American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course

Course Overview

Our American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies in both shallow and deep water environments. This comprehensive training also prepares you to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until EMS professionals arrive.

Upon successful completion, participants will earn an American Red Cross Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid certification, valid for two years.

Eligibility Requirements

To enroll, you must:

Be at least 15 years old by the final class session.
Provide proof of age and identity at the first class (driver’s license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate with photo ID).
Successfully pass a prerequisite swimming skills evaluation on the first day.

Prerequisite Swim Test

Participants must complete both parts of the evaluation:

1. Continuous Swim & Tread

Jump in, submerge, resurface, and swim 150 yards continuously, keeping your face in the water and demonstrating controlled breathing.
Tread water for 2 minutes using only your legs.
Immediately swim an additional 50 yards using front crawl or breaststroke.
(No back or side strokes. Goggles are allowed only for this portion.)

2. Timed Brick Retrieval

Complete a timed event in 1 minute, 40 seconds:
1. Start in the water and swim 20 yards (no goggles).
2. Perform a surface dive (head- or feet-first) to 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
3. Swim 20 yards on your back, holding the object with both hands at the surface, keeping your face near the waterline.
4. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

What to Bring

For each session, please bring:

A secure swimsuit that allows full range of motion.
Towel and change of clothes (extra swimsuit recommended).
Comfortable clothing for classroom and CPR activities.
Optional: sweatshirt or warm layers for after water sessions.

Course Completion Requirements

To successfully earn certification, participants must:

Attend all class sessions and participate actively.
Demonstrate proficiency in all required skills.
Pass the final written exam with at least 80%.
Successfully complete three final in-water skill assessments.

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) - American Red Cross Lifeguard Class 3