Lifeguarding Instructor 7/15/2025 YMCA Piscataway NJ

Purpose

The purpose of the instructor course is to train instructor candidates to teach the Red Cross Lifeguarding, Shallow Water Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers, Administering Emergency Oxygen and Bloodborne Pathogens Training: Preventing Disease Transmission courses and/or modules. Instructor candidates will also become familiar with Junior Lifeguarding, Lifeguard Management, Safety Training for Swim Coaches and Basic Water Rescue.

This course requires a min of 6 registered Instructor candidates.

This class is 3 days  9am to 4pm

Prerequisites

• ■ Be at least 17 years old on or before the last day of the instructor course.
• ■ Possess one of the following:
  • A current American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED. 
  • An equivalent certificate from another organization.  (Please check with us first to ensure acceptance!)
• ■ Obtain the Lifeguarding Instructor’s Manual and Lifeguarding Manual (you may use printed manuals, or access them on your tablet / laptop, NOT your phone).  These MUST be available to you in class.

Learning Objectives

• ■ Exhibit the characteristics required of a Red Cross representative and role model.
• ■ Conduct courses in a manner that helps participants stay engaged in the learning process.
• ■ Inform instructor candidates how to plan and organize the Lifeguarding courses and modules.
• ■ Effectively use program materials and training equipment.
• ■ Perform applicable in-water rescue, first aid, CPR and AED skills.
• ■ Ensure participants’ health and safety during training.
• ■ Identify required information for the Course Record and Course Record Addendum to maintain complete and accurate records.
• ■ Explain procedures for issuing course completion certificates.
• Deliver quality, consistent and standardized content by following the Lifeguarding Instructor’s Manual.
• ■ Monitor participants’ practice and provide positive, corrective feedback and encouragement consistent with the skill charts and skill assessment tools.
• ■ Recognize the requirements in the skill assessment tools as criteria for ascertaining the competency of a participant’s performance.
• ■ Plan, coordinate and manage training with the Red Cross, including advising the Red Cross in advance of any classes that they are scheduled to teach.

Length

• ■ The Online Session for the instructor course takes approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes.
• You will receive a link to the online course about 1 week prior to the first class.  
• ■ The classroom sessions are designed to be taught in approximately 18 hours, 45 minutes (including the Precourse Session).  

Certification Requirements To become certified as a Lifeguarding instructor, instructor candidates must:

• ■ Successfully complete the Online Session.
• ■ Successfully complete the Precourse Session.
• ■ Attend and actively participate in all course sessions.
• ■ Successfully complete class activities, including the four practice-teaching assignments.
• ■ Score a minimum of 80 percent on the instructor course final written exam.

Certificate Issued and Validity Period

American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED instructor: 2 years

Participant Products/Materials (available in e-book and print formats)

• ■ American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor’s Manual
• ■ American Red Cross Lifeguarding Manual
  • Manuals and other material can be located:  www.redcross.org/participantmaterials 

Special Notes:

Please bring at least 2 bathing suits and multiple towels to class each day.  Appropriate swim suits include board shorts, 1 piece swim suits, board shorts / rashguard combo. NO bikinis!  

Goggles are allowed for some portions of the class, please bring your own.

Please pack food &  snacks as appropriate for each day - we want to minimize down time and maximize learning!

This is a challenging class with high standards.  Please understand that not all participants may pass.  We suggest practicing both your Lifeguard skills as well as your public speaking before the class to ensure best possible performance.

Refunds are available until 1 week before class, less a $50 processing fee.