The Lifeguard Recertification Program, including CPR/AED and First Aid, allows you to renew your certification at the lowest price—guaranteed!
Exciting News! National Grant Secured to Lower Lifeguard Training Fees for 2026 The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is pleased to announce that we have secured a new national grant for 2026, allowing us to reduce lifeguard and safety training fees. This grant provides a special $100 discount, lowering the regular course price from $285 to just $185—available until funds are exhausted. Register today to take advantage of this limited-time offer! 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. Recognized National Standards in Lifeguard Certification 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. Ensuring Compliance with the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) ALA is committed to helping employers comply with the latest Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) standards, which require facilities to conduct pre-service evaluations and in-service training for all staff. Employers must maintain documentation verifying compliance, which must be available for inspection. We are available to assist employers in meeting these requirements. Renew Your Lifeguard Certification—No Matter Where You Trained! Whether your original certification was from ALA, the American Red Cross, or another organization, you can recertify with ALA and receive a two-year certification. If your previous certification was not through ALA, simply email us a copy of your past certificate after registering, so we can add it to your records. Course Overview Our Lifeguard Recertification Course incorporates the latest ECC science and guidelines from the United States Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition. Open to all previously certified lifeguards including individuals who previously received their training from the American Red Cross. Our video instructor-led course enables individuals to renew their lifeguard certifications immediately. Upon completing the online components of the program, you will earn a two-year certification in lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and first aid. Your certification records will also be uploaded to the National Verification System, allowing employers and health department officials to easily verify your credentials. Additionally, we mandate that employers conduct both pre-service and in-service training evaluations in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). This helps ensures that our training program meets national standards, providing candidates with the highest quality education and preparation for preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies. If you need assistance at any point during your training, we are available 24/7 in real-time to assist at [email protected]. To enroll in this program, click the ADD TO CART tab at the top of the page and proceed to checkout. 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 aquatic environments' safe and enjoyable use through public service announcements and national news media interviews. The Association’s opinions 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's nationwide efforts in the lifesaving profession, we ask that you tap American Lifeguard Association News. The US Labor Department has determined our lifeguard programs are equivalent to the American Red Cross training program. The American Lifeguard Association® offers a way to renew your certification for another two years through distance learning. You may renew your lifeguard certification with us, regardless of whether or not you initially took your training with the American Lifeguard Association. It does not matter how long your certificate has expired, as long as you can send us a copy of your previous certification. We ask that you email us a copy of your previous certification to [email protected] once you registered so that we may keep a copy with your records. 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 following link AMERICAN LIFEGUARD TRAINING VIDEO for a preview of one of our new training videos, which examines proper rescue techniques and victim care. The national standards also state that the screening tests should not be so strict that they end up excluding lifeguard 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. How the program works is that once you register, we will email you all the information to the online training videos and reference materials to complete your full training with us. See below the steps to extend your lifeguard certification. The American Lifeguard and safety training is a critical service with the support of employers and government agencies nationwide, we offer a lifeguard recertification program that will allow you to renew your Lifeguard, CPR/AED, and First certification for another two years. The American Lifeguard Association program can be completed on your own with no need to wait for a group class. We have over 25,000 active lifeguard members across the USA. Training is completed through an instructor-led video training program with online materials and the final exam. The purpose of the American Lifeguard course is to teach candidates the knowledge and skills needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. Upon successfully completing the Lifeguard course, each participant will receive an American Lifeguard Certificate indicating Lifeguard, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid, which are all valid for two years. The employer ensures that each Lifeguard candidate has all the skills and knowledge necessary for the position they are being considered for, and the employer needs to make sure the candidate meets the requirements regarding physical and all other elements before starting employment. With our training program, you will not have to wait for a group class. Our national self-study programs can be taken anywhere and practiced by individuals, schools, universities, and community pools in the United States and abroad. Once you register, we will email all your information and materials needed to complete the program. Please see below the steps required to complete our national lifeguard recertification program. The American Lifeguard Association® is considered one of the top aquatic health and safety training programs in the United States. Founded in 1990, and with the United States Senate's assistance, the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) has become a nationally recognized association. The American Lifeguard and Safety Training adheres to a code of ethics and maintains a commitment to delivering quality health and safety training worldwide. We offer a certification program that can be started and completed at any time and regardless of where you live. With our nationally recognized certification program, you can begin training anywhere and finish it at any time. 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 an online program that uses videos, manuals, and exams you can achieve on your own. The American Lifeguard Association® (ALA) is a national educational association with the full support of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association and Global Lifeguards (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. Upon successful completion, you will become a certified lifeguard through the American Lifeguard Association, which is a nationally recognized organization. Our programs may be eligible for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) and college elective credits. Don’t wait another day! Get and join our tens of thousands of active lifeguard members! Training is simple, and you can get in as little as one day! Click ADD TO CART at top of page to register. STEPS TO COMPLETE THE ALA PROGRAM Review all instructor-led training videos and online materials Once you register, you will receive links to our online training videos, as well as an online lifeguard manual. These materials will cover various skills and techniques associated with 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. You can find a full list of these swimming, rescue, and first aid skills below. Complete the online final exam After you have reviewed the training videos and additional online materials and 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 materials 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 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. Upon completion, you will be given a lifeguard, CPR/AED, and First Aid certification. The certifications will be valid for two years from the date issued. Final step You will receive an email confirming your successful completion of the program, and your records will be placed in a national verification system the same day you complete the above steps, and you will receive a Deep-Water Lifeguard certification as a titled Professional Lifeguard along with First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. Per the national standards, the certification will be valid for two years from the completion date. The verification system allows validated certificate to be viewed by employers and health department officials. We request that you print out a copy of your American Lifeguard Association certification once you receive this official email. In addition, a waterproof, wallet-size certification card will be mailed to you the next business day. 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 the national standards, 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. VERIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION Upon completion of the above steps, 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. In addition, 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. This system allows validated certification to be viewed by employers and health department officials. Employer Authorization Statement for Students in the ALA Program As a participant in the American Lifeguard Association's certification program, it is essential for you to understand that your employer has been granted specific authorization to evaluate your practical skills as a component of the lifeguard training. This ensures that you are assessed under real-world conditions and enhances the quality of your training. Authorization Framework: Upon your successful registration for this program, your employer is authorized by the American Lifeguard Association to act as the "Instructor of Record" for your practical skills evaluation. This role allows them to conduct, assess, and certify the practical skills required for lifeguarding under the guidelines of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). What This Means for You: Comprehensive Assessment: Your employer is qualified to assess your skills in a practical environment, ensuring that you meet the standard required for effective lifeguarding. Convenience: Your practical skills will be evaluated on-site by your employer, providing a seamless and integrated training experience. National Recognition: Certifications issued under this program are nationally recognized and entered into a verification system accessible by health departments and employers across the United States. Conditions and Responsibilities: Adherence to Guidelines: All practical evaluations conducted by your employer must adhere to the guidelines and quality controls as specified by the MAHC and any additional guidelines provided by the American Lifeguard Association. Record-Keeping: Your employer is obligated to keep precise records of all evaluations and certifications conducted under this authorization. Quality Assurance: If your employer deviates from the prescribed guidelines, the authorization may be revoked, affecting the validity of your certification. By proceeding with your registration for this program, you acknowledge the authorization granted to your employer to act as the "Instructor of Record" for your practical evaluation and agree to participate in this assessment as part of your lifeguard certification process. 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. You are encouraged to check with your 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 email. 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 information. SKILLS COVERED IN THE PROGRAM Swimming Skills: Be able to complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest: 1. Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then 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.) 2. Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs, no arms 3. Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both • Brick Test – Complete in 1 minute, 40 seconds- Swim 20 yards, surface dive to 7ft, retrieve a 10-pound brick at the bottom of the pool, return to the surface, swim on the back holding a brick to starting position, and exit the water. (Swim goggles not allowed) 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 Submerged Victim—Deep Water Multiple-Victim Rescue Feet-First Surface Dive 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-Down Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface Head Splint Technique—Face-Up Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface Head Splint Technique—Face-Down Victim, Deep 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 and Chin Support—Face-Up Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface Head and Chin Support—Face-Down Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface Stabilization for a Submerged Victim—Face-Up, Face-Down, or on One Side in Deep Water Using a Backboard in Shallow and Deep 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: Final Skill Scenario 1—Active Drowning Victim Final Skill Scenario 2—Submerged Passive Drowning Victim Final Skill Scenario 3—Head, Neck, or Back Injury. Note: There are several ways to care for a spinal injury in the water. In this scenario, the victim will be face down, and the student will need to rotate the victim face up with their choice of any of the different saves for this purpose. National standards require that all employers test each candidate to ensure they possess the required skills. Employers should also further their staff training through in-service programs to help increase their ability levels. At any time during employment, a staff member should be able to demonstrate their skills to show proficiency. Therefore, you must continue practicing your skills and work to improve them even after you complete our program. There is nothing more important than learning how to save a life, and nothing more rewarding than knowing you did it the right way. ALA has helped save tens of thousands of lives over the past quarter of a century. Learn to be alert, be professional, and save lives the right way. Get now and start saving 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. Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming 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. Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming