Alamo Heights Natatorium 

  American Red Cross Basic Lifeguard Training Courses

Offered by Charles Collins - Natatorium Supervisor

If you’re ready to take the first step toward becoming an American Red Cross certified lifeguard, join us for our next ifeguard Training session. In this course, entry-level lifeguard candidates will gain the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies, as well as to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over.

Course Details & Requirements

This course is presented in a Blended Learning format. Lifeguard candidates must complete all online course materials before the first day of the in-water class session. Candidates must attend all days of class. Participants are required to bring a swimsuit and notebook and the required e-textbook or you may purchase a hardcopy textbook from Red Cross to use. Instructions on how to access online material will be sent out to candidates the weeks before in-water training.

All lifeguard candidates must be at least 15 years old by the last day of the course, and they must pass the prerequisite swim test in order to participate. The prerequisite swim test will be completed on the first day of class. A full refund will be offered to students unable to pass the test. Refunds will not be offered to students unable to pass the course.

Prerequisite Skills Assessment:

1. Swim 150 yards, continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used. Tread water for two minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under their armpits or out of the water. Immediately after 2 minutes of treading water, candidates must swim and additional 50 yards using front crawl, breaststroke or combination of both.

2. Complete a timed event within 1 minute and 40 seconds.

Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Swim goggles are not allowed. Surface dive, feet-first or headfirst, to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a ten-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object, keeping the face at or near the surface to breathe (or to get a breath). Time concludes when the candidate exits the water. 

2024 American Red Cross Lifeguard Course Schedule

All training takes place at Alamo Heights Natatorium. Dates and times may change pending pool events.

Cost for the Lifeguard Training Full Course: $250

This includes: First Aid practice kit, Lifeguard Manual, Lifeguard Certification Card (upon passing grade), and CPR/AED Trainer

Registration is limited! Click here to register (Opens April 29th)