Lifeguard Certification Class

Learn the skills and knowledge required to become an American Red Cross lifeguard, including how to recognize, prevent and respond quickly to aquatic emergencies.

Learn CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, and First Aid. This course incorporates in-person, in-water, and online components.

Prerequisites include:

• Participant must be 15 years of age or older
• Pass a swimming pretest and complete online work prior to the first class
• The skills pretested include swimming 300 yards of front and breaststroke; swimming 20 yards to retrieve a 10-pound weight in 9 feet of water and then 20 yards back to the starting point; and treading water for two minutes.

Participants will receive certification after attending all class sessions and passing all written exams and water skills. Lifeguard, First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer certifications are valid for 2 years.

This course is offered at no cost for individuals who choose to work as a lifeguard or swim instructor at Bernard Weinger JCC or Bernard Horwich JCC after being certified.

If you are already a certified lifeguard, you can apply to be hired as a lifeguard or swim instructor here:
Lifeguards (PT) | Northbrook
Swim Instructors (PT) | Northbrook
Lifeguards (PT) | West Rogers Park
Swim Instructors (PT) | West Rogers Park