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Red Cross Waterfront Skills Certification: Oct 25, 2025

$100.00

Join expert trainer and SwimTrek Guide, Marlys Cappaert for a one-day course preparing first responders with the knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to emergencies in non-surf, open-water areas like lake, river and bay parks, resorts, and camps. Open to anyone 15+ with a current valid Red Cross LG certification and completes a swim skills assessment. On completion, participants receive Red Cross certification valid for 2 years.

Location: Northeast Community Center, 1630 NE 38th Ave. Portland OR 97232

Time: 9a-5p

You’ll need: swim suit, CPR mask, towel, comfortable clothes, snacks, notebook and pen

Join expert trainer and SwimTrek Guide, Marlys Cappaert for a one-day course preparing first responders with the knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to emergencies in non-surf, open-water areas like lake, river and bay parks, resorts, and camps. Open to anyone 15+ with a current valid Red Cross LG certification and completes a swim skills assessment. On completion, participants receive Red Cross certification valid for 2 years.

Location: Northeast Community Center, 1630 NE 38th Ave. Portland OR 97232

Time: 9a-5p

You’ll need: swim suit, CPR mask, towel, comfortable clothes, snacks, notebook and pen

The Red Cross Waterfront Skills module, integrated into the Lifeguarding course, equips lifeguards with the knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to emergencies in non-surf, open-water areas like parks, resorts, and camps. 

The course is open to anyone 15+, with incentives for WaterStrong volunteers and EcoSwim families. Participants must pass a swim skills test and complete online coursework.

WaterStrong is an Oregon non-profit with the mission to end drowning and promote cleaner, safer waters.  The trainer for this course is Marlys Cappaert, a certified Red Cross LGI and professional Swimtrek guide.

Key Skills and Knowledge:

  • Water Rescue Techniques: Lifeguards learn how to enter the water for rescues, including run-and-swim entries, and techniques for assisting individuals in distress.

  • Search and Retrieval: Learn search patterns and techniques for locating missing persons in open water, potentially using equipment like nets or masks and fins.

  • Equipment: Learn to use equipment specific to waterfront environments, such as rescue tubes, surfboards, or paddleboards, depending on the environment. 

  • First Aid and CPR: The course reinforces first aid and CPR/AED skills, essential for responding to emergencies in and out of the water. 

  • Water Safety: Learn about the specific hazards of open-water environments, such as currents, depths, and aquatic life, and how to mitigate these risks. 

  • Environmental Awareness: Gain knowledge about the specific waterfront environment where they are lifeguarding, including potential hazards and safety protocols. 

Course Structure:

  • This is is a full day class delivered in person at a community center pool and classroom setting. Participants must have a valid Red Cross Lifeguard Certification at the time of course start. 

  • The final skills assessment includes timed response scenarios, surveillance rotations, and multiple-rescuer response scenarios. 

Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 9a-5p

Location: Northeast Community Center, 1630 NE 38th Ave Portland OR 97232


Certification:  American Red Cross certifications valid for 2 years issued on the same day as you successfully complete the class.


Fee: $100


All proceeds supportWaterStrong, a 501c3 non-profit organization.