Teen Work Experience Program / become a lifeguard today

Lifeguards protect their community by preventing, recognizing, and responding to water-related emergencies. In order to get a job at most facilities, you need to become certified, and most employers look for American Red Cross Certification.

Interested in a great summer job or challenging career as a professional lifeguard? Through videos, group discussion and hands-on practice, you’ll learn teamwork, rescue and surveillance skills, First Aid and CPR/AED and other skills you need to work as a professional lifeguard. 

Training options feature two core courses—Lifeguarding and Shallow Water Lifeguarding (available in a blended learning format)—plus optional add-on modules, including waterfront skills or waterpark skills modules. Successful completion results in a 2-year certification in 

Lifeguarding that includes first aid, professional-level CPR and AED in one certificate. Digital certificate available upon successful completion of course.

Prerequisites: Must be at least 15 years old and pass certain swimming requirements and tests.

For entry-level participants at all facility types

Course length: Less than 26 hours

Certification: Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED for 2 years

Email us at Lifeguards@cdcusa.org lets set up your class today!

Watch the class in action! / Click here

RE:  Letter of Success, Life Skills, Jobs Programs  Spring 2007 - To Date

In 2007, I took my first lifeguard training class through CDC USA and little did I know I would continuously take part in lifeguard, CPR, AED, and First Aid classes for the next nine years. I am currently a graduate student at Texas Christian University but my home is in California and the training I received from the CDC USA has come in handy in both states, CA & TX. My knowledge obtained from my training has helped me gain confidence in many situations in which bad things could happen. I felt I was prepared and had the tools needed to help if anyone needed it.

My experience with the CDC started when I was 15 years old, when I accepted my first job as a lifeguard and swim coach for a local pool but I had to get my certification before I could do my job. I have worked at that same pool every summer through high school, college, and this past summer between my two years of graduate school. 

The CDC USA has provided the classes and certification I’ve needed to continue working with families and children every summer. I am able to work at a job I love because of my training and the continuous help of CDC USA. I not only use the skills learned in my classes for my job as a lifeguard but also in my everyday life.  

I’ve been in situations in which I needed to know how to rescue someone off the side of a boat, I’ve used my training to roll an intoxicated person to the side to prevent her from choking on her own throw-up. Another time I’ve pulled out my card to help other certified personnel deal with situations. 

I teach swim team and swim lessons every summer and the children I work with are in the age range from 3-18 years old. The extra knowledge gained from renewing my certifications has continued to make me feel comfortable teaching those children and further puts their parents at ease knowing I can take care of their children. 

I am so grateful for my certification’s and for the Community Development Center USA taking the time to help me stay up to date on new policies and rescue procedures-information. 

FROM: Kelly Lee

Texas Christian University
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