Trust the leader in swimming and lifeguard training since 1914. Choose from a complete line of courses offering the best training for staying safe in, on and around the water. Courses incorporate the latest research and instructional techniques that make learning easier.

For information on scheduled classes, contact the Health & Safety Department at the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter at (863) 294-5941.

Lifeguard Training

If you’re 15 or older and looking for a great summer job or a challenging career, American Red Cross Lifeguarding is the best place to start. This course helps you develop skills and experience valued by colleges and future employers. You’ll develop new skills and learn how to deal effectively with people, fostering a “take charge” attitude. You’ll also get a participant’s manual and tips for securing a lifeguarding job.

Classroom learning and hands-on practice build key skills—

• Surveillance skills to help you recognize and prevent injuries

• Rescue skills in the water and on land

• First aid training and professional rescuer CPR to help you prepare for any emergency

• Professional lifeguard responsibilities, like interacting with the public and addressing uncooperative patrons 

Length: 28-1/4  hours.  

 
      
Water Safety Instructor

If you’re at least 16 and a proficient swimmer, you can become an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) and teach swimming and water safety courses. As a WSI, you can—

• Teach skills that may save a life

• Gain terrific work experience as an aquatics professional

• Earn money—or join a volunteer team—while you help people learn valuable skills

• Learn organizational and presentation skills that will help you in any career

• Help prepare swim coaches to prevent and respond to emergency situations

• Make a difference in people’s lives

Length: 30 hours.  

     
American Red Cross Authorized Providers

Red Cross swimming and water safety programs, including Learn-to-Swim courses, lifeguarding, water safety instructor training and other programs, are offered by many Red Cross authorized providers throughout the area. Please contact an authorized provider near you for more information:

Together We Prepare–Schools

Streamlined to fit into busy class schedules, these presentations provide students with basic lifesaving and emergency preparedness information. Students learn valuable skills that can be applied at school—and at home with their families.

Any staff member with a current First Aid and CPR certification can lead this interactive presentation in your school, so it’s easy to offer sessions at convenient times. Choose the presentation that best meets your school’s needs:

• First Aid and Preparedness Level 1 is designed for children in grades 1-5 and teaches them to recognize when an emergency has occurred, keep safe and provide basic care.

• First Aid and Preparedness Level 2 is designed for grades 6-8 and introduces participants to the concept of emergency preparedness.

• First Aid and Preparedness Level 3 provides more in-depth information to students in grades 9-12.

First Aid and Preparedness leader’s guides are available from your local American Red Cross chapter.

 To encourage learning after the presentation, include these affordable training materials, suitable for all ages:

• First Aid and Preparedness participant’s booklet.

• First Aid and Emergency Preparedness Quick Reference Guide is a durable, color-coded tabbed guide that offers comprehensive step-by-step information in a compact flip chart format.

• Safety Tube is a convenient “grab and go” personal safety kit that includes a water pouch, dust mask, whistle and a 6-hour light stick.

•  TogetherWe Prepare–Schools CD-ROM for Educators provides user-friendly access to First Aid and Preparedness (levels 2 and 3) lesson plans and handouts, Facing Fear lesson plans 9 and 10 and activity sheets for all grade levels and additional references and tools for teachers for grades K-12.

Longfellow’s WHALE Tales

An easy-to-follow lesson plan supports classroom water safety training for kids ages 5 to 12. Each session features an animated video, plus activities, posters and worksheets.

Grades K-5; Instructor training is not required to teach this course.

Length: varies.