American Red Cross Courses

American Red Cross Courses

Enroll now and get a jump start on learning what it takes to become a lifeguard and Swim Instructor

Lifeguard Training Class (Ages 15+) Must Registered by first day of class

The City of Santa Monica is excited to bring you the American Red Cross blended learning lifeguard training class. This class is for participants 15 years and older who would like to become an American Red Cross Certified Lifeguard.  We will combine in depth online learning with detailed class instruction, demonstration and practice.

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive American Red Cross certification in Lifeguarding, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, Oxygen Administration and Title 22 (First Aid for Public Safety Personnel).

Class Prerequisites:
Swim 150 yards non-stop (front crawl and/or breaststroke) followed by Treading Water for 2 minutes followed by a Swim of 50 yards (front crawl and/or breaststroke).

  • Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds: Swim 20 yards, execute a Surface Dive and Retrieve a 10-pound brick from deep water (7+ feet) and swim 20 yards with the weight using only your legs.

    Requirements for Successful Completion

     In order to pass the course and receive certification, participants are required to attend all sessions of the course for the full times listed, no exceptions.

    Dates & Times: TBA Pre-Course
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    Fees: Residents $267 Non-Residents $305 ARC Certificate Fee $46 Materials Fee $32
    Financial Aid is available

    Lifeguard Training Class registration: Online registration opens TBA

Water Safety Instructor Certification (Ages 16+) Must Registered by first day of class

  • This class is for participants 16 years and older who would like to become a Certified Water Safety Instructor.  Students will receive in-depth online learning with detailed class instruction, demonstration and practice. All participants should have access to the internet.

  • Class Prerequisites: 

    • Complete 25 yards each of front crawl, back crawl, breast stroke, elementary back stroke, sidestroke and 15 yards butterfly

    • Maintain position on back for 1 minute in deep water

    • Tread water for 1 minute

    Requirements for Successful Completion

    • This is a blended learning course; all participants must have access to the internet and computer

    • Attend all classes (no exceptions)

    • Complete all on-line segments and turn in weekly progress reports

      Pass all skills tests and score 80% or higher on written exams

      Dates & Times: TBA
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      Fees: Residents $275 Non-Residents $313 Materials Fee $46 Financial Aid is available

      Register Here

Jr. Lifeguard Course (Ages 11 - 15) Must Registered by first day of class

    • This course equips participants aged 11-15 years old with essential first aid and lifeguarding techniques.

      As students progress, they will enhance their swimming capabilities, becoming adept at handling emergencies and saving lives.

      The curriculum includes video tutorials, classroom sessions, and ample in-water practice

    • Class Prerequisites: 

      • 100 yards freestyle swim in 2 minutes or less.

      • Treading water for 1 minute.

      • Complete 50 Yards of back and breast stroke without stopping.

      • Retrieve an object from the bottom end and return to the surface.

        Material fees will provide a Lifeguard Essential Hip Pack and A Jr. Lifeguard T-shirt

        FALL 2024

        NO CLASS September 21st


        Dates & Times: Saturday, September 7, 2024 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm
        Saturday, September 14, 2024 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm
        Saturday, September 28, 2024 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm
        Saturday, October 5, 2024 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm
        Saturday, October 12, 2024 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm
        Saturday, October 19, 2024 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm
        Saturday, October 26, 2024 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm
        Saturday, November 2, 2024 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm


        Fees: Residents $132 Non-Residents $164 Materials Fee $32 Financial Aid is available

        Register Here