We offer American Red Cross Lifeguard and Swim Instructor Training Courses with support from the American Red Cross Centennial Program.
Lifeguard Training
Learn how to save lives and prevent injuries around water with Red Cross Lifeguard Training. This course is designed to arm you with the skills and knowledge to prepare you for a variety of scenarios in and around the water. Our detailed training includes both testing of hands-on skills as well as comprehension on written tests. The certification, which includes First Aid, CPR and AED training, is valid for two years upon completion and is accepted nationwide.
Course Prerequisites: To participate in the Lifeguarding course, participants must:
▪ Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the Lifeguarding course.
▪ Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations:
Prerequisite 1: 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. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. 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
Prerequisite 2: 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.
If you are interested in becoming a lifeguard, but are not able to attend listed classes (or we do not have any classes listed), complete our interest survey or email ykfc@cityofbethel.net.
Already a Lifeguard?
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available.
Swim Instructor Training
Earn your certification to teach American Red Cross swimming and water safety, and gain the skills needed to teach courses and make presentations to swimmers of every age and ability. You can help recreational swimmers meet their goals, refine their skills and stay safe in, on, and around water.
NEW! Age requirement for Instructor Training reduced to 15!
effective April 2024
For more information on WSI certification email stacey.reardon@hfit.com or ykfc@cityofbethel.net.
If you are interested in becoming a swimming instructor, but are not able to attend listed classes (or we do not have any classes listed), complete our interest survey or email ykfc@cityofbethel.net.
Do you know how CPR works?
