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, 2024
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
Thursday, March 7, 4-8 p.m. – Prerequisite swim test
Friday, March 8, 4-8 p.m.
Saturday, March 9, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, March 10, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Session #2
Thursday, March 21, 4-8 p.m. – Prerequisite swim test
Friday, March 22, 4-8 p.m.
Saturday, March 23, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, March 24, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Session #3
Thursday, April 4, 4-8 p.m. – Prerequisite swim test
Friday, April 5, 4-8pm
Saturday, April 6, 8am-5pm
Sunday, April 7, 8am-5pm
Session #4
Thursday, April 18, 4-8pm – Pre-requisite swim test
Friday, April 19, 4-8 p.m.
Saturday, April 20, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, April 21, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Session #5
Thursday, May 2, 4-8 p.m. – Prerequisite swim test
Friday, May 3, 4-8 p.m.
Saturday, May 4, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, May 5, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Session #6
Thursday, May 16, 4-8 p.m. – Prerequisite swim test
Friday, May 17, 4-8 p.m.
Saturday, May 18, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, May 19, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
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!