Lessons

Please read the following lesson descriptions carefully since, in the NEW American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program, the order skills are taught has changed. The American Red Cross program offers six comprehensive course levels. The prerequisite for each level is the successful demonstration of the skills from the preceding level, except for Level 1, which has no prerequisite.

For lesson descriptions, please read the American Red Cross's Swimming and Water Safety Skills Chart for Levels 1-6.

GuardStart: Lifeguarding Tomorrow
Designed for youth ages 11 to 14, American Red Cross GuardStart: Lifeguarding Tomorrow provides a foundation of lifeguarding and life skills. For youth with swimming skills, this program makes an ideal transition between Red Cross Learn-to-Swim and the Lifeguard Training Course.

GuardStart focuses on five key areas:

• Prevention of aquatic accidents
• Fitness and swimming skills
• Response in an emergency
• Leadership skills
• Professionalism of a lifeguard

Lifeguard Training
Participates must be 15 years old upon completion of the course. This course focuses on the lifeguard's job in a swimming pool environment through a combination of classroom and hands-on practice.

During Lifeguard Training you will learn:

• 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

Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
Participates must be 16 years old upon completion of the course and pass a pre-course written and water safety skills test. WSI will train individuals to teach the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Courses.

During WSI you will learn:

• How to use course materials
• Develop lesson plans
• Conduct classes
• Evaluate Students
• Complete course records

Questions
Still have questions about LARPD's aquatic offerings? Contact our aquatic coordinator at aquatics@larpd.dst.ca.us