Certifications

This class will teach you the skills and knowledge necessary to prevent aquatic emergencies, increase your critical thinking and decision making skills. At the completion of the course, participants will receive American Red Cross Lifeguard/CPR/AED/First Aid/Oxygen certifications, valid for two years.

This course will be offered in a blended learning format and will require online pre-course work that must be completed, prior to the first day of class. Participants can expect to spend 8 hours on the pre-course work. Participants will receive links for pre-course work, one week before the class begins.

American Red Cross Lifeguard Re-Certification class is only open to those with current American Red Cross Lifeguard, First Aid, CPR/AED certifications. This class will re-certify participants in American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR, AED, First Aid, and Oxygen for two years.

Do you enjoy swimming and want to learn how to teach others how to swim and about water safety? 

This class will develop your understanding of swimming and teaching techniques and principles, help you conduct a swim lesson, and teach you how to monitor participants' practice and give positive, corrective feedback. This class is offered in the blended learning format and will require additional, outside of course time, online work that must be completed each night. 

Prerequisites:

• Successfully complete the online session for the instructor before training 
• Bring your completion certificate to the instructor
• Successfully complete the American Red Cross prerequisites for a Water Safety Instructor at a level 4 competency or higher: 
  • 25 Yard Freestyle Swim 
  • 25 Yard Backstroke Swim 
  • 25 Yard Breaststroke Swim 
  • 25 Yard Elementary Backstroke Swim 
  • 15 Yard Butterfly Swim 
  • Float on back for 1 minute 
  • Tread water for 1 minute 
• Have a desire to teach
• Demonstrate a positive attitude
• Complete blended learning portions of the course by assigned deadlines

To successfully complete the course and receive American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification you must complete the above prerequisites, attend the entire course, participate in class, complete lesson plans, complete 4 practice teaches, and successfully complete the written test.

Dates: TBA

Location: Cary Street Gym Aquatic Center

Do you enjoy lifeguarding and want to learn how to teach others to become lifeguards? 

Learn how to teach lifeguard training classes, including CPR/AED/First Aid instruction. 

This class will develop your understanding of lifeguarding techniques and principles, help you conduct an engaging course, and teach you how to monitor participants' practice and give positive, corrective feedback.

Prerequisites:

• Successfully complete the online session for the instructor before training 
• Bring your completion certificate to instructor trainer on
• Successfully complete the American Red Cross prerequisites for Lifeguard Training on
• Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing
• Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs
• Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds
• Successfully complete rescue skill scenarios based on lifeguarding, first aid and CPR & AED on
• Desire to teach
• Positive attitude
• Purchase American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor's Manual and Lifeguard Training Participant's manual before training on

To successfully complete the course and receive American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certification you must complete the above prerequisites, attend the entire course, participate in class, complete lesson plans, complete 4 practice teaches, and successfully complete the written test.

All applicants must apply on VCU Handshake prior to tryouts and be an American Red Cross certified Lifeguard. 

For more information, contact Jenna Dillon at (804) 827-9999 or dillonj3@vcu.edu.