Lifeguarding Course
American Red Cross Lifeguard Training: Next class will be August 17-20, 2026
The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program is to train lifeguards to act with speed and confidence in emergency situations both in and out of the water. Topics include water rescue skills, surveillance and recognition, first aid, breathing and cardiac emergencies, CPR, AED and more.
Class Times: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:00am - 3pm
Please note that all participants must be at least 15 years old by August 20, 2026. They will need verification of age and identity. If a birth certificate is used, there must be a photo ID that goes with it (State ID). Below are the Prerequisites that we will do on the first day.
Prerequisite Swimming Skills Evaluation
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.
- After maintaining position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes, swim 50 more yards.
- 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. While treading, you can only use your legs. - Place your hands under your armpits. - Your head must remain above the surface of the water.
You have 1 minute, 40 seconds to complete the following sequence (no goggles allowed):
- 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.
There are NO REFUNDS once class has started. If there is any doubt about a candidate successfully completing the pre-requisite skills evaluation in two attempts on class day, contact me to schedule a pre-course evaluation. Participants who are unsuccessful at the skills evaluation on class day are ineligible to participate in the course at this time and are ineligible for refunds/transfers.
Upon successful completion, the student will be certified for 2 years.
Requirements for the class:
*A swimsuit that allows for good range of motion and that will stay secure and keep you covered during physical activity.
The following items are recommended:
towels, comfortable classroom clothing, food, drinks (water only in non-breakable containers permitted on pool deck).
Class must have at least 5 students enrolled to run.
Cost is $325
Email with any questions
Christian: cipolletti@duxbury-ma.gov
Jon: jmunro@duxbury-ma.gov
Lifeguard Recertification Course
TBD
Wednesday 10am-3:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 2pm
The Lifeguarding Recertification course is designed to refresh your knowledge and skills. Upon successful completion, you will renew your certification for another two years.
To participate in the Lifeguarding Recertification class, you must have a current American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification, or your certification must have expired by no more than 30 days.
During the course, individuals will have the opportunity to review and practice their skills. Participants must pass the final written test and the three (3) final skill assessments, which include:
Assessment 1 - Timed Response • Participants must complete a passive submerged rescue, extricate with the assistance of an assisting rescuer, and rapid assessment (including the delivery of 2 initial ventilations by either rescuer) within 1 minute, 30 seconds, and then provide 3 minutes of single-rescuer CPR.
Assessment 2 - Rotation and Scanning • Participants must rotate into the lifeguard station, conduct surveillance from the station for 1 minute, and rotate out of the station.
Assessment 3 - Final Team Response Testing Scenario • Participants must perform a passive submerged rescue, extrication and rapid assessment, followed by multiple-rescuer CPR and use of AED and BVM resuscitator.
Participants who successfully complete the Lifeguarding recertification course will be issued the following American Red Cross certificates
Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid
Certifications are valid for up to 2 years.
Email Christian at cipolletti@duxbury-ma.gov with any questions
If you can't make our class and are in need of a certification, you can find classes on the Red Cross page (link below)
https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/lifeguarding?latitude=42.0417525&l...