Robbinsdale Area Schools Community Education

Are you interested in becoming a lifeguard, but not quite sure about your swim skills? The Lifeguard Training Prep classes will help you get comfortable with the water and prepare you for a Lifeguard Certification course. You must be at least 14 years old. Basic swim skills required. Come to one class or take them all! This training course is FREE for youth ages 14-21. Click here for our Red Cross Lifeguard Certification courses.

This course requires participants to complete online learning prior to in-class skills sessions. Please make sure to provide a valid email address when completing registration. The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatics emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over. The Blended Learning format allows students to work independently on theory through a series of informational videos and tutorials. They then present what skills they learned in a hands-on class. See below for course requirements. Upon completion of this course participants will receive American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED valid for 2 years. March 18-21, 2026 Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, 5:00-9:00pm Saturday, 10:00am - 7:00pm This certification is FREE for youth ages 15-21 who live in Hennepin County! Prerequisites • Must be 15 years old on or before the final day of the course. First Day Pre-Course Swim On the first day of class, you will be required to complete the pre-requisite swim which consists of: 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. Therefore, if you wear contacts, please plan on bringing your glasses or a case for your contacts. No exceptions Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 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 with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath. Candidates should not swim the distance under water. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps. Course Length • Approximately 7 hours for online learning • Approximately 22-24 hours for in class skills Please note: Course times may vary to include breaks. Certification Requirements • Attend and participate in all class sessions. • Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities. • Demonstrate competency in all required final rescue skill scenarios. • Pass the CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, Administering Emergency Oxygen and Lifeguarding Skills final written exams with minimum grades of 80 percent. Requirements Age: 15 yrs and older