American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Class

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Join the NAS Patuxent River and NRC Solomons Riverside Aquatics teams for an American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification blended curriculum class, newly updated for 2026. Classes will be held April 12-20 at the Drill Hall Indoor Pool.

All participants must successfully complete the prerequisite skills test on the first day of class in order to continue through to the instruction portion (online and in person).

Refunds will not be issued if participant is unable to execute/pass/complete any portion of the course to the American Red Cross standards. This includes the prerequisite skills test, written tests and skills tests (water rescues and scenarios/CPR/first aid/AED and final rescue scenarios as outlined by the American Red Cross).

For more information, call 301-757-3943.

 

Prerequisite Swim Test

  • Prerequisite #1: Swim-Tread-Swim
    • Jump in, submerge, resurface and swim 150 yards continuously, tread water for two minutes, and then swim 50 more yards. While swimming, you must keep your face in the water and demonstrate good breath control. You may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed. When treading, you must use only your legs.
  • Prerequisite #2: Timed Event
    • Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Your face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed. Surface dive (head-first or feet-first) to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping your face at or near the fsurface. Swimming the distance underwater is not permitted. Exit the water without using a ladder or the steps.

 

Class Dates

April 12-20 | Registration March 16-April 6

  • April 12, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Prerequisite in-water skills test
  • April 13-17, online: Coursework - independent self-study
  • April 18, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.: Course lecture, skills work
  • April 19, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.: Course lecture, skills work
  • April 20, 5-8 p.m.: Final skills tests (water/dry land scenarios and written test)

 

Cost

  • $275 per person
  • Includes lifeguard manual and CPR mask

 

Registration

  • Registration will be open March 16-April 6
  • To register, stop by the Drill Hall or call 301-757-3943.
  • Participants must be 15 years of age by the last day of the course and provide proof of age at the time of registration and on the first day of class.
  • Registration is open to all with base access.