Aquatic Certifications
The American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor™ (WSI) course provides the training needed to teach courses in the ARC Swimming and Water Safety Program. After successful completion, you will be able to teach a variety of swimming and water safety classes. This is a blended learning class, and online learning must be completed between each class session, in addition to assigned homework. Bring a suit, towel, and WSI books (received in class) to every class.
Online learning and homework are required for successful completion of the course. Students will receive more information via email approximately 1 week before first class meeting.
Participants must pass the prerequisite swimming skills test on the first day of class:
- Swim 25 yards each of crawl stroke, backstroke, breaststroke, elementary backstroke, and sidestroke (At an ARC Level 4 minimum standard)
- Swim 15 yards of butterfly (At an ARC Level 4 minimum standard)
- Tread water for 1 minute
- Float or scull on back in deep water for 1 minute.
Failure to meet any of the prerequisites prohibits an instructor candidate from continuing in the instructor course.
Age: Students must be 15 years old by the last day of class
Fee: $300 Resident/$350 Non-Resident
Location: Encinal Swim Center
Upcoming Classes: TBA
This course trains instructor candidates to teach the basic-level American Red Cross Lifeguarding courses. Students must have a current American Red Cross Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water)/First Aid/CPR/AED certificate, successfully pass the prerequisite skills on the first day, and successfully complete the Online Introduction to the Lifeguarding Instructor Course in the American Red Cross Learning Center before the first day of class (details will be given after registering). Attendance is required at all classes, in addition to assigned homework.
Failure to meet any of the prerequisites prohibits an instructor candidate from continuing in the instructor course.
Students will receive more information via email approximately 1 week before first class meeting.
Age: Students must be 17 years old by the last day of class
Fee: $250 Resident/$300 Non-Resident
Location: Encinal Swim Center
Upcoming Classes: TBA
American Red Cross Lifeguard (LG) Training
Learn how to save a life and become an American Red Cross certified lifeguard! After successful completion, the American Red Cross will issue certificates in Lifeguarding (Including deep water) with CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid. Bring swimsuit, towel, resuscitation mask (receive in class), and lunch each day. Required prerequisites must be successfully completed at first class. This class consists of approximately 6 hours of online learning, which must be completed before the first class meeting. Students should be prepared to be in and out of the water multiple times each day. Please bring athletic swimwear which will stay in place during water activities, towel(s), sunscreen, sack lunch, water, hat, swim cap and anything else you may need during class. See registration receipt for link to required online learning and instructions for how to access Lifeguarding Manual eBook. Students will receive more information via email approximately 1 week before first class meeting.
Age: Students must be 15 years old by the last day of class
Fee: $250 Resident/$300 Non-Resident
Location: Encinal Swim Center
Lifeguard Training Recertification 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 (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),
Submerge 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.
Certification Requirements for Lifeguard Training Courses:
To receive an American Red Cross certification, participants must:
- Pass all course prerequisites,
- Complete the required online learning in advance of the in-person sessions (online learning is not required for recertification courses)
- Attend all class sessions in their entirety and participate in all class sessions,
- Actively participate in all course activities, including assuming various roles during skill practices, skill drills, activities and scenarios,
- Demonstrate proficiency in all skills,
- Pass the final written exam with a minimum grade of 80%, and
- Pass the three (3) final skill assessments.
Failure to meet the course prerequisites, complete any required online learning, attend all classes in their entirety, participate in course activities, demonstrate proficiency in all skills, failure of the written exam or failure of any of the final skill assessments will result in forfeiture of class fees and certification will not be granted.
*Physical Contact*: The City of Alameda is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all. Students should be aware that they will come into physical contact with each other during class activities. Every effort must be made to avoid physical contact that may be perceived as offensive and/or unwelcome. If you have any questions, please speak to a course instructor.
Upcoming Classes: TBA