates to complete the American Red Cross 2 Hour LGI Online Course prior to the first class date.

Certifications included in the Lifeguard Instructor course?

American Red Cross Lifeguard and Waterfront Lifeguard Instructor, First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor, valid for 2 years.

Lifeguard Instructor course prerequisites?

The American Red Cross requires participants to successfully complete the following prerequisites, in order to receive certification. Refunds will not be issued to participants who do not successfully complete any and all of the course prerequisites and course completion requirements, according to the American Red Cross Standards. Please make sure you are capable of completing the following course prerequisites and course completion requirements before you attend class. Thank You!

  1. Participants must be at least 17 years old on the last class date
  2. Participants must hold the following current American Red Cross certifications: Lifeguard, First Aid/CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
  3. Participants must complete the American Red Cross 2 Hour LGI Online Course prior to the first class date
  4. Successfully complete 2 prerequisite skill scenarios, according to Red Cross standards
  5. The American Red Cross also requires the following for successful course completion: participants must attend all scheduled dates and times, demonstrate proficient skills and pass a writing exam with a score of at least 80 percent.

How long does the Online Course take to complete?

American Red Cross LGI Online Course takes approximately 2 hours to complete and must be finished prior to the first class date.

When will I receive my Lifeguard Instructor certification?

Within 2 days of successfully completing the American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor course, participants will receive an email from the American Red Cross containing a link to their digital certification.

How do I print my Lifeguard Instructor certification?

In order to print a copy of your digital certification please complete the following directions.

  1. Login to Red Cross Learning Center 
  2. Enter username and password
  3. Click My Certification – for assistance contact 1-800-RED-CROSS

WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR

Water Safety Instructor age requirement?

American Red Cross requires participants to be at least 16 years old on the last class date. For current class dates, locations and fees visit the Water Safety Instructor page.

Water Safety Instructor course length?

Streamline Health Services offers a 2 DAY Water Safety Instructor courses. Water Safety Instructor is a blended learning format course, with both online and classroom components. The American Red Cross requires all Water Safety Instructor candidates to complete the American Red Cross WSI Online Course prior to the first class date.

Water Safety Instructor course prerequisites?

The American Red Cross requires participants to successfully complete the following prerequisites, in order to receive certification. Refunds will not be issued to participants who do not successfully complete any and all of the course prerequisites and course completion requirements, according to the American Red Cross Standards. Please make sure you are capable of completing the following course prerequisites and course completion requirements before you attend class. Thank You!

  1. Participants must be at least 16 years old on the last class date
  2. Participants must complete the American Red Cross 8 Hour WSI Online Course prior to the first class date
  3. Participants must be able to swim proficient in 6 strokes – swim 25 yards front crawl (freestyle), back crawl (backstroke), breaststroke, butterfly, elementary backstroke, sidestroke. There is no time limit
  4. Participants must tread water for 1 minute, using legs only – participants may not use their arms and their face must remain above the water at all times
  5. Participants must float on their back for 1 minute in deep water
  6. The American Red Cross also requires the following for successful course completion: participants must attend all scheduled dates and times, demonstrate proficient skills and pass a writing exam with a score of at least 80 percent.

How long does the Online Course take to complete?

American Red Cross WSI Online Course takes approximately 8 hours to complete and must be finished prior to the first class date.

When will I receive my Water Safety Instructor certification?

Within 2 days of successfully completing the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor course, participants will receive an email from the American Red Cross containing a link to their digital certification.

How do I print my Water Safety Instructor certification?

In order to print a copy of your digital certification please complete the following directions.

  1. Login to Red Cross Learning Center 
  2. Enter username and password
  3. Click My Certification – for assistance contact 1-800-RED-CROSS