Lifeguard Classes & Clinics

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Class

The South Lake Tahoe Recreation Dept. is offering an American Red Cross Certified Lifeguard Training course. The course is being taught by an American Red Cross Certified Instructor and will provide participants with knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies. Participants will be trained and certified to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illness until EMS (emergency services) take over.

Participants must be 16 years of age, able to swim 300 yards continuously while demonstrating breathing control and rhythmic breathing, tread water for two minutes using the legs only, and complete a timed event.

Upon successful completion, participants will receive the American Red Cross Certificate for Life-guarding/ First Aid/ CPR/AED, which is valid for two years. Attendance at all facility sessions and completion of all online lessons are two of a number of requirements necessary to successfully pass for certification.
Pre-Course online class and swim test must be completed before 1st class
Swim Test by appointment (Please call 530-542-6056)

October Lifeguard Certification Course

October 16 - 20 (Monday - Friday) from 5:00 - 9:00 pm

(Please call 530-542-6056) to register


American Red Cross Lifeguard Re-Certification Class Info

The purpose of this class is to provide re-certification to previously certified  American Red Cross (ARC) Lifeguards or current ARC Certified lifeguards to renew certification and update their knowledge of new ARC policies and procedures. The class will provide participants with updated knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies. Participants will be trained and certified to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency services (EMS) personnel take over. 

Requirements: Previous ARC Lifeguard Certificate in good standing. Review current lifeguarding manual and videos prior to first class. Participants must be 16 years of age, be able to swim 300 yards continuously, demonstrate breath control and rhythmic breathing, tread water for two minutes using the legs only, and complete a timed event retrieving a brick from the deep end of the pool.

Class Includes A total of 10 hours of instruction. Class is a combination of hands-on instruction and online learning. Upon successful completion, participants will receive the American Red Cross certificate for Life-guarding/ First Aid/ CPR/AED, valid for two years. Attendance at all facility sessions and completion of all online lessons are two of a number of requirements necessary to successfully pass for certification. 


WSI (Water Safety Instructor) Class Info

The American Red Cross Blended Learning Water Safety Instructor Class trains candidates to teach courses and presentations in the Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety Program. The course helps develop instructors' understanding of how to use the course materials, how to conduct training sessions and how to evaluate participants’ progress. Successful candidates are eligible to teach Parent and Child Aquatics, Preschool Aquatics, Learn to Swim, three adult-focused courses, as well as the Basic Water Rescue and Personal Water Safety courses and more.
Participants must be at least 16 years of age, be proficient swimmers, and be able to successfully complete the pre-course session.
Successful completion includes the American Red Cross Safety Water Instructor Cert. (valid 2 years)

Registration  - No Re-Certification Class Available at this Time