Lifeguard Training Information
Become a Certified Lifeguard
Lifeguard Training in Monterey
and surrounding cities
The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide professional level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over.

Get Ready to Dive In
Prerequisites
Must be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of this course.
Swim 150 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. You then go straight into treading water for 2 minutes using only the legs and finally finish with another 50 yard swim as above.
Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds.
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Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
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Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
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Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to breath. Candidates should not swim the distance under water. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
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Certification Requirements
Attend and participate in all class sessions.
Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities.
Demonstrate competency in all required final rescue skill scenarios.
Pass Lifeguarding Skills final written exam (50 multiple choice questions) with a minimum grade of 80 %.
American Red Cross Certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED is valid for 2 years.
Length of Class and Cancellation Policy
There is a $100 cancellation fee. If you do not cancel before the beginning of the first session on Saturday there is no refund but you may reschedule to attend a future class for $50. If you fail the class there is no refund.
Participant Products/Materials
American Red Cross Lifeguarding Manual (available in e-book or print formats).
