Certifications and Training

The American Red Cross hybrid learning lifeguarding course prepares you to prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies in and around the water. The eLearning portion of this class is scenario based and introduces you to the skills that yare practiced and mastered during the in-person skill sessions. Allow approximately 7 hours to complete the eLearning portion, including the final eLearning exam. All participants must complete the eLearning portion and present proof of completion to enter the in-person skill sessions at the Student Recreation Center.

Course Prerequisites: 150 yard swim, 2 minute water tread, 50 yard swim, and brick test. (Goggles may be used for the yard swim, but not for the brick test)

The American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification is valid for 2 years. Pocket mask is included with the course. Women must wear a one-piece suit, and men must wear draw string swim trunks.

The Lifeguard review course is a re-certification course for individuals who are looking to renew their current or recently expired lifeguard certification. To take this course, participants must hold a valid American Red Cross Lifeguard certification or certification that has expired in the last month. There is prerequisite test, a brief review of skills, and then testing of water and land skills. Participants need to bring a copy of their certification in order to prove their previous certification.

This course renews the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification for two years. Pocket mask is NOT included. Review is recommended prior to class attendance as review courses do not cover all material outlined in the manual.

Classes are scheduled on a need basis. Contact aquatics@bgsu.edu to express interest in a course or call 419.372.7482.

This is a hybrid learning course featuring online 2 simulation learnings, which combines web-based learning with an in-class skills session to help prepare you to respond to real-life emergencies. The online portions may take around 3-4 hours to complete and must be completed before the in-class session. Participants must bring a printed out certificate of completion of both online portions in order to be admitted to the in-class session of the class.

Recreation and Wellness reserves the right to cancel any class that does not have the minimum number of participants or for other circumstances. If a class is cancelled, participants are notified one day prior if current contact information has been properly provided.