American Red Cross Lifeguard and Recertification Class Prerequisites
You must pass the following two prerequisites before you can take this class. You will receive only a partial refund of your registration fee if you sign up and then cannot complete these skills. DO NOT REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS IF YOU CAN NOT MEET BOTH OF THESE PREREQUISITES.
Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence
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.
Please note: This is often a difficult prerequisite for students to pass. Please contact your instructor if you have any questions about this.You will not pass this test if you are unable to maintain continuous forward progress while swimming (no treading or dog paddle to rest).
You will not pass this test if you rest at the wall while turning.
You will not pass this test if you use anything other than the front crawl or breast stroke.
You will not pass this test if you use your hands or arms while treading water.
Timed Event
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 to 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 at or near the surface.
Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Note: During this class, students will be required to show competence in a series of in-water skills that include finding and retrieving a submerged victim. If you aren't comfortable opening your eyes under water or holding your breath while submerged, you will have difficulty passing these in-water skills.