Lifeguard Training and Staff AED Training

LIFEGUARD TRAINING

The Arlington Public Schools Lifeguarding program offers training in the nationally recognized American Red Cross Lifeguard Program. The course prepares individuals 15 years and older to become professional lifeguards by introducing them to concepts and skills necessary to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies in a swimming pool. Class participants must be 15 years or older before the last class date. The skills taught include water rescue, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and First Aid. Successful participants will receive American Red Cross certification in Lifeguard Training, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid. Because this is a skills-based training class, participants must attend all class sessions. There can be no exceptions.

To participate in Lifeguard Training, individuals must be able to:

• 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. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
  • Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound brick.
  • 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. Candidates should not swim the distance underwater. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Blended Learning Class:
Training sessions will follow the American Red Cross Blended Learning curriculum. Students will be able to complete a fair amount of the class work online by using a hot link, provided to them after they have successfully completed the Pre-Course session.

Please note: Courses must have a minimum of 8 participants to run. There’s a $50 non-refundable fee for registration.

Course Fee: $250

2023-24 Class Schedule

REGISTRATION:
You may register for Lifeguard Classes using the APS Aquatics Self-Service Portal.

SWIMMING INSTRUCTORS – HIRING NOW!

APS Aquatics is now hiring new and experienced swimming instructors. Free training is available and placement is immediate depending on qualifications. Please contact Helena Machado at 703-228-6264 or by email at helena.machado@apsva.us to schedule an interview.

These classes are offered only to APS Teachers and Staff.

If you are NOT an APS employee, please contact the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org to obtain First Aid, and CPR/AED course information.

LICENSE RENEWAL REQUIREMENT
The Code of Virginia specifies that the certification or training in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the use of automated external defibrillators shall include hands-on practice of the skills necessary to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.  Every person seeking license renewal must provide evidence of certification or training in Emergency first aid, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AED).

APS has prepared a two-part course to meet this licensure requirement. Individuals seeking this training to meet the licensure requirement must complete both Part I and Part II. 

Part I is an online learning module in Canvas. To self-enroll, please use this link to access the course work on CANVAS: First Aid, CPR/AED Part 1 It is a prerequisite for Part II. You must bring proof of completing the online portion on order to be admitted to the skills session. Allow approximately 4-5 hours to complete the online portion. You can pause and return as needed to complete the entire course.  Remember to print your certificate of completion.

Part II is the in-person skills session. Register for the hands-on sessions in Frontline. The course name is First Aid, CPR/AED In Person Skills Session. Please select the session date you plan to attend. Dress in comfortable clothing. You will be asked to kneel on the floor to demonstrate CPR compression and the use of an AED, unless you have a medical condition that prevents you from doing so.

2022-2023 Schedule – In-Person Skills Session Schedule can be viewed on FRONTLINE DISTRICT CATALOG