American Red Cross Courses
American Red Cross Classes
The Shames JCC offers American Red Cross classes throughout the year. Classes include Lifeguard Certification (and renewal) and Water Safety Instruction (WSI). See below for details and current schedule.
AMERICAN RED CROSS REVIEW COURSES (recertification course)
Lifeguards: keep your certification up-to-date by taking this one-day program. This program offers a choice of Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED courses to meet the various training needs of a diverse audience.
MayLifeguard Certification Classes
Become a certified lifeguard* by taking our American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification course. This job is perfect for high school students, college students, part-time workers who enjoy the flexibility and a work/life balance, and even retirees! If you love to swim, community, and want to work in a welcoming and exciting atmosphere, this is the perfect opportunity!
Class Overview The primary 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. This program offers a choice of Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED courses to meet the various training needs of a diverse audience.
Members: $450; Nonmembers: $475
Water Safety Instructor Course (WSI)
For Ages 16+
The WSI course trains instructor candidates to teach courses and presentations in the American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program including Parent & Child Aquatics, Preschool Aquatics, Learn-to-Swim, Adult Swim, Private Lessons, Water Safety Courses (such as Basic Water Rescue, Safety Training for Swim Coaches, Personal Safety).
*Lifeguard Certification Prerequisites:
- Complete all Blended Learning before day one.
- Candidates must:
- Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course.
- Swim 300 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.
- Tread water for 2 minutes, using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
- Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Swim goggles are not allowed.
- Surface dive, feet-first or headfirst, to a depth of 7 to 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 with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- To successfully complete the Lifeguarding course, candidates must:
- Attend the entire course and participate in all class sessions.
- Actively participate in all course activities, including assuming various roles during scenarios.
- Demonstrate competency in all required skills.
- Pass the final skills scenarios.
- Successfully pass final written exams with a minimum grade of 80%. If a participant fails to reach the minimum 80% on the final written exam, a retest is allowed using the other version of the exam, provided that the participant has passed the practical assessment.
