Lifeguard, Jr Lifeguard, & Recertification
Spring Break March 2025
Spring Break March 2025
Junior Lifeguard Class
American Red Cross Junior Lifeguarding is designed to guide youth to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course by building a foundation of knowledge, attitudes and skills for future lifeguards. Participants are not required to master or perfectly execute skills. They should learn techniques and build stamina during this program. The Junior Lifeguarding course does not certify participants in first aid, CPR or AED or as a lifeguard.
Junior Lifeguarding is an effective transition to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program, challenging participants to stay involved with aquatics. The course also provides the participating agency with a known group from which to recruit future lifeguards. Junior Lifeguarding will introduce participants to:
a) The skills needed for entry to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course.
b) Communication and decision-making skills.
c) The basic responsibilities of a lifeguard.
d) Junior Lifeguarding is designed for youths 11 years of age, or those who have completed the 5th grade through 14 years of age.
*If your swimmer is between the ages of 9-11 please contact Coach Anna @ 870-809-1423
COURSE PREREQUISITES - Almost all current and former swim team members are able to easily perform these skills.
Before entering Junior Lifeguarding, participants must demonstrate the following skills:
1. Swim the front crawl for 25 yards continuously while breathing to the front or side.
2. Swim the breaststroke for 25 yards using a pull, breathe, kick and glide sequence.
3. Tread water for 1 minute using arms and legs.
4. Show a level of comfort on the back by floating on the back for 30 seconds or swimming on the back for 25 yards using the elementary backstroke or back crawl.
5. Submerge and swim a distance of 10 feet under water.
Junior Lifeguarding is an effective transition to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program, challenging participants to stay involved with aquatics. The course also provides the participating agency with a known group from which to recruit future lifeguards. Junior Lifeguarding will introduce participants to:
a) The skills needed for entry to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course.
b) Communication and decision-making skills.
c) The basic responsibilities of a lifeguard.
d) Junior Lifeguarding is designed for youths 11 years of age, or those who have completed the 5th grade through 14 years of age.
*If your swimmer is between the ages of 9-11 please contact Coach Anna @ 870-809-1423
COURSE PREREQUISITES - Almost all current and former swim team members are able to easily perform these skills.
Before entering Junior Lifeguarding, participants must demonstrate the following skills:
1. Swim the front crawl for 25 yards continuously while breathing to the front or side.
2. Swim the breaststroke for 25 yards using a pull, breathe, kick and glide sequence.
3. Tread water for 1 minute using arms and legs.
4. Show a level of comfort on the back by floating on the back for 30 seconds or swimming on the back for 25 yards using the elementary backstroke or back crawl.
5. Submerge and swim a distance of 10 feet under water.
Lifeguard Class
Red Cross lifeguarding students must be at least 15 years old by the last day of class. Some facilities will not hire lifeguards until they are 16.
To pass the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training course students must meet the following requirements:
- Able to swim 300 yards consecutively in the following order. (no goggles)
- 150 swim
- 2 minute tread with hands out of the water
- 150 swim
- Perform the diving brick test within 1 minute 40 seconds (no goggles)
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps
- Retrieve the 10 lbs diving brick and swim back to the starting point
- Surface dive to a depth of 7-10 feet
- Swim 20 yards
- Pass all rescue skill scenarios.
- Pass all CPR skill scenarios.
- Pass the written exam with a score of 80% or better.
In-person Classes
Blended Classes
- An in-person Lifeguard Class takes approximately 28 hours to complete.
Blended Classes
- A blended class allows for more flexibility and less time spent at the pool.
- The online section must be completed before the in-person class meets.
- Swim skills are still required.
*MUST have at least 6 registered per class.
Location
Pocahontas Aquatic Center
300 Geneva Drive
Pocahontas, AR
Location
Pocahontas Aquatic Center
300 Geneva Drive
Pocahontas, AR
Needed each day;
Girls - a ONE piece swimsuit, warm change of clothes (sweatpants & sweatshirt), t-shirt & shorts, tennis shoes, two towels.
Boys - swim trunks or jammers, warm change of clothes (sweatpants & sweatshirt), t-shirt & shorts, tennis shoes, two towels.
There is a possibility we will finish early on the last day. But, that is not a guarantee. Please be prepared to stay until the class is dismissed each day. Completion of the class DOES not guarantee certification as a Junior Guard or a Lifeguard.
Girls - a ONE piece swimsuit, warm change of clothes (sweatpants & sweatshirt), t-shirt & shorts, tennis shoes, two towels.
Boys - swim trunks or jammers, warm change of clothes (sweatpants & sweatshirt), t-shirt & shorts, tennis shoes, two towels.
- Please arrive at class 10 minutes early.
- This is a physically active class. We will be moving, swimming, and performing first-aid activities. Your hair will get wet.
- Please bring snacks, a drink, and a bagged lunch.
- We will work through lunch. Please plan on something that can be eaten while we work.
There is a possibility we will finish early on the last day. But, that is not a guarantee. Please be prepared to stay until the class is dismissed each day. Completion of the class DOES not guarantee certification as a Junior Guard or a Lifeguard.