LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION $275

A female lifeguard with red hair and freckles running near a swimming pool, wearing a red lifeguard uniform, a cap, and carrying a red first aid bag.

STEP 1: Register for Class
STEP 2: Book Pre-Course Evaluation
STEP 3: Complete Online Coursework
STEP 4: Attend In-Person Class

Course Overview:

AP-HSSAQU402-BL-r.24 Lifeguarding-BL

SoCal Safety Institute’s American Red Cross Lifeguarding course provides lifeguard certification training for students in Thousand Oaks, Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and surrounding Southern California communities.

This blended learning course combines flexible online instruction with in-person pool training and prepares entry-level lifeguard candidates to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies while building skills in CPR/AED, First Aid, water rescue, teamwork, and emergency response.

At SoCal Safety Institute, students learn through energetic coaching, clear demonstrations, hands-on practice, and scenario-based training that builds confidence from start to finish.

Skills Covered

Students develop the knowledge and skills needed for:

  • Patron surveillance

  • Water rescues

  • Victim extrications

  • CPR/AED

  • First Aid

  • Teamwork and communication

  • Real-world aquatic emergency response

Who Should Take This Course

Ideal for aspiring professional lifeguards who need American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certification.

Participants must:

  • Be at least 15 years old by the last day of class

  • Be comfortable and capable in the water

  • Complete the required online learning

  • Pass the required pre-course swim evaluation before attending the full in-person class

Course Format & Length

SoCal Safety Institute offers this course in the American Red Cross blended learning format.

  • 7.5 hours online learning
    Must be completed before the pre-course skills assessment.

  • 1.5-hour pre-course swim evaluation
    Required in-person prerequisite session completed before the full in-person class.

  • 19.5 hours in-person Lifeguarding class
    Includes skill practice, written exam, individual skills testing, group scenario testing, and final course evaluation.

Cost

Lifeguard Class Fee:$177
Pre-Course Swim Evaluation:$50
ARC Certification Fee:$48
TOTAL REQUIRED COST:$275
Group Rates: Contact info@socalsafetyinstitute.com

BEFORE YOU REGISTER

This American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is designed for participants who are already comfortable and capable in the water.

Before attending the full in-person Lifeguarding class, each participant must:

  • Be at least 15 years old by the last day of class

  • Complete the required online learning

  • Book and attend a separate pre-course swim evaluation

  • Pass the required pre-course swim evaluation

  • Bring proof of online course completion

  • Bring a valid photo ID or school ID

Pre-Course Swim Evaluation

STEP 1: Register for Class
STEP 2: Book Pre-Course Evaluation
STEP 3: Complete Online Coursework
STEP 4: Attend In-Person Class

The pre-course swim evaluation is a 1.5-hour in-person prerequisite session that must be completed before attending the full 19.5-hour in-person Lifeguarding class.

During this session, SoCal Safety Institute will:

  • Conduct the required American Red Cross swim evaluation

  • Check participant ID and age eligibility

  • Verify completion of the online learning portion

  • Confirm the participant is ready to attend the full in-person Lifeguarding class

This prerequisite session may be completed within 30 days before the class start date. Participants must book a separate swim evaluation day before attending the full course.

Swim Evaluation Fee: $50

Participants must successfully complete:

  • 150-yard swim

  • 2 minutes of treading water using legs only

  • Additional 50-yard swim

  • Timed deep-water object retrieval test

    • Retrieve a 10-pound object from approximately 7 feet deep

    • Complete within 1 minute and 40 seconds

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION NOTICE

The 1.5-hour pre-course swim evaluation and the 19.5-hour in-person Lifeguarding class are separate required steps.

Passing the pre-course swim evaluation is required before attending the full in-person Lifeguarding class.

Registering for the Lifeguarding course does not guarantee certification.

To earn certification, students must:

  • Complete the online learning

  • Pass the pre-course swim evaluation

  • Attend the full in-person Lifeguarding class

  • Successfully complete all required course skills

  • Pass all required exams and final evaluations

Refund & Transfer Policy

  • All course registrations are non-refundable once booked.

  • By registering, students and/or parents/guardians acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to this refund and transfer policy.

  • The 1.5-hour pre-course swim evaluation and the 19.5-hour in-person Lifeguarding class are separate required steps.

  • Students must pass the pre-course swim evaluation before attending the full in-person Lifeguarding class.

  • Students who do not pass the pre-course swim evaluation are not eligible for a refund. However, they may return for one additional swim evaluation attempt at another available evaluation session for no additional evaluation fee.

  • If the student does not pass after the second attempt, they must register and pay for a new pre-course swim evaluation when they are ready to try again.

  • Students may request a one-time transfer to another available in-person Lifeguarding class with at least 48 hours’ notice before the original class start time.

  • A $50 transfer fee applies to approved transfers.

  • Students who no-show, do not complete the online learning, do not pass required skills or evaluations, or do not meet course requirements are not eligible for a refund.

  • Students who do not request a transfer at least 48 hours before class will forfeit their registration and must pay the full course fee to register for a new class.

  • There are no exceptions to this policy, including illness, injury, medical reasons, scheduling conflicts, transportation issues, or personal emergencies.

Learning Accommodations

SoCal Safety Institute follows American Red Cross course standards and supports reasonable learning accommodations when possible.

Participants who need a learning accommodation should contact SoCal Safety Institute before registering or as early as possible before class so we can review the request and determine what accommodations may be available.

Accommodations may support access to learning, but all participants must still successfully complete the required American Red Cross course skills, water skills, written exams, and final evaluations to be eligible for certification.

To request a learning accommodation, contact:
info@socalsafetyinstitute.com

Open CPR and AED training manual, lifeguarding manual, notebook with CPR/AED class notes and key points, a face mask, blue gloves, and a Starbucks coffee on a wooden surface.
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