Full Lifeguard Certification Prerequisites (will be performed on pool day) – Required for pools with 5 feet of water or greater.

• Swim 300 yards (12 laps) 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 feet or greater to retrieve a 10-pound object.
    • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards 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 under water.
    • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Shallow Water Lifeguard Certification Prerequisites (will be performed on pool day) – Will suffice for pools with 5 feet of water or less.

• • • Swim 100 yards (4 laps) 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 are allowed.
    • Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under their armpits.
    • Complete a timed event within 50 seconds.
      • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards using the front crawl or breaststroke. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
      • Submerge to a depth of 4 to 5 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and walk or swim 20 yards to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object at the surface of the water.
      • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.