St. Michael-Albertville Community Education

The American Red Cross Lifeguard class (approx. 20–30 hours) certifies participants in shallow or deep water lifeguarding, including CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid. The course combines online, self-paced learning with in-person, hands-on training focusing on rescue skills, surveillance, and emergency response.

American Red Cross + Key Course Components & Skill

• Preventative Safety: Scanning techniques, recognizing dangerous behaviors, and rule enforcement.
• Water Rescue Skills: Front/rear rescues, submerged victim rescue, and spinal injury management using a backboard.
• Emergency Care: CPR for adults/infants/children, AED usage, and First Aid for injuries/sudden illnesses.
• Certification: Valid for 2 years upon successful completion of written and practical exams. American Red Cross +5

Prerequisites (Must be met before or on the first day)

• Age: At least 15 years old by the final scheduled session.
• Swim Test:
  • 300-yard continuous swim (freestyle/breaststroke).
  • Tread water for 2 minutes using only legs.
  • Timed Brick Test: Swim 20 yards, surface dive 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object, return to surface, and swim back in 1 min 40 sec. American Red Cross +4

Format & Requirements

• Blended Learning: Requires completing ~6-7 hours of online modules before in-person sessions.
• Attendance: Full attendance is mandatory for all in-person training days