Authorized Provider of the American Red Cross

Basic Water Rescue

The American Red Cross Basic Water Rescue course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent, recognize and respond to many types of aquatic emergencies.

This course also prepares individuals for aquatic emergencies by teaching them how to protect themselves while assisting others. The Basic Water Rescue course does not provide participants with all the knowledge and skills needed to be certified as a lifeguard. For information on lifeguard training, refer course participants.

Course Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites to be eligible for the Basic Water Rescue course. However, because there is an in-water skills session, it is recommended that participants are comfortable in chest deep water.

Course Length

This course is designed to be taught in approximately 4 hours. This includes time skills practice and the final written exam.

Date

  • TBD

Cost

$65 per person (group discounts available)

Personal Water Safety Course

The American Red Cross Personal Water Safety course builds on basic swimming and safety skills and provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to avoid aquatic emergencies and perform self-rescues in some aquatic emergency situations.

Course Prerequisites

To be eligible for the Personal Water Safety course, participants must be able to demonstrate the following skills:

  • Jump into deep water from the side
  • Recover to the surface
  • Maintain position by treading or floating for 1 minute
  • Rotate one full turn then turn as necessary to orient to the exit point
  • Level off
  • Swim front crawl and/or elementary backstroke for 25 yards
  • Exit the water

Course Length

The course is organized into five approximately 1-hour lessons.

General Water Safety

General Water Safety Presentation

Length: Approximately 30 minutes

Objectives

After completing this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Recognize the importance of water safety training.
  • Describe the links in the Circle of Drowning Prevention.
  • Describe the steps in the Chain of Drowning Survival.
  • Describe the elements of water competency.
  • Explain steps to take to remain safe in, on and around water.

Home Pool Safety Presentation

Length: Approximately 30 minutes

Objectives

After completing this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Explain what steps to take to keep their family and guests safe at a home pool.
  • Describe the links in the Circle of Drowning Prevention.
  • Describe how to secure the pool area.
  • Describe the steps in the Chain of Drowning Survival.
  • Identify types of emergency equipment that should be available at a home pool.
  • Demonstrate how to perform reaching, throwing or wading assists.
  • Describe how to make a home pool party as safe as possible.
  • Explain how to call for emergency help.
  • Know what items should be kept close when pool is being used

Contact us

Jared Felker
sjcaquatics@sjcme.edu
207-893-7666