Lifeguard Training
In partnership with the American Red Cross, the Aquatics Division offers lifeguard training courses for those interested in protecting the safety of swimmers.
Lifeguard Training Courses (15 and older)
All classes cover Lifeguard Training, First Aid, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, Preventing Disease Transmission, Oxygen Administration, and AED Essentials.
In order to participate you must be at least 15 years old and able to complete the following skills on the morning of the first day of class:
- Swim 300 yards (12 lengths) without stopping (100 front crawl, 100 breaststroke, 100 front crawl or breaststroke or a combination of the two).
- Swim out 20 yards, dive down and retrieve a 10-lb object from a depth of 7-9 feet, swim back to the wall with the object, place the object on the side of the pool and climb out within 1 minute 40 seconds.
While completing the 300 yard continuous swim participants must use rhythmic breathing and have a stabilizing, propellent kick in the front crawl. The breaststroke must have a clear pull, breathe, kick and glide sequence. Participants will not be permitted to continue with the class if unable to complete these skills. Please check with pool staff for passes to come to the pool for practice prior to the class.
Although the Parks and Recreation Aquatics Unit does draw from the classes for summer employees, successful completion of the class does NOT guarantee employment with the City of Tallahassee. Regardless of current certifications, ALL new employees are required to complete one of the classes offered by the City of Tallahassee prior to being put on the schedule.
2011 Season Training
All classes have been completed for 2011. Please check back in February for 2012 class schedules.
Guard Start - Junior Lifeguard Program (11-14 Years Old)
Are your 11-14 year olds interested in becoming lifeguards? Our Junior Lifeguard course improves swimming skills and develops leaderships skills. This class includes Basic Lifeguarding Skills, CPR and First Aid, and emphasizes Prevention and Response, as well as Fitness, Leadership and Professionalism. Upon course completion, 14 year old Junior Guards may volunteer at City of Tallahassee pools up to six hours each week!
Prerequisites
Must be able to swim the front crawl for 25 yards continuously while breathing to the front or side; tread water for one minute using arms and legs; and submerge and swim a distance of 10 feet underwater.
Register through the swim lesson registration process. Full information on dates and fees will be available in March.