Shallow Water Lifeguard classes and training with First Aid and CPR/AED + $285 First Time and $185 Recerts. Training you can start now and complete at your own pace.
The American Lifeguard Association is pleased to announce that we have secured a new national grant for 2026 to lower our Lifeguard and safety training fees. These funds will be ma de available until they are exhausted. The price reflects a special $100 discount due to the grant we received, for our regular price is $385. The funds are limited, so register today to ensure you can take advantage of the grant. American Lifeguard™ and American Lifeguard and Safety Training™ are trademarks used by the American Lifeguard Association® in connection with its health and safety training programs. For more than 35 years, the American Lifeguard Association has provided lifeguard training and certification and has trained more than 250,000 individuals worldwide. The U.S. Department of Labor has recognized the Association’s lifeguard training programs as equivalent to those offered by the American Red Cross. The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) has the support of Global Lifeguard Association and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association. ALA works directly with employers nationwide to help train lifeguard professionals. The primary purpose of ALA is to reduce drownings and to help keep our swimming pools, beaches, and waterways safer. The American Lifeguard Association has been listed over the years with the CDC Healthy Swimming website. In addition, the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. General Service Administration (GSA) has determined that the American Lifeguard Association offers lifeguard certification programs similar to those provided by the American Red Cross. Since the early 1990s, we have helped ensure that all our training programs meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the U.S. Department of Labor—serving as the federal Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)—has officially recognized that the American Lifeguard Association meets the national standards for lifeguard training and certification. Our programs meet national requirements in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories, and are widely used in both public facilities and federally managed programs. The American Lifeguard Association is proud to be among a select group of national training organizations recognized by the United States Government for meeting these federal requirements. In addition, recently on April 16, 2025, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs issued VHA Directive 1040, which formally lists the American Lifeguard Association as an approved provider of lifeguard certification. The American Lifeguard Association is just one of a handful of national training entities listed by the United States Government to meet these federal requirements. With this said, the American Lifeguard Association meets national lifeguard training and certification requirements for all 50 states along with the District of Columbia and U.S. territories, per Article VI of the U.S. Constitution which dictates that federal law is the "supreme law of the land." Federal regulations, such as meeting the United States Department of Labor requirements regarding lifeguard training and certifications, take superiority over state laws. Preemption applies regardless of whether the conflicting laws come from state legislatures, courts, administrative agencies, or state constitutions. All our programs require that employers meet the new Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) requirement to conduct pre-service evaluations and in-service training with all staff members. In addition, the documentation verifying the pre-service requirements by the employer is to be maintained at the facility and be available for inspection. The American Lifeguard Association is available to work with employers who request assistance in helping with the program's evaluation to meet these new standards. The American Lifeguard Association is pleased to announce that we have secured a national grant to lower our Lifeguard and safety training fees. These funds will be made available until they are exhausted. The price reflects a special $100 discount due to the grant we received, for our regular price is $385. The funds are limited, so register today to ensure you can take advantage of the grant. To enroll in this program, click the ADD TO CART and proceed to check out. You can complete the certification program right away or at any time during the year. We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 30-day price match guarantee. If you find a lower price for your training or are not completely satisfied, simply email us and request a refund. The American Lifeguard Association promotes the safe and enjoyable use of aquatic environments through public service announcements and national news media interviews. The Association’s opinion and viewpoints have been aired numerous times over the decades, on network shows such as NBC Today Show, Good Morning America, Doctors, and Weather Channel. It has also worked with all the national news networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. To learn more about our Association and read the latest news stories regarding the American Lifeguard Association nationwide efforts in the lifesaving profession, we ask that you tap American Lifeguard Association News. The American Lifeguard and Safety Training™ is a trademark of the American Lifeguard Association health and safety courses. The American Lifeguard Association is one of the top associations specializing in the training and certifying of candidates in the American aquatics and safety training profession, which has trained over 250,000 individuals worldwide. Our program's skills reflect ECC science and findings from the United States Lifeguard Standards Coalition Report. The American Lifeguard Association® offers training to become a certified lifeguard through our blended program, where the employers are to assess your skills and encourage you to continue practicing the skills through in-service training. With our program, after completing the online portion of our course, you will be issued a national two-year certification in lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid. Current standards require that employers are to evaluate the skills of all candidates before hiring regardless of the issuing entity. The American Lifeguard and safety training™ is a critical service with the support of employers and government agencies nationwide. With our program, you can get certified at your own pace and join our over 25,000 active lifeguard members across the USA. The certification program is accomplished through an instructor-led video training program with online materials and a final online exam that lets you get certified right away as an individual or in a small group. The training can be accomplished on your own and at your own pace. Upon completing your online portion of the program, you will be issued a two-year national certification in lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid. All the training materials, including the videos, will remain available to you throughout your two years of certification so that you can refresh your skills at any time. With this blended program, the employers assess your skills and encourage you to continue practicing the skills through in-service training. See the the following link AMERICAN LIFEGUARD TRAINING VIDEO for a preview of one of our new 2023 training videos, which examines proper rescue techniques and victim care. If you need assistance at any point during your training, we are available 24/7 in real-time to assist at [email protected]. The program is also eligible for 29 hours of Continuing Education Unit (CEU) and college elective credits. With our blended program, the employers are to ensure that each Lifeguard training candidate has all the skills and knowledge necessary for the position they are being considered. The employer also needs to ensure the candidate meets the physical and all other elements requirements before starting employment. With new national standards, all facilities must establish ways to confirm and maintain adequate skills competency for all lifeguards, including new, returning, seasonal, and current lifeguards. Required certifications and pre-employment tests can be part of that process but do not eliminate the need for on-site orientation and in-service training. The national standards also state that the screening tests should not be so strict that they end up excluding lifeguard classes candidates whose skills are not as good but whose dedication and personal characteristics could make them a better lifeguard than a person who can swim faster. Please see below the complete information and all the steps needed to complete regarding our national lifeguard certification program. The American Lifeguard Association offers a way to get certified now and also connect you with employers offering summer jobs throughout your county. The American Lifeguard and safety training is a critical service that has the support of employers and government agencies nationwide. The American Lifeguard Association® (ALA) is a national educational association with the full support of both the Global Lifeguard Association and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation a nonprofit 501c3 organization. These organizations are members of the Global Lifeguard Association, one of the largest worldwide aquatic consortiums, which has trained more than 250,000 certified lifeguards over the past 30 years. The American Lifeguard Association is one of a select few nationally-recognized certifying agencies for lifeguard classes in the United States. To learn more about our association, you may obtain the latest news stories regarding the American Lifeguard Association nationwide efforts in the lifesaving profession we ask that you tap American Lifeguard Association News. To register participants need to be 15 years of age or older and be able to perform the following swimming skills. 100-yard, continuous swim using front crawl and/or breaststroke Two-minute treading using legs only. Retrieve a 10- dive weight from 4 ft deep, surface and walk 20 yards with the weight at or above the water's surface, and exit the pool without using a ladder within 50 seconds. The purpose of the Shallow Water Lifeguarding course is to provide entry-level shallow water lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies in shallow water up to 5-feet deep and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services personnel take over. This program offers a choice of Shallow Water Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED courses to meet the various training needs of a diverse audience. Participants who successfully complete the Lifeguarding course receive an American Lifeguard certificate for Shallow Water Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, valid for 2 years. STEPS TO COMPLETE THE ALA CERTIFICATION PROGRAM Review all instructor-led training video and online materials Once you register, you will receive links to our online training videos, as well as online reference material. These materials will cover various skills and techniques associated with Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid. You need to be familiar with and able to perform the skills shown in these materials. The program requires participants to practice their skills both in and out of the water. Complete the online final exam After you have reviewed the videos and additional online materials and are able to accomplish your skills, you will need to go online and take the final written exam. Successful completion of the final exam requires a score of 80% or higher. You may review your online material if needed at any time. There is no time limit to take the exam, but it must be taken at one time, for you cannot leave the exam and return where you left off. If you leave the exam, you will need to start it over until completed. If you do not receive a passing grade, you can retake the exam until you pass at no additional fees. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive a full printout of your exam score along with the correct answers to any questions you may have gotten wrong. We require that you look over your exam results to help ensure you know all the right answers. We will mail your actual waterproof wallet-size card the next business day. Your Lifeguard, CPR/AED, and First Aid certification will be valid for two years from the date issued. The employer ensures that each Lifeguard candidate has all the skills and knowledge necessary for the position they are being considered. The employer also needs to make sure the candidate meets the requirements regarding physical and all other elements before starting employment. The employer to evaluate your current skill level. Your employer may have you participate in rescue scenarios to ensure that you understand your team's responsibilities and are familiar with your facility’s layout and equipment. Continue with in-service training with your employer. The purpose of the ALA training program is to teach candidates the knowledge and skills needed to help prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. As with all certifications, employers need to ensure that each lifeguard candidate has all the skills, knowledge, and necessary requirements for the position for which they are being hired. Facilities are also to establish ways to confirm and maintain adequate skills competency for all lifeguards, including new, returning, seasonal, and current lifeguards. National standards require that pre-employment tests issued by employers must be part of that process but do not eliminate the need for in-service training once hired. The employer is to make sure the candidate meets the requirements regarding physical and all other requirements before starting employment. VERIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION Upon completion of your final exam, you will receive an email confirming your successful completion of the ALA certification program. We request that you print out a copy of your American Lifeguard Association certification for your records. A waterproof, wallet-sized certification card will be mailed on the next business day. Finally, your certification records will be placed in the National Verification system within 24 hours of completion of the program. This system allows validated certification to be viewed by employers and health department officials. 30-DAY PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE We owe our success to you, our members, and we understand that price is an important part of your decision. To ensure you always receive excellent value, we routinely monitor other nationally recognized lifeguard training providers to keep our pricing competitive. If, within 30 days of your registration, you find a lower price from another nationally recognized entity for the same type of training offered within your county or local area and scheduled within 30 days of your registration, we will match their price. We must be able to verify the lower price through a valid website. Lower prices that cannot be confirmed will not be honored. The training cannot be offered by an employer with whom you are required to register for employment purposes, as such pricing is adjusted to reflect reduced wages for those employees. Additionally, the class must currently be open for registration and not already filled. To take advantage of our offer, simply email us at [email protected] anytime within 30 days of your initial registration. Include the website, link, or advertisement where you found the lower price. Once the price and source are confirmed, the American Lifeguard Association will immediately refund the difference. The American Lifeguard Association has tens of thousands of active lifeguard members nationwide. With our nationally recognized certification program, you can start training anywhere and complete it at any time. In addition, all our training programs are in accordance with the latest guidelines and recommendations. After enrolling, you can complete your certification program in as little as a few days or a weekend, or you can feel free to go at your own pace. It is important that you read the following instructions on how to enroll and complete the training. The national training program must be purchased before starting. After reading the instructions below, the next step is to enroll. To enroll, select “ADD TO CART" to pay the registration fee. You may be any age to start the program, but must be 15 or older by the requirements of U.S. Labor Law to work as a lifeguard at or water parks, and 16 or older to work at waterfronts and beaches. The American Lifeguard Association is a national educational association with the full support of both the Swimming Pool and Spa Association and Global Lifeguards, a nonprofit 501c3) organization. These organizations are members of the Global Lifeguard Association that make up one of the largest worldwide aquatic consortiums and have trained over 250,000 individuals over the past quarter of a century. Shallow Water Lifeguard course participants will review: SWIMMING SKILLS If you can answer yes to the following questions about the swimming test, you will pass this portion of the shallow water lifeguard certification requirements. Can swim 100 yards continuously, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl (freestyle), breaststroke, or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Can tread water for two minutes without the support and without stopping, using only your legs. Your hands will be placed under your armpits. The head must remain above the surface of the water. Both hands must stay under your armpits. Your body position must be near vertical, not horizontal. your mouth sinks below the surface. Can complete the timed Event – Starting in the water, swim 20 yards using front crawl (freestyle) or breaststroke, with your face in or out of the water. Goggles are not allowed. Submerge to the depth of 4 to 5 feet, retrieve a 10-pound object, return to the surface, walk or swim 20 yards back to the starting point with the object at the surface of the water, exit the water without using a ladder or steps within 50 seconds. RESCUE SKILLS Slide-In Entry Stride and Compact Jumps Rescue Approach—Front Crawl or Breaststroke Simple Assist Extension Assist from the Deck Reaching Assist with Equipment and Throwing Assist Swimming Extension Rescue Active and Passive Drowning Victim Rear Rescue Two-Person Removal from the Water Using a Backboard Passive Submerged Victim—Shallow Water Multiple-Victim Rescue Feet-First Surface Dive Submerged Victim—Shallow Water Front and Rear Head-Hold Escape CARING FOR HEAD, NECK OR BACK INJURY SKILLS Manual In-Line Stabilization for a Head, Neck or Back Injury on Land—Lying Down, Sitting, or Standing Using a Backboard for a Standing Victim on Land Head Splint Technique—Face-Up Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface Head Splint Technique—Face-Dow Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface Head and Chin Support—Face-Up Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface Head and Chin Support—Face-Down Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface Head Splint Technique—Face-Up Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface Head Splint Technique—Face-Down Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface Head and Chin Support—Face-Up Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface Stabilization for a Submerged Victim—Face-Up, Face-Down or on One Side in Shallow Water Using a Backboard in Shallow Water CPR/AED FOR THE PROFESSIONAL RESCUER SKILLS Removing Gloves Initial Assessment Rescue Breathing—Adult, Child, and Infant Using a Bag-Valve-Mask Resuscitator—Two Rescuers Conscious Choking—Adult, Child, and Infant Unconscious Choking—Adult, Child, and Infant CPR—Adult, Child, and Infant Two-Rescuer CPR—Adult, Child, and Infant Using an AED—Adult and Child FIRST AID SKILLS Secondary Assessment Controlling External Bleeding Applying a Sling and Binder Applying an Anatomic Splint Applying a Soft Splint SKILL SCENARIOS TO BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE Final Skill Scenario 1—Active Drowning Victim Final Skill Scenario 2—Submerged Passive Drowning Victim Final Skill Scenario 3—Head, Neck, or Back Injury. You are encouraged to check with a healthcare professional before participating in the practice sessions. If a medical condition or disability exists that might prevent participation in the activities or questions about fully participating in the lifeguard course, please contact us by e-mail to discuss this before beginning the program. Lifeguards are essential for helping to keep aquatic facilities safe. Unlike most other professional rescuers, lifeguards are present to prevent emergencies from occurring. Injury prevention is a primary focus for a lifeguard. Therefore, the program teaches how injuries occur and how they can be prevented. We will also teach proper surveillance, prevention, and victim recognition. There is nothing more important than learning how to save a life, and nothing more rewarding than knowing you did all the right things in saving a life. Practice makes perfect. Being alert, being a professional, and being on top of your skills at all times can help save lives! The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is proud to state the Department of Labor, under the Fair Labor Standards Act, which establishes national standards for lifeguard training and certification across the nation, and is the Authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), has determined that ALA meets the laws and regulations regarding lifeguard training and certification programs, and have also found that ALA programs are comparable to those offered by the American Red Cross.The American Lifeguard Association is just a handful of national training entities listed by the United States Government to meet federal requirements. By doing so, the American Lifeguard Association meets the acceptance of the required lifeguard training and certification requirements for all 50 states along with the District of Columbia and U.S. territories, per Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, which dictates federal law is the "supreme law of the land." It takes superiority regardless of whether the conflicting statutes and codes come from state legislatures, local counties, courts, administrative agencies, or state constitutions. To enroll in the program, click the ADD TO CART button at the top of the page. You can complete the certification program right away or at any time in the future. Learn more at https://americanlifeguard.com/. If you have any questions we can assist you with, or if you experience any issues completing the program, please email us at [email protected]. We monitor incoming messages 24/7 and typically respond within just a few minutes. Click on "ADD TO CART" at the top of the page to register. 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