Junior Lifeguarding
The bridge from swim lessons or swim team to certification: endurance, victim recognition, First Aid/CPR/AED basics, water rescue techniques. Summer sessions, with an optional North Texas Guard Games team.
Lifeguard Training
From Junior Guard at 11 to certified at 15 to instructor by 17. Red Cross lifeguarding courses taught in our pools by the team that guards them, with a hiring pathway at the end.
American Red CrossCertification valid two years
Ages 15+ to certifyJuniors from 11
Blended learningOnline modules plus in-water days
Now hiringCertify here, work here
What It Is
The J offers the full American Red Cross lifeguarding pathway: Junior Lifeguarding for 11 to 14 year olds, the Lifeguarding Certification course from age 15, Recertification before your two years expire, and the Lifeguard Instructor course for certified guards who want to teach.
Every course mixes online learning with hands-on days in our indoor pool and the Haymann Family Aquatic Center, led by instructors who guard these pools themselves.
Who It's For
Lifeguarding Certification
Surveillance, water rescue, spinal injury management, and First Aid/CPR/AED for the professional rescuer. Prerequisite swim test on day one.
Recertification
A condensed review and skills re-test to renew for two more years.
What You'll Learn
- Victim recognition and active surveillance
- Water rescue techniques and extrications
- Spinal injury management in the water
- First Aid, CPR, and AED for the professional rescuer
- Emergency action plans and teamwork
- Swimming endurance and fitness for guards
Certification
Successful participants receive American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certification, valid for two years. Instructor candidates receive Lifeguard Instructor certification. Junior Lifeguards receive a certificate of completion and are first in line for the certification course at 15.
Price
| Option | Members | Non-members |
|---|---|---|
| Lifeguarding Certification | See registration | See registration |
| Recertification | See registration | See registration |
| Lifeguard Instructor | See registration | See registration |
| Junior Lifeguarding | See registration | See registration |
Upcoming Dates
Pick a date on the calendar or choose from the list. Each course links straight to registration.
Before You Register
Prerequisites, requirements, policies, and resources.
Prerequisite swim test (certification course)
Swim 300 yards continuously using front crawl or breaststroke; tread water two minutes using legs only; complete a timed event: swim 20 yards, surface dive 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound brick, return on your back holding the brick with both hands, exit without a ladder, all within 1 minute 40 seconds.
Junior Lifeguarding prerequisite
Comfortable swimming 100 yards continuously. Ages 11 to 14 at the start of the session.
Online learning
Blended courses include Red Cross online modules that must be completed before the first in-person day. A link arrives by email after registration.
Manuals and resources
What to bring
Swimsuit, towel, goggles optional, water bottle, lunch for full-day sessions, a notebook. Rescue equipment is provided.
Attendance and cancellation
Attendance at every session is required to certify. Cancel seven days before the course start for a refund less a processing fee; no refunds inside seven days.
Jobs
Certified guards can apply to work at The J. See open positions.
Explore training
Training That Saves Lives
Skills for the moments that matter. Register for a date, or ask us to bring this course to your group.