Lifeguarding Instructor Course

Course Purpose

The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor course is to train instructor candidates to teach the basic-level American Red Cross Lifeguarding course.

Course Prerequisites

• Be at least 17 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course.

• Possess a current basic-level certification in Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED.

• Successfully complete the online Introduction to the Lifeguarding Instructor Course prior to the precourse skills session via the class roster and online content completion status report.

• Obtain all instructor and participant materials before entering the first session of the instructor course.

Course Objectives

• Exhibit the characteristics required of an American Red Cross representative and role model.

• Follow the directives and procedures related to the conduct and administration of American Red Cross courses, including the Instructor Agreement and Instructor Code of Conduct.

• Conduct courses in a manner that helps participants to stay engaged in the learning process and meet course objectives.

• Perform applicable Lifeguarding skills to the standard at instructor-level skill proficiency.

• Plan for and ensure participants health and safety during training.

• Maintain complete and accurate records and reports.

• Plan, organize and conduct the Lifeguarding courses in accordance with Red Cross policies and procedures and the requirements of the specific course they will be teaching.

• Monitor participants’ practice, evaluate performance and provide corrective feedback and encouragement that is consistent with the skill assessment tools.

• Recognize that the requirements in the skill assessment tools are criteria for ascertaining the proficiency of a participant performance.

• Effectively use program materials and training equipment for the online prerequisite, precourse skills session and classroom component.

2 | Lifeguarding Instructor Course Fact Sheet

• Explain procedures for acknowledging course completion and accessing American Red Cross digital certificates.

• Deliver quality, consistent and standardized content by following the Lifeguarding Instructor’s Manual.