Lifeguard Training

Anyone 15 and older with swimming ability to complete an American Red Cross Lifeguard Class pre-course swimming skills test.

Prerequisite 1: 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.

Prerequisite 2: 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.

• Tests are completed at the Columbus Aquatics Center.
• Available by appointment by contacting the Columbus Aquatics Center at 614-645-6122 or by email aquaticcenter@columbus.gov.
• One hour before the posted start on the first day of the training course.

• $150 for those that will take their certification to work outside of the City of Columbus.
• The course fee is waived for those who will be hired by the City of Columbus. Check out the employment information below. If employment with the City is not finalized, the certification will be held until payment of $150 is received for the training.

• All classes are contingent upon the number of candidates and must have a class of at least three people.
• For more information, email aquaticcenter@columbus.gov.
• Full Classes sessions run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Express/Weekend classes are held on Friday from 4 – 9 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.