Lifeguard Certification Courses

Lifeguard Certification Course

The American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course provides participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies, breathing and cardiac emergencies, and sudden illnesses and injuries until EMS or other trained responders take over.

All participants must be at least 15 years of age by date of last class session. All participants must be able to pass the pre-course prerequisites which consist of a continuous 150-yard swim (goggles permitted), treading water for 2 minutes using only legs, and performing a timed deep water brick retrieval (goggles not permitted). These classes are open to individuals not affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania. All courses are conducted via blended learning, so a computer or mobile device is required to complete the online learning sections prior to class.

Students must attend every class session for each course, missing one or more class sessions will result in an incomplete with no money refunded. Refunds will not be given to students who cannot pass the class. Students who cannot pass the pre-course requirements will receive a 50% refund. A minimum of Five students is required to hold the class. Employment opportunities may be available to lifeguards who pass these certification classes.

Pricing

Members: $325
Non-Members/Community: $350

Spring 2026 Course

March 20 - March 22

Friday, March 20, 4pm - 9pm
Saturday, March 21, 9pm-6pm
Sunday, March 22, 9:30am - 6pm

LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION COURSE REGISTRATION

Lifeguard Instructor Certification Course

The American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Certification Course provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Courses.

All participants must be at least 17 years of age by the date of the last class session and possess a current basic-level certification in Lifeguarding and CPR, AED, and First Aid. Additionally, all participants must successfully complete the online portion of the Lifeguarding Instructor course and receive completion status prior to the in-person skill session. All participants must be able to pass the pre-course prerequisites which consist of a continuous 300-yard swim (goggles permitted), treading water for 2 minutes using only legs, and performing a timed deep water brick retrieval (goggles not permitted). These classes are open to individuals not affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania.

Students must attend every class session for each course, missing one or more class sessions will result in an incomplete with no money refunded. If there is an extenuating circumstance, the instructors may be flexible with make-up time/coursework, but this should be communicated to the instructors well in advance of both sign-up and the start of the course. Refunds will not be given to students who cannot pass the class. Students who cannot pass the pre-course requirements will receive a 50% refund. A minimum of three students is required to hold the class. Employment opportunities may be available to lifeguards who pass these certification classes.

Pricing

Member: $325
Public/Penn Community: $350

Spring 2026 Courses
No courses scheduled

LIFEGUARD INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION COURSE REGISTRATION

Lifeguard Recertification Course

This course is aimed towards lifeguards whose certifications are about to expire. Participants taking this class will be expected to have full knowledge of in-water skills, CPR/AED, First Aid, and all other criteria covered in full certification classes. All participants must be able to pass the pre-course prerequisites which consist of a continuous 300-yard swim (goggles permitted), treading water for 2 minutes using only legs, and performing a timed deep water brick retrieval (goggles not permitted). All in water skills and written tests must also be passed in order to achieve re-certification. These classes are open to individuals not affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania.

Students must attend every class session for each course, missing one or more class sessions will result in an incomplete with no money refunded. All courses are conducted via blended learning, so a computer or mobile device is required to complete the online learning sections prior to class. Refunds will not be given to students who cannot pass the class. A minimum of three students is required to hold the class. Employment opportunities are available to lifeguards who pass these certification classes.

Prices:

Members: $200
Non-Members and Community: $225

Spring 2026 Courses:

May 2, 2026
8:30am - 5:30pm

LIFEGUARD REVIEW COURSE REGISTRATION

Refund Policy

Refunds will not be issued for students who cannot meet course requirements in the time allotted.
Students who cannot pass the per-course requirements will receive a 50% refund.
Refunds will not be considered for cancellations within 7 days of class start.
A 50% refund may be issued for cancellations within 14 days of class start
A minimum of $10 administrative fee may be charged for any refunds processed.
Refund requests will be accepted only due to medical reasons. Refund requests will not be accepted after the class has ended.