American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification
Want a rewarding and fun summer job? Get certified as a professional American Red Cross lifeguard!
Ages: 15 years and older
Fee: $225, includes book and materials
Registration begins February 1, 2025
Participants must be able to pass all American Red Cross assessments with an 80% or better to receive certification. The certification is valid for two years.
Prerequisites:
Complete a swim, tread, swim sequence without stopping to rest:
- Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150-yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed.)
- Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs
- Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both
- Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed).
- Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 – 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps
Course Location:
H. Spurgeon Cherry Pool: 1001 NW 31st Dr.; 352-334-2187
American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification = Price $225, includes books and materials
Register Online
Session # 1
Monday March 17, 4-8pm – Pre-requisite swim test
Wednesday March 19, 4-8pm
Friday March 21, 4-8pm
Saturday March 22, 8am-6 pm
Sunday March 23, 8am-6 pm
Session #2
Monday March 31, 4-8pm – Pre-requisite swim test
Wednesday April 2, 4-8pm
Friday April 4, 4-8pm
Saturday April 5, 8am-6pm
Sunday April 6, 8am-6pm
Session #3
Monday April 14, 4-8pm – Pre-requisite swim test
Wednesday April 16, 4-8pm
Friday April 18, 4-8pm
Saturday April 19, 8am-6pm
Sunday April 20, 8am-6pm
Session #4
Monday April 28, 4-8pm – Pre-requisite swim test
Wednesday April 30, 4-8pm
Friday May 2, 4-8pm
Saturday May 3, 8am-6pm
Sunday May 4, 8am-6pm
Session #5
Monday May 12, 4-8pm – Pre-requisite swim test
Wednesday May 14, 4-8pm
Friday May 16, 4-8pm
Saturday May 17, 8am-6pm
Sunday May 18, 8am-6pm
Session #6
Wednesday May 28, 4-8pm – Pre-requisite swim test
Thursday May 29, 4-8pm
Friday May 30, 4-8pm
Saturday May 31, 8am-6pm
Sunday June 1, 8am-6pm
For more information, please email Scott Chase at chasesa@gainesvillefl.gov.
Interested in employment opportunities with the city? We have lifeguard positions available $15/hour. Must be 16 years of age to work at city pools.
Apply online!