American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course

The American Red Cross Lifeguarding training provides individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to keep patrons of aquatic facilities safe in and around water.

Price: $250.00 

Course Prerequisites:
Students bring proof of age (15 years of age by the last day of class).
Prerequisite 1 - You must complete the following sequence:

• Jump into the water from the side, totally submerge, recover to the surface and swim 150 yards.
• After swimming 150 yards, maintain position at the surface of the water without support for 2 minutes by treading only using your legs.
• After maintaining position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes, swim 50 more yards.
• Please note:
  • While swimming, you must swim continuously, keeping your face in the water and demonstrating good breath control.
  • You may use the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted.
  • Swim goggles are allowed.

Prerequisite 2 - Timed Event: Brick Test

• Goggles are not allowed for the timed event.
• You have 1 minute, 40 seconds to complete the following sequence.
  • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Your face may be in or out of the water.
  • Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
  • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping your face at or near the surface. Swimming the distance underwater is not permitted.
  • Exit the water without using a ladder or the steps. 

Lunch and Breaks:
Lunch - Lunch breaks are provided each day. There are some restaurants located across the street; however, time will be limited.
Break - There will be small 5 to 10-minute breaks throughout the class.

Items Provided for the Course:

• American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Book for use during the course
• CPR Resuscitation Mask for use during the course
• American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certificate

Note: An email with a link for your certificate will come from the American Red Cross within one-week following course completion. 

Items Needed for the Course:
One-piece swimsuit, several towels, goggles, and swim cap if needed, hair ties for long hair, an extra change of clothing-including a sweatshirt/pants (the rooms can be cool), pen or pencil, notebook for notes, and food and drinks for the day.

Lifeguard Fact Sheet for interested participants.

Note: Class may be let out early each day due to advanced course progression or instructor discretion. The minimum enrollment for a class is 5 individuals–if this minimum is not met, you have the option for a full refund or rescheduling for a different course date.

Register: Purchase the course at the CRWC-Welcome Desk - Member Service. Major credit cards are accepted.

Registration and Cancellation

Registration for all safety training courses can be completed in person at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center Welcome Desk - Member Services. Member registration and payments can be done online through UH recreation portal. Registration closes on the Tuesday prior to a new session. This assures that we have an accurate count when planning for instructors. Once you're registered, refunds are only provided with a doctor's note stating you are unable to participate.

For questions, comments or more information, please stop by the Aquatics office in the CRWC Natatorium or call 713-743-SWIM (7946).

American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid

Adult, Child, and Infant CPR/AED and First Aid Training will give participants the ability to recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac and first aid emergencies. Upon successful completion of the course, an Adult and Pediatric First Aid and CPR/AED certification will be awarded. This is valid for two years.

Price: $95.00

Register: Purchase the course at the CRWC Welcome Desk -Member Service. Major credit cards are accepted.

Fact Sheet First Aid CPR for interested participants.

Note: Minimum enrollment for a class is 5 individuals–if this minimum is not met, you have the option for a full refund or rescheduling for a later course date.