The American Red Cross provides lifeguard certification training at aquatic facilities nationwide. They provide an array of classes including Lifeguarding, Lifeguard management, Guard start, Bloodborne pathogens and administering supplemental oxygen. Each of these courses, with the exception of lifeguarding; has certain prerequisites that must be met before taking the course.
Lifeguarding
The Red Cross Lifeguard training course provides the necessary tools for passing the lifeguard certification exams which consist of both a written and practical exam. This course is approximately 30-37 hours and provides participants who pass with 3 years of lifeguard certification and 2 years of CPR certification. The only prerequisite for this course is that those attending are at least 15 years of age, for those ages 11-14, see “Guard Start.” The lifeguard certification course through the Red Cross provides different classes for different venues which offer lifeguards, such as pools, beaches and waterparks. Aspiring lifeguards will learn rescue procedures, CPR and basic first aid in all classes.
Lifeguard Management
The Red Cross Lifeguard training program also offers a lifeguard management course to those who wish to advance their career into water facility management. In this 7 hour class, the manager will learn how to hire, as well as when to fire lifeguards; as well as learn how to do team building exercises and how to be well prepared for emergencies. In addition, they will also learn how to help the other lifeguards to keep the facility a safe and enjoyable place.
Guard Start
Guard start is another class offered through the Red Cross lifeguard training program. In this class, youngsters ages 11-14 will learn what it is like to be a lifeguard; everything from rescue procedures to leadership skills are covered as well as physical fitness. This is a great course for those who wish to become a lifeguard, even though they are still too young. The times, locations and lengths of this course vary depending on which facility it is taken at.
Bloodborne Pathogens Training
This course is offered on top of the basic lifeguard certification courses; meant as an add-on to those who are at risk for blood borne disease transmission such as Hepatitis or AIDS. In this course, the attendees will learn how to successfully prevent the spread of disease by using the necessary precautions when dealing with exposed blood or other exposed bodily fluids. Anytime there is an injury which exposes blood, the lifeguard needs to be aware of how to protect themselves from various diseases since people do not inform the lifeguard of any contagious diseases they may have. This Red Cross Lifeguard training course will teach the lifeguard how to handle all types of diseases as well as how to prevent them.
Administering Emergency Oxygen
Whenever there is an incident that involves drowning, the lifeguard needs to be aware that the victim is generally deprived of some oxygen. When the lifeguard is able to administer emergency oxygen right away, instead of needing to wait for paramedics to arrive, that victim is more likely to not only survive, but to have a full recovery as well. In order to take this 2 1/2 hour course, the lifeguard must already have current CPR training.
