r.24 Lifeguarding Instructor Course
Course Purpose
The purpose of the American Red Cross r. 24 Lifeguarding Instructor course is to train instructor candidates to teach the basic-level courses in the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program.
Course Prerequisites
Be at least 17 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the Lifeguarding Instructor course.
Possess a current basic-level certification in American Red Cross Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid. (Note:r.17 Lifeguarding certification accepted)
Obtain instructor and participant course materials before starting the course.
Successfully complete the online session of the Lifeguarding Instructor course before the precourse session.
Successfully complete the prerequisite skill assessment scenario to continue in the course. The prerequisite skill assessment scenario evaluates the following skills:
- Entry
- Swimming approach o Surface dive in deep water (7 to 10 feet)
- Passive submerged rescue Rapid extrication (with an assisting rescuer)
- Rapid assessment Single-rescuer CPR (3 minutes)
Course Length
The Lifeguarding Instructor course is delivered in a blended learning format consisting
of an online session (completed independently by the candidate) and in-person
sessions (led by an American Red Cross–certified instructor trainer).
The online session for the instructor course takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
The instruction time for the in-person sessions, including the precourse session, is 16 hours. The instruction time does not include time for breaks or transitions. When scheduling the in-person sessions, additional time must be added to accommodate breaks and transitions.
Course Materials
Lifeguarding instructor candidates should obtain and review the following r. 24 American
Red Cross course materials before attending the Lifeguarding Instructor course:
Lifeguarding Instructor’s Manual (candidates must bring a print version of this manual to the instructor course in-person sessions).
Lifeguarding Instructor’s Deck Book (optional)
Lifeguarding Manual (digital or print version)
Lifeguarding course videos (available to download from the Red Cross Learning Center, included in the Lifeguarding Course Presentation for Instructor-Led Training, or by purchasing the Lifeguarding DVD set)
Lifeguarding Course Presentation for Instructor-Led Training (available to download from the Red CrossLearning Center).
Digital materials and video are available on the Lifeguarding Instructor Candidate’s
Page of the Red Cross Learning Center (redcrosslearningcenter.org/s/instructor-candidate-resources)
Print materials, the DVD, and a Lifeguarding Instructor’s Kit that includes all required
materials for teaching the Lifeguarding course are available for purchase on the Red Cross Store (redcross.org/store).
Successful Completion
To successfully complete the Lifeguarding Instructor course and receive a Lifeguarding Instructor certification, candidates must:
Successfully complete the Lifeguarding Instructor Course online session.
Successfully complete the prerequisite skill assessment scenario.
Successfully complete the Lifeguarding Instructor skill practice and polish session, demonstrating the following skills to instructor-level competency:
Entries and approaches
Active rescues at the surface
Passive rescues at the surface
Passive submerged rescues in shallow, moderate-depth and deep water
Feet-first and head-first surface dives in deep water.
Rapid extrication using a backboard.
pPutting on gloves with wet hands.
Two-rescuer CPR with AED for an adult.
Surveillance and rotation proceduresSpinal motion restriction and extrication in shallow water
Multiple-Rescuer Team Response Scenarios
Attend the entire course and participate in all class sessions
Actively participate in all course activities.
Successfully complete teaching assignments.
Small group teaching activities November 2023
Practice Teaching Assignment I
Practice Teaching Assignment II
▪ Demonstrate instructor-level skill competency in all skills. This means being able to
demonstrate all of the skill steps as they are written, in the correct order, and in
accordance with the proficiency criteria to meet the skill objectives.
▪ Successfully pass the final written exam with a minimum grade of 80 percent.
Certification
Candidates who successfully complete the Lifeguarding Instructor course will be issued the following American Red Cross certificate: Lifeguarding Instructor, valid for 2 years.
To maintain the Lifeguarding Instructor certification, the instructor must successfully complete the Lifeguarding Instructor Recertification blended learning course within the 2-year certification period.
If the instructor certification has expired, the instructor is eligible to participate in the Lifeguarding Instructor Recertification course for up to, but no longer than, one year past the expiration date. This one-year grace period applies only to achieving recertification. It does not extend the instructor certification, and the instructor may not teach courses during this time.
Instructor Trainer
To instruct the Lifeguarding Instructor course, the instructor trainer must hold a current American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor Trainer certification.
Course Objectives:
After completing this Lifeguarding instructor course, candidates will be able to:
Exhibit the characteristics required of an American Red Cross representative and role model.
Identify key responsibilities of American Red Cross–certified Lifeguarding instructors.
Conduct American Red Cross Lifeguarding courses and modules in a manner that helps participants to stay engaged in the learning process and meet course objectives.
Describe the purpose of, and training foundations for, the courses and modules in the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program.
Describe the core competencies that form the basis for the curriculum of American Red Cross Lifeguarding courses.
Describe the process used to ensure that the content of American Red Cross training courses isgrounded in science.
Identify the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program benchmarks for lifeguards and facility operations.
Describe how instructors and participants use the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program course materials.
Effectively plan, schedule, and prepare to teach the courses and modules in the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program.
Use various teaching methods to deliver the course content effectively.
Follow the lesson plans and outlines in the Lifeguarding Instructor’s Manual to provide high-quality standardized training.
Effectively run skill practice sessions, skill drills, putting it all together activities and multiple-rescuerteam response scenarios.
Monitor participants’ skill practice, assess performance, and provide positive and corrective feedback.
Effectively evaluate participant performance during the prerequisite swimming skills evaluation and the final skill assessments.
Describe how to locate instructor resources and use essential administrative functions in the Red Cross Learning Center.
Explain procedures for reporting courses and issuing certificates to participants.
Identify the next steps instructors should take after obtaining their American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor certification.
Identify actions instructors must take to maintain their certification as a Red Cross Lifeguarding instructor.
Agree to the terms of the American Red Cross Instructor Agreement and Code of Conduct
The short version:
Becoming a certified Lifeguarding Instructor involves several steps. Here’s what you need to do:
Online Introduction: Successfully complete the online Introduction to the Lifeguarding Instructor Course This course provides essential information about teaching lifeguarding skills.
Precourse Session: Attend and actively participate in the precourse session. This session covers essential skills and knowledge required for teaching lifeguarding.
Course Sessions: Attend all course sessions and actively participate. These sessions will equip you with the necessary teaching techniques and strategies.
Practice-Teaching Assignments: Successfully complete all class activities, including the four practice-teaching assignments. These assignments allow you to practice teaching lifeguarding skills.
Remember, the American Red Cross provides comprehensive resources and materials
for instructor candidates