The Red Cross Lifeguarding Program Update is now available!
Being prepared to prevent, protect and respond to aquatic emergencies demands a modernized training program based on latest science. To access the updated resources for the Lifeguarding and CPR for Professional Rescuers (CPRO) r.24 release, existing customers can log into the Red Cross Learning Center.
Start teaching Longfellow's WHALE Tales Water Safety for Children program today!
Lifeguard Virtual Reality Training is Here!
As part of the r.24 Lifeguarding Program update, the Red Cross is excited to announce its award-winning Virtual Reality (VR) Surveillance Simulation. This optional training method puts participants into realistic aquatic environment, tasking trainees to identify drowning persons.
Aquatic & Water Safety Courses and Services Brochure Downloads
American Red Cross offers a comprehensive portfolio of aquatic and lifeguarding training courses to help ensure you can respond with confidence when lives are on the line.
Elevate Your Training
Expert training to support your aquatic programs with enhanced learning tools and updated teaching methods.
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Aquatics Training Provider Information
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Learn how you can teach and deliver Red Cross education and training programs.
Already a Training Provider?
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Flexible Training Options for Aquatic & Water Safety
We can customize the perfect solution for you.
Blended Learning
Online learning taken anywhere/anytime followed by a skills session.
Instructor-Led
Entire in-person course taught by an experienced instructor.
Recertification
Courses that review skills and content prior to testing.
Online Only
Self-paced online learning and development courses.
American Red Cross Aquatics Guidelines and Best Practices
The 2024 American Red Cross Aquatics Guidelines and Best Practices for Lifeguarding Database provides users with easy-to-understand explanations of Red Cross scientific reviews, aquatic statements and best practices. Topics include definitions of water competency, circle of drowning prevention and guidance for handling a drowning emergency and more.
Feel Confident in Evidence-based Science
Behind every American Red Cross training program stands a team of experts, the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, ensuring what is taught is based on the latest and best in emergency science.
The Scientific Advisory Council work includes:
- Circle of Drowning Prevention
- Definition of Water Competency
- In-Water Resuscitation
- Jellyfish Stings
- Lightning Safety for Pools
- Minimum Age for Swimming Lessons
- Voluntary Hyperventilation Preceding Underwater Swimming (Hypoxic Blackout)
- Water Temperature for Aquatics
Grow Your Business Using Red Cross Training
Promote your classes on redcross.org to millions of customers looking for training.
“Not only is the American Red Cross the ‘gold standard’ for lifeguard training nationwide, but it also provides the most comprehensive course materials and resources available to students, trainers and aquatic professionals and service providers.”
Michael Brown
The Pool Management Group
Recommended Training Products for Aquatic Facilities
Drowning Prevention Education and Resources
Drowning is a leading cause of death for children. Together we can change that. What is your community’s level of water competency? Would they be able to make a difference like the two friends in this video who put their lifeguard training into action?
Celebrating 100 Years of Water Safety
The Red Cross Centennial Campaign helps millions of kids, teens and adults learn how to swim and become lifeguards and instructors so that the water can be a safer place for everyone. Join us as we champion water safety for the next 100 Years.
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