First Time Lifeguard Certification & Training with First Aid and CPR/AED that you can start and complete right away. Save $100 today with a special Grant!

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The American Lifeguard Association® is pleased to announce that we have secured a national grant for 2025 to lower our lifeguard and safety training fees. These funds will be available until they are exhausted. The price reflects a special $100 discount due to the grant we received, with our regular price being $385. The funds are limited, so register today to ensure you can take advantage of the grant.

Our video instructor-led course allows individuals to become trained and certified in lifeguarding without waiting for a group class. Upon completing the online components of the program, you will receive a two-year certification in lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and first aid. If you need assistance during your training, we are available 24/7 in real-time at alalifeguard@aol.com. After finishing the course, your certification records will be uploaded to the National Verification System, enabling employers and health department officials to verify your credentials easily.

Our lifeguard training and certification program requires that employers adhere to the standards outlined by the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). In accordance with these national standards, employers must conduct both pre-service and in-service training evaluations. This rigorous approach ensures that our training not only meets national benchmarks but also provides candidates with top-tier education, preparing them for effective prevention and response to aquatic emergencies.

The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) has the support of Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, which are 501(c)(3) nonprofit associations that oversee beaches and swimming pools. ALA works directly with employers nationwide to help train lifeguard professionals. The primary purpose of ALA is to reduce drownings and help keep our swimming pools, beaches, and waterways safer.

Our lifeguard course incorporates the latest ECC science and guidelines from the United States Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition.

Click on "ADD TO CART" at the top of the page to register.

The American Lifeguard Association has been listed on the CDC Healthy Swimming website over the years. Additionally, both the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. General Service Administration (GSA) have determined that the American Lifeguard Association offers lifeguard certification programs equivalent to those provided by the American Red Cross. Since the early 1990s, we have ensured that all our training programs meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements.

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the U.S. Department of Labor, as the federal Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), has determined that the American Lifeguard Association meets the national standards for lifeguard training and certification. The American Lifeguard Association is among a select few national training entities recognized by the United States Government as meeting these federal requirements. Consequently, the American Lifeguard Association fulfills the national requirements for lifeguard training and certification in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.

We provide entry-level participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until EMS personnel take over.

Participants who successfully complete the lifeguarding course receive an American Lifeguard certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, valid for 2 years.

Prerequisites: You must be at least 15 years of age to take the Lifeguarding course • Be able to complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest: 1. 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.) 2. Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs, no arms 3. Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both • Brick Test – Complete in 1 minute, 40 seconds- Swim 20 yards, surface dive to 7ft, retrieve a 10-pound brick at the bottom of the pool, return to the surface, swim on the back holding a brick to starting position, and exit the water. (Swim goggles not allowed)

30-DAY PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE

We owe our success to you, our members, and we know that price is a critical concern. We want you to feel confident by choosing the American Lifeguard Association at the lowest prices. Even though we routinely monitor our competitors to ensure our prices are competitive, if you find a lower price after 30 days of your registration, on any training we offer within the county where you live that is being conducted within 30 days of your registration, at your local park authority, community pool, school, or university, we will match it.

We must be able to verify the lower price through a valid website. Lower prices that cannot be confirmed will not be honored. The training cannot be offered by an employer with whom you are required to go for employment purposes, as this would result in reduced pay for the lower-priced course. Additionally, the class must currently be open for registration and not already filled.

To take advantage of our offer, simply email us at alalifeguard@aol.com anytime within 30 days of your initial registration. Include the website, link, or advertisement where you found a better price. Once the lower price and source are confirmed, the American Lifeguard Association will instantly refund the difference.

30-DAY SATISFACTION GUARANTEE

Your satisfaction is our priority. That's why we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If our training doesn't meet your expectations, simply email us at alalifeguard@aol.com within 30 days of your registration. We'll process your refund on the same day.

The American Lifeguard Association promotes the safe and enjoyable use of aquatic environments through public service announcements and national news media interviews. The Association’s opinions and viewpoints have been aired numerous times over the decades on network shows such as NBC Today Show, Good Morning America, Doctors, and Weather Channel. It has also worked with all the national news networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. To learn more about our Association and read the latest news stories regarding the American Lifeguard Association's nationwide efforts in the lifesaving profession, we ask that you tap American Lifeguard Association News.

The American Lifeguard and Safety Training™ is a trademark of the American Lifeguard Association's health and safety courses. The American Lifeguard Association is one of the top associations specializing in training and certifying candidates in the American aquatics and safety training profession.

The American Lifeguard and Safety Training™ is a critical service with the support of employers and government agencies nationwide. With our program, you can get certified at your own pace and join our over 25,000 active lifeguard members across the USA.

The training can be accomplished on your own and at your own pace. The program is also eligible for 29 hours of Continuing Education Unit (CEU) and college elective credits.

With the introduction of new national standards, all facilities must devise methods to verify and sustain adequate skill competency for all lifeguards. This includes new, returning, seasonal, and current lifeguards. While required certifications and pre-employment tests can contribute to this process, they don't negate the need for on-site orientation and in-service training. By adhering to these protocols, employers will satisfy the U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA Good Faith Efforts.

The national standards also state that the screening tests should not be so strict that they exclude lifeguard candidates whose skills are not as good, but whose dedication and personal characteristics could make them a better lifeguard than a person who can swim faster.

Please see below the information and all the steps needed to complete our national lifeguard training and certification program.

With our lifeguard training program, you will not have to wait for a group class. Our national self-study programs can be taken anywhere and practiced by individuals, schools, universities, and community pools in the United States and abroad. The American Lifeguard Association® is one of only a few national certifying agencies for lifeguards.

The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is a national educational association with the full support of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association and Global Lifeguards (a nonprofit 501c3 organization). These organizations are members of the Global Lifeguard Association, one of the largest worldwide aquatic consortiums, which has trained more than 250,000 certified lifeguards over the past 30 years.

To enroll in the Lifeguarding course, you may be of any age, but US Labor Laws require that you be 15 years or older to work at a swimming pool, water park, lake, and 16 years or older at beaches. Our programs may be eligible for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) and college elective credits. Upon completion, we suggest that you contact your school or university for further details and eligibility.

STEPS TO COMPLETE THE ALA PROGRAM

Review all instructor-led training videos and online materials

Once you register, you will receive links to our online training videos and an online lifeguard manual. These materials will cover various skills and techniques associated with CPR/AED and First Aid. You need to be familiar with and able to perform the skills shown in these materials.

All our programs require participants to practice and demonstrate their skills in and out of the water. You can find a full list of these swimming, rescue, and first aid skills below. Upon completing this step, participants will obtain a Deep-Water Lifeguard certification titled Professional Lifeguard and First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. Per the new national standards, the certificate will be valid for two years from the completion date.

Complete the online final exam

After you have reviewed the training videos and additional online materials and are able to accomplish your skills, you will need to go online and take the final written exam. Successful completion of the final exam requires a score of 80% or higher. You may review your online materials if needed at any time. There is no time limit to take the exam, but it must be taken at one time; you cannot leave the exam and return where you left off. If you leave the exam, you will need to start it over until completed. If you do not receive a passing grade, you can retake the exam until you pass at no additional fees. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive a full printout of your exam score along with the correct answers to any questions you may have gotten wrong. We require that you look over your exam results to help ensure you know all the right answers. Upon completion, you will be given a lifeguard, CPR/AED, and First Aid certification. The certifications will be valid for two years from the date issued. The purpose of the ALA training program is to teach candidates the knowledge and skills needed to help prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies.

You will receive an email confirming your successful completion of the program, and your records will be placed in a national verification system the same day you complete the final exam; you will receive a Deep-Water Lifeguard certification titled Professional Lifeguard along with First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer.

The verification system allows validated certification to be viewed by employers and health department officials. We request that you print out a copy of your American Lifeguard Association certification once you receive this official email. Also, a waterproof, wallet-size certification card will be mailed to you the next business day.

Employee Orientation

An orientation session about facility operations and responsibilities helps lifeguards understand the facility, their responsibilities, and management’s expectations. The orientation is critical for learning what is unique about your workplace. Ask your employer questions about your facility and become completely familiar with your facility’s operations.

The employer ensures that each lifeguard candidate has all the skills and knowledge necessary for the position they are being considered for. The employer also needs to make sure the candidate meets the requirements regarding physical and all other elements before starting employment. The employer should evaluate your current skill level. Your employer may have you participate in rescue scenarios to ensure that you understand your team's responsibilities and are familiar with your facility’s layout and equipment.

Continue with in-service training with your employer

Earning a lifeguarding certification means you have completed a training course on a given date. It does not mean that you have learned everything there is to know about lifeguarding. Once hired as a lifeguard, you should expect to be required to continue your training.

Employers must adhere to the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) guidelines, which mandate both pre-service evaluations and continuous in-service training.

To enroll in the program, click the ADD TO CART button at the top. Once you register and pay, we will email you full instructions on how to complete the program.

SKILLS COVERED IN THE PROGRAM

Swimming Skills:

If you can answer “yes” to the following questions, you will pass the swimming test portion of the lifeguard certification requirements.

Can you swim for 300 yards without stopping using the following 3 strokes in this order and with the proper form? Front crawl (freestyle) for 100 yards, Breaststroke for 100 yards, Either the front crawl or the breaststroke for the final 100 yards.
Can you retrieve a weight from the bottom of the pool within a time limit of 1 minute and 40 seconds?

Beginning in the water, you must swim for 20 yards using either the front crawl or the breaststroke. You must then complete a surface dive to “rescue” a 10-lb weight that is 7–10 ft below the surface. Once the weight is retrieved, you must swim back to the point where you started (a distance of 20 yards) and get out of the pool without using steps or a ladder.

Rescue Skills:

Slide-In Entry
Stride and Compact Jumps
Rescue Approach—Front Crawl or Breaststroke
Simple Assist
Extension Assist from the Deck
Reaching Assist with Equipment and Throwing Assist
Swimming Extension Rescue
Active and Passive Drowning Victim Rear Rescue
Two-Person Removal from the Water Using a Backboard
Passive Submerged Victim—Shallow Water
Submerged Victim—Deep Water
Multiple-Victim Rescue
Feet-First Surface Dive
Front and Rear Head-Hold Escape

Caring for Head, Neck, or Back Injury Skills:

Manual In-Line Stabilization for a Head, Neck, or Back Injury on Land—Lying Down, Sitting, or Standing
Using a Backboard for a Standing Victim on Land
Head Splint Technique—Face-Up Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface
Head Splint Technique—Face-Down Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface
Head Splint Technique—Face-Up Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface
Head Splint Technique—Face-Down Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface
Head and Chin Support—Face-Up Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface
Head and Chin Support—Face-Down Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface
Head and Chin Support—Face-Up Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface
Head and Chin Support—Face-Down Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface
Stabilization for a Submerged Victim—Face-Up, Face-Down, or on One Side in Deep Water
Using a Backboard in Shallow and Deep Water

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Skills:

Removing Gloves
Initial Assessment
Rescue Breathing—Adult, Child, and Infant
Using a Bag-Valve-Mask Resuscitator—Two Rescuers
Conscious Choking—Adult, Child, and Infant
Unconscious Choking—Adult, Child, and Infant
CPR—Adult, Child, and Infant
Two-Rescuer CPR—Adult, Child, and Infant
Using an AED—Adult and Child

First Aid Skills:

Secondary Assessment
Controlling External Bleeding
Applying a Sling and Binder
Applying an Anatomic Splint
Applying a Soft Splint

Skill Scenarios:

Final Skill Scenario 1—Active Drowning Victim
Final Skill Scenario 2—Submerged Passive Drowning Victim
Final Skill Scenario 3—Head, Neck, or Back Injury.

National standards require that all employers test each candidate to ensure they possess the required skills. Employers should also further their staff training through in-service programs to help increase their ability levels. At any time during employment, a staff member should be able to demonstrate their skills to show proficiency. Therefore, even after you complete our program, you must continue practicing your skills and work to improve them.

There is nothing more important than learning how to save a life, and nothing more rewarding than knowing you did it the right way. ALA has helped save tens of thousands of lives over the past quarter of a century. Learn to be alert, be professional, and save lives the right way. Get certified now and start saving lives!

The U.S. Department of Labor, under the Fair Labor Standards Act, sets the eligibility and establishes national standards for lifeguard training and certification across the country and is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). They have determined that the American Lifeguard Association meets these laws and regulations and offers lifeguard certification programs similar to those provided by the American Red Cross.

The American Lifeguard Association is just one of a handful of national training entities listed by the United States Government to meet these federal requirements. With this said, the American Lifeguard Association meets national lifeguard training and certification requirements for all 50 states along with the District of Columbia and U.S. territories, per Article VI of the U.S. Constitution which dictates that federal law is the "supreme law of the land." Federal regulations, such as meeting the United States Department of Labor requirements regarding lifeguard training and certifications, take superiority over state laws. Preemption applies regardless of whether the conflicting laws come from state legislatures, courts, administrative agencies, or state constitutions.

To enroll in the program, click the ADD TO CART button at the top of the page. You can complete the certification program right away or at any time in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I register for lifeguard certification and training? You can register for our lifeguard certification by simply clicking the "ADD TO CART" button at the top of this page. Once you've completed your registration, you will receive immediate access to the online training materials and can start your lifeguard training right away. We are available 24/7 in real-time to assist you if you have any questions or need help with the program.
What does the lifeguard training program include? Our lifeguard course includes certification in Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR/AED. The program covers swimming skills, rescue techniques, CPR/AED, and First Aid procedures. It follows the latest national standards for lifeguard certification and training, ensuring that you are well-prepared to respond to emergencies.
How long is my lifeguard certification valid? Once you complete the lifeguard certification, it is valid for two years. You will be required to take a lifeguard recertification course to renew your credentials.
Can I take lifeguard certification classes near me? Yes, our lifeguard training programs are available nationwide. The American Lifeguard Association offers lifeguard classes and lifeguard courses for individuals, schools, and community pools. You can start and complete your training at your convenience.
Are there any prerequisites for the lifeguard course? Yes, the prerequisites include: being at least 15 years old, swimming 300 yards continuously, treading water for 2 minutes, and completing a timed rescue event. These ensure that participants are ready for lifeguard training and certification.
Can I complete the lifeguard course online? Yes, our lifeguard certification and classes can be completed online through our video-led instructions and comprehensive manuals. This allows you to train at your own pace without waiting for a group class. Our national blended program is designed to enable employers to assess your skills while promoting continuous practice and improvement through in-service training. By combining the convenience of online instruction with practical application overseen by employers, our approach ensures candidates gain real-world experience under the guidance of experienced professionals. We mandate both pre-service and in-service training evaluations by employers in line with the CDC Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). This ensures our program meets national standards, providing candidates with top-tier education and preparation for aquatic emergency prevention and response.
How do I recertify my lifeguard certification? Our lifeguard recertification program is available to all previously certified individuals. You can take the lifeguard recertification course online, which reviews key skills and includes an exam to renew your lifeguard certificate.
What is the cost of the lifeguard certification program? Thanks to a special grant, our lifeguard certification program is currently available at a discounted rate of $285, reduced from the original price of $385. This price includes training for lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid, with a lifeguard certificate valid for two years.
What happens if I don't pass the lifeguard course on my first attempt? If you don't pass the lifeguard course exam on your first attempt, you can retake it at no additional cost. We want you to succeed and feel confident in your lifeguard training.
Where can I take lifeguard classes near me? Our lifeguard certification programs are available nationwide. You can register for lifeguard courses and lifeguard training at any time and complete the course from anywhere.
Is the lifeguard certification recognized in all 50 states? Yes, under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the U.S. Department of Labor, as the federal Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), has determined that the American Lifeguard Association meets the national standards for lifeguard training and certification. The American Lifeguard Association is among a select few national training entities recognized by the United States Government as meeting these federal requirements. Consequently, the American Lifeguard Association fulfills the national requirements for lifeguard training and certification in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.
Is online lifeguard certification valid internationally?

Yes, lifeguard certification through recognized organizations like the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) and the American Red Cross are valid internationally.
How do I ensure my lifeguard skills remain sharp after certification? Employers are required to provide both pre-service and continuous in-service training to ensure lifeguards have the required skills. Regular practice and ongoing evaluations are key to maintaining proficiency after lifeguard certification, as required by the CDC Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC).
How do I register for a lifeguard recertification course?

You can register for our lifeguard recertification course by visiting our website and selecting the "Recertification" option. Simply click "Add to Cart" to complete your registration. Once registered, you will receive immediate access to the online materials to begin your recertification training. We are available 24/7 to assist you with any questions or guidance throughout the process.

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Click on "ADD TO CART" at the top of the page to register.