Lifeguarding
Orange Beach Aquatics Center
Lifeguarding Course
The American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course prepares participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies. Through a combination of online and classroom learning, hands-on practice, and scenario-based training, students develop essential lifeguarding skills, including water rescues, surveillance, injury prevention, and emergency response.
The course includes training in First Aid, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, and team-based rescue techniques, all aligned with the latest American Red Cross science and safety standards. Upon successful completion, participants earn an American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification.
Designed for individuals who are strong swimmers and committed to safety, this course emphasizes responsibility, teamwork, and leadership skills that extend well beyond the water.
| Lifeguarding Course Details: | |
|---|---|
Registration | orangebeach.activityreg.com |
| Registration Period | February 9-April 17, 2026 |
| In-Person Training | April 19-April 24, 2026 |
| Cost | $175.00 |
Required Materials:
A swimsuit that allows for good range of motion and that will stay secure and keep you covered during physical activity.
A towel.
Comfortable clothing for classroom activities and practicing skills such as CPR.
Your Lifeguarding Manual (in either print or digital format), hip pack, resuscitation mask and whistle (provided).
For your comfort, you may want to bring an extra swimsuit and a change of dry clothes, in addition to an extra layer (such as a sweatshirt and sweatpants).
TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE COURSE YOU MUST:
- Attend the entire course and participate in all class sessions.
- Actively participate in all course activities, including assuming various roles during skill practices, skill drills, activities and scenarios.
- Demonstrate proficiency in all skills.
- Successfully pass the final written exam with a minimum grade of 80 percent.
- Pass three final skill assessments.
Employment Note:
- The City of Orange Beach will refund the training cost for individuals hired to work at the Orange Beach Aquatics Center.
- Completion of the course does not guarantee employment.
Mandatory Prerequisite Swim Test
The required prerequisite swim test is challenging and must be successfully completed on March 30th during the pre-course session. Participants who do not pass the prerequisite skills will not be permitted to continue with the course.
To schedule an evaluation before the course, please email or call Jessica Lewis.
The test requires successful completion of two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations:
Prerequisite 1: Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence (No Stopping/Resting Allowed)
- Jump into the water and totally submerge, then resurface.
- Swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed.)
- Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs.
- Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both.
Prerequisite 2: Timed Event (Must be completed within 1 minute, 40 seconds)
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.)
- Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.