Defender Aquatics

AMERICAN RED CROSS WATERFRONT SKILLS MODULE (LIFEGUARDING) COURSE (WF Skills)

Online Component Required?

No. Not applicable.

Purpose/Overview:

The purpose of the Waterfront Skills module is to teach lifeguards the skills and knowledge needed to prevent and respond to emergencies in nonsurf, open-water areas found at public parks, resorts, summer camps and campgrounds. The instructor-led classroom session takes approximately 6 hours to complete.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Age Requirement: Must be a minimum of 15 years old (by last day of course)

Pre-course Session Swimming Assessment/Skills Evaluation: (Must pass pre-course assessment to continue in the course.)

1. Distance Swim: Swim 550 yards, continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both, but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
2. Swim-Tread-Swim: Swim 500 yards (front crawl/breaststroke), tread water for 2 minutes (legs only), then swim 50 yards (front crawl/breaststroke).
3. Dive Brick Retrieval: Swim 20 yards, dive 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-lb brick, and swim it back to the starting side within 1 minute, 40 seconds.
4. Dive Ring Retrieval: Swim 5 yards, submerge and retrieve three dive rings placed 5 yards apart in 4 to 7 feet of water, resurface and continue to swim another 5 yards to complete the skill sequence.
   

Requirements for Certification:

• Actively participate in all course activities, including assuming various roles during scenarios.

• Demonstrate competency in all required skills and scenarios.

• Successfully pass the final written exam with a minimum grade of 80%.

Certification Earned and Validity Period:

• Successful candidates will receive an American Red Cross certificate in Waterfront Skills, which is valid for 2 years ONLY VALID when accompanied by a current American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certificate.