The primary purpose of this course is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic, breathing, and cardiac emergencies until emergency medical services (EMS) professionals take over.

We offer a Blended Learning course that combines approximately 6 hours of online simulations with 21 hours and 30 minutes of in-person skill practice.

Successful completion results in a 2-year certification in Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid.

Mandatory Prerequisites

Evaluation occurs on the first day. Entry is strictly limited to those who pass these tests.

1. Age: Must be at least 15 years old by the final session. Bring proof of age (driver’s license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate).
2. Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence: Jump in, submerge, and swim 150 yards; tread water for 2 minutes using only legs; swim 50 more yards. Goggles are allowed.
3. Timed Event (1:40): Swim 20 yards (no goggles), surface dive 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10lb object, return 20 yards on your back holding the object with both hands (face at surface), and exit the water without a ladder.

Requirements for Completion

• Complete all 16 online modules before corresponding in-person sessions.
• Attend and participate in every class session.
• Demonstrate proficiency in all required skills without assistance.
• Pass the Final Written Exam with a score of at least 80%.
• Pass three Final Skill Assessments.

What to Bring

• Proof of Online Completion: Printed certificate or digital record.
• Lifeguarding Manual (print or digital on tablet/laptop; phones are not permitted).
• Secure swimsuit, towel, whistle, hip pack, and resuscitation masks (masks can be provided).
• Comfortable clothes for land skills and extra dry layers.

Important Health Information

Sessions involve strenuous physical activity. If you have a medical condition or disability requiring accommodation, contact Linzie Tate (linzie.tate@wku.edu) before the first session.

Registration Fee: $225

Location: Raymond B. Preston Health and Activities Center

Certification Overview

Successful completion results in a 2-year American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certification. Certification maintenance requirements are reviewed during the course.

Prerequisites

Instructor candidates must:

• Be at least 17 years old by the final scheduled course session
• Hold a current American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification (including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid
• Obtain all required instructor and participant course materials prior to the course
• Successfully complete the online session prior to the precourse session
• Successfully complete the prerequisite skill assessment scenario

Failure to meet any prerequisite will prohibit continuation in the course. Candidates may enroll again once all prerequisites are met.

Course Format & Length

This course is offered in a blended learning format:

• Online coursework completed prior to in-person sessions
• In-person training: Approximately 19–21 hours

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Course Availability

There are no Lifeguard Instructor courses scheduled at this time.

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Course Cost

• WKU Preston Center Members: $300
• Non-Members / Community: $325