City of Gainesville Lifeguarding and Safety Classes

Want a rewarding and fun summer job? Get certified as a professional American Red Cross lifeguard!

Fee: $225, includes book and materials

Participants must be able to pass all American Red Cross assessments with an 80% or better to receive certification. The certification is valid for two years.

Prerequisites:
Complete a swim, tread, swim sequence without stopping to rest:
• 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.)
• Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs
• Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both
• Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
• Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed).
• Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 – 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
• Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
• Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Session # 1
Monday, March 17, 4-8 pm – Pre-requisite swim test
Wednesday, March 19, 4-8 pm
Friday, March 21, 4-8 pm
Saturday, March 22, 8 am-6 pm
Sunda,y March 23, 8 am-6 pm

Session #2
Monday, March 31, 4-8 pm – Pre-requisite swim test
Wednesday, April 2, 4-8 pm
Friday, April 4, 4-8 pm
Saturday, April 5, 8 am-6 pm
Sunday, April 6, 8 am-6 pm

Session #3
Monday, April 14, 4-8 pm – Pre-requisite swim test
Wednesday, April 16, 4-8 pm
Friday, April 18, 4-8 pm
Saturday, April 19, 8 am-6 pm
Sunday, April 20, 8 am-6 pm

Session #4
Monday, April 28, 4-8 pm – Pre-requisite swim test
Wednesday, April 30, 4-8 pm
Friday, May 2, 4-8 pm
Saturday, May 3, 8 am-6 pm
Sunday, May 4, 8 am-6 pm

Session #5
Monday, May 12, 4-8 pm – Pre-requisite swim test
Wednesday, May 14, 4-8 pm
Friday, May 16, 4-8 pm
Saturday, May 17, 8 am-6 pm
Sunday, May 18, 8 am-6 pm

Session #6
Wednesday, May 28, 4-8 pm – Pre-requisite swim test
Thursday, May 29, 4-8 pm
Friday, May 30, 4-8pm
Saturday, May 31, 8 am-6 pm
Sunday, June 1, 8 am-6 pm

Interested in employment opportunities with the city? We have lifeguard positions available $15/hour. Must be 16 years of age to work at city pools.