Lifeguard Classes

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LG Class at SMAC 2021

What is an American Red Cross Certified Lifeguard

Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Aquatics Department teaches the duties and responsibilities of lifeguarding to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies and the procedures to carry them out in a professional manner. To be an American Red Cross Certified Lifeguard, you must be at least 15 years of age.  After completing the course, individual certifications will include American Red Cross Water Park Lifeguard, First-Aid, and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. All certifications received are valid for 2 years.

Course Pre-Requisites - Swim Test

The swim test is a series of events that candidates must pass in order to participate in a lifeguard class. The swim test will include three parts:

  • Swim 300 yards continuously using these strokes in the following order: 50 yards of front crawl (using rhythmic breathing); 50 yards of breaststroke; and 200 yards of either front crawl, breaststroke, or a mixture of both strokes. 
  • Swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke; surface dive to a depth of 7 feet, retrieve a 10-pound object, return to the surface and swim 20 yards back to the starting point with the object within the allotted time.  Swim goggles are not permitted.
  • Tread water for 2 minutes in deep water without the use of arms and hands for stability.

Course Description and Format

Blended Learning combines online learning with in-person skill sessions conducted by an American Red Cross Certified Instructor.  Participants will need to complete the eLearning units before attending the first in-person course. Participants will receive instructions to access the American Red Cross eLearning after meeting with our Aquatics Leadership. Important points on this Blended Learning format include: 

  • Online sessions are self-paced and can be completed 24/7 from any location with internet access. 
  • Online sessions teach the knowledge base needed for the in-person sessions, maximizing in-water time for master rescue skills. 
  • The online portion must be completed before the first day of the in-person skill session.
  • In-person skill sessions typically span 3 consecutive days and require nearly 100% attendance time to complete certification.
LG Rescue

Upcoming Lifeguard Certification Courses

Our Lifeguard Certification Courses are reserved for those interested in working for the JCPRD Aquatic Team.  All classes are held at SMSD Aquatic Center (17251 W. 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa KS 66219) unless otherwise noted below.  To attend a class, please complete the Aquatics Application.

DateTimeLocation
Thursday, October 26th4:00 pm - 6:00 pmZOOM
Friday, October 27th4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
SMSD Aquatic Center
Saturday, October 28th8:00 am - 6:00 pmSMSD Aquatic Center
Sunday, October 29th8:00 am - 6:00 pmSMSD Aquatic Center