For Free Certifications Must Meet Requirements.

NEW YEARS "BLENDED*" LIFEGUARD CLASS

December 30-January 3, See Times Below

What is your teen doing for summer employment in 2025? The Mount Rainier Pool is offering a lifeguard "blended" certification course, which is free to those that are willing to commit to work at the Mount Rainier Pool, and will receive priority for spots in the class. For all others, the course is $299. Please see email below for exact class times, fees and other pre-requisites or email us for any questions.

All class members who complete the course will receive an American Red Cross Professional Lifeguard Certification. This certification is the most accepted lifeguarding certification around the country.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Either an accomplished or new swimmer, we are looking for people with good work ethics and want to be a part of a team. As our aquatics coordinator says in the linked video below, we will train people to refine their swim skills. Click here to view a video from King 5 News about two of our lifeguards including one that learned to swim with our staff.

ELIGIBILITY FOR FREE TRAINING

Applicants that wish to attend the course for free ($299 value), must meet the following requirements.

1. Pass a swim test of the Lifeguarding course skills check*.
2. Work an average of one (4-hour) shift per week on average or one session of swim lessons per quarter at the Mount Rainier Pool.
3. Be able to pass a criminal background check.

ABOUT THE COURSE

The American Red Cross Lifeguarding course teaches candidates the knowledge and skills needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. The course content and activities prepare candidates to recognize and respond quickly and effectively to emergencies and prevent drownings and injuries. Certification includes Lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid and AED for the professional rescuer.

COURSE INFORMATION

Must be registered to attend class. Class limited to first ten (10) participants.

• Dates and Times: December 30, 10am-3:30pm, December 31, 10am-3pm, January 2 10am-3:30pm and January 3 10am-3:30pm (No Class on January 1)
• Online training elements are also required.
• Course Fee: $299 (If do not elect for work commitment).
• Deadline: 10am on Saturday, December 28 (all spots first-come, first-serve).

Note-if you cannot complete these tasks, please speak with Emmitt Sevores, Aquatics Coordinator, about potential training time in the pool to work on these skills to take future trainings.

WHAT IS A BLENDED COURSE?

Blended Learning combines online learning with on-site skill sessions. This blended learning course requires at-home computer and internet access. You will be emailed a link to gain access to the online portion by the Tuesday prior to class and will take about 6-8 hours to complete.

AMERICAN RED CROSS CHANGES

Just a heads up that the American Red Cross will be increasing its training fees and this course may be more expensive in 2024. Estimated fees for 2025, could be $350 for lifeguard training and $400 for Swim Instructor Training. 

COURSE PREREQUISITES

To enroll in the Lifeguarding course, you must be at least 15 years of age before the last scheduled class session. Please bring proof of age on the first day (driver's license, state identification, birth certificate, or passport).

To participate in the Lifeguarding course, you must be able to demonstrate the following skills*:

1. 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.
   1. While swimming, you must swim continuously, keeping your face in the water and demonstrating good breath control.
   2. You may use the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
   3. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted.
   4. Swim goggles are allowed.
   5. While treading:
      1. you can only use your legs.
      2. Place your hands under your armpits.
      3. Your head must remain above the surface of the water.
2. 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.
   1. Swimming the distance underwater is not permitted.
   2. Exit the water without using a ladder or the steps.

Please bring a swimsuit and towel for the skills evaluation on the first day and for every class.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

All course materials are included.

COURSE COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

100% attendance (no exceptions), 80% on the written exam, and successfully complete required skills and final skills scenarios.

Why is it important to meet these requirements?

Lifeguards are first-responders that need to be educated and well-trained as they may be required to provide split-second extraction from the pool, lifesaving first aid, and CPR. This requires alertness, teamwork and continual training. These skills are needed to not only protect our patrons, but also their co-workers and themselves.

COURSE CERTIFICATION

Upon successful completion of the Lifeguarding course, each participant will receive the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training, First Aid, and CPR/AED for the Lifeguard certification.

MORE THAN A JOB

These skills can help your child in a career as a first-responder, or to gain work-life skills to better assist them in their future careers. Your child is also giving back to the community by helping children learn-to-swim and providing a safe place for people to exercise. A great addition to any college or job application.

WORK COMMITMENT

Class is free to all participants will to commit to work at the Mount Rainier Pool. For more detailed information contact Emmitt.Sevores@DesMoinesPool.org or 206.824.4722.

OTHER FUTURE TRAININGS & JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Sign up to be notified about future lifeguard and swim instructor certification classes or complete a job interest card. Click here to view our employment page.