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 Professional Rescuers, and First Aid.

Because this is a skills-based training class, participants must attend all class sessions. There can be no exceptions.

Participants must attend and successfully complete a Pre-Course Session consisting of the following skills:

• Swim 150 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing, tread water with leg only for 2 minutes, and swim 50 more yards. 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.
• 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.

2024 – 2025 Lifeguarding Classes

Session 2 – October 3 -Pre-course (5:30-6:30 pm)

October 8,10,15,17,22,29 (5:00 – 8:30 pm) (Tue & Th)

Location: Wakefield Pool

Session 3 -December 27 –  Pre-Course (9:00-10:00 am)

December 30, 31, Jan 2, 3 (9:00 am – 3:00 pm)

Location: Washington-Liberty Pool

Session 4 – January 30 –  Pre-Course (6:00-7:00 pm)

February 3,5,10,12, 19,24 (5:00-8:30 pm) (Mon & Wed)

Location: Yorktown Pool

Session 5 –  February 27 – Pre-course (5:00-6:00 pm)

March 4, 6, 11, 13,  18,20 (5:00-8:30 pm) (Tue & Th)

Location: Wakefield Pool

Session 6 – April 10 – Pre-Course (5:30-6:30 pm)

April 14, 15, 16, 17,18 (9:00 am -3:30 pm) (Mon-Fri)

Location:  Yorktown Pool

Course Fee:  $250 

Click here to register

Successful candidates will be eligible for full-and part-time employment as a Lifeguard with Arlington Public Schools. Interested individuals seeking employment as Lifeguards with Arlington Public Schools, may apply upon completing the Lifeguarding training. If you have any questions, please contact Helena Machado at helena.machado@apsva.us.