Want to get a lifeguard certification?
You don't legally need a certificate to watch a private pool party, but training is how you learn to spot trouble and make a rescue. Pools and water parks require it, and many private clients ask to see it. Certification usually lasts one or two years, so you'll renew.
Once you're certified, add it to your free LifeguardFinder profile. Create your profile
Which certification do you need?
These are the Red Cross names; other programs have equivalents.
Lifeguarding
The standard course for pools, including deep water, with CPR/AED and first aid. Most jobs ask for this.
Shallow Water Lifeguarding
Entry level, for pools no deeper than 5 feet (some pools list 6 or 7 ft variants).
Waterfront Skills
An add-on for lakes, camps and other open water without surf.
Waterpark Skills
An add-on for water parks.
Lifeguard Recertification (review)
A shorter course to renew before your certificate expires; renews for another two years.
Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
To teach swim lessons; you must be 16. A good second income alongside guarding.
Where to get certified
American Red Cross
The most widely recognized course. You must be 15 by the last day of class and pass a swim test. Classes are in person or in-person plus online (blended), and the certification lasts 2 years.
Their online-only version gives a certificate of completion that “may not meet workplace requirements”, so pick a class with an in-person skills session. They also offer add-ons for lakes and water parks (Waterfront Skills, Waterpark Skills).
Find a class near youYMCA
Many Ys teach lifeguarding, and some train you for free or cheaply if you'll guard for them.
Find your local YEllis & Associates (ILTP)
Used by many water parks and resorts, and usually taught after you're hired there. The certificate lasts 1 year.
Ellis & Associates lifeguard certificationOcean and beach
Beach lifeguards are trained by the city or county agency that hires them, usually after a tryout. Look up your local beach lifeguard service.
Get paid to get certified: many city pools, parks departments and YMCAs cover the course if you work a season for them. Ask before you pay.
Where to take a class
- Red Cross “find a class”, searched by ZIP code
- Your local YMCA
- Your city’s parks and recreation aquatics department
- Community colleges and universities with pools
- Swim schools
- Water parks and resorts (often train new hires)
- For beaches, your city or county lifeguard service
The Red Cross swim test
What to practice, according to the Red Cross:
- Swim 300 yards without stopping (front crawl or breaststroke; goggles allowed).
- Tread water for 2 minutes using only your legs.
- A timed event in 1 minute 40 seconds: swim 20 yards, surface dive 7–10 feet to pick up a 10-pound object, return 20 yards on your back holding it with both hands, and climb out without a ladder or steps.
Other programs' tests are similar; check with yours.
Practice for it
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- Swim goggles (Amazon Basics) or Speedo goggles
Goggles are allowed in the 300-yard swim.
- 10-lb rubber diving brick (Kemp USA)
Practice the brick dive at your pool, with someone watching.
Then
Got your certification? Here's the gear you'll need and how to work your first pool party.
Ready for work? See who's hiring lifeguards near you