America Red Cross Aquatics Certification Courses

Become certified in American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, and First Aid- valid 2 years. 

Attendance at all class sessions is mandatory. 

Age Prerequisite: Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course.

Skill Prerequisites:

• Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:
  • 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)
  • Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs
  • Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both
• Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
  • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed).
  • Submerge to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
  • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
  • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Become certified in American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor- valid 2 years. 

Attendance at all class sessions is mandatory. This is a blended learning class with online course work required before the first day of class.

Age Prerequisite: Must be at least 15 years old by the last day of class.

Skill Prerequisites: Demonstration of swimming skills equivalent to Red Cross Level 4 swim lesson requirements

• Swim the following strokes consistent with Level 4: Front Crawl, Back Crawl, Breaststroke, Elementary Backstroke & Sidestroke- 25 yards; Butterfly- 15 yards
• Back float for 1 minute (floating or sculling)
• Tread water for 1 minute

Participants need to bring swim gear (no bikini suits), towels, pen, highlighter, water bottle, lunch and snacks each day. You will be in and out of the pool throughout each class so extra dry swim suits and towels are helpful.

Course full? Please add your name to the waiting list! We will add another class if we have enough interest.

Willmar Community Ed is currently hiring aquatic staff, applications are available HERE.