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Lifeguard Courses

All classes will be held in Burdick Hall Classrooms and Burdick Hall Pool.

Course Description

The American Red Cross lifeguarding course will train participants in all the skills and techniques necessary to become a professional lifeguard. This training course is intended for those who seek a certification for the first time or for those renewing their certification. There will be videos, demonstrations, as well as hands on experience. The class covers equipment based rescues, spinal injury management and post rescue care. Participants will also learn how to be a professional lifeguard and how to interact with the public.

Participants must be able to pass the pre-requisite. The pre-requisite test includes a continuous 300 yard swim; participants must be proficient in front crawl (using rhythmic breathing and a stabilizing, propellant kick) and breaststroke (using a pull, breathe, kick and glide sequence). The 300 yard swim is not timed. The participants also will need to be able to tread water for 2 minutes without support and without stopping, using only their legs. Lastly, they will retrieve a 10 lb. brick from the bottom of the pool (12 feet) and swim 20 yards with the brick, without the use of goggles. This must be done within 1 minute and 40 seconds. Instructors will contact participants to complete the mandatory pre-requisite prior to class start. If participant is unable to complete pre-requisite, a partial amount minus $25 will be refunded. Pre-requisite must be passed for entry into the lifeguarding certification course.

Upon successful completion of the course participants will receive an American Red Cross lifeguard/first aid and CPR/AED for the professional rescuer certification which is valid for two years. PDF copies of certifications will be emailed to participants within one month of course completion.

Event Fee
$200 (Towson students/faculty/staff/alumni members)
Optional participant manual: $35
Only individuals with OneCard access to Burdick Hall will be eligible for enrollment in the course. If course has openings a registration link will become available for community members to register for $225 two weeks prior to course start date.

Fees are non-refundable if participant does not demonstrate skill competency, fails written test or cannot attend entire course. If instructor cancels class due to low registration numbers or unforeseen circumstances, full refunds will be given to registered participants.

Materials

If you would like your own copy of the American Red Cross Participant Manual, you may purchase one to be available the first day of class. The manual has been designed to simplify learning and understanding of the material. The manual reinforces key points from the lecture portions of the course and contains skill sets. The manual will be yours to keep and serve as a reference after the course. Please click here to download and print the Lifeguarding Participant Manual if you are opting not to purchase the manual.

Note: Participants must be on time and ready to partake in every session (10 to 15 minutes early is recommended); if participant is late this will result in failure of the course. It is imperative that the participant is on time; you will not be permitted entry into the class late and will not be eligible to receive a refund.

For more information, please contact Katie Jones, Assistant Director of Aquatics.