Water Safety & Rescue Certification

WaterStrong trainers hold instructor certifications through the Red Cross, NOLS and Lifesaving Resources, LLC. We offer the following trainings:

  • Red Cross Lifeguard certification for deep water pool scenarios

  • Red Cross Waterfront Skills certification for open water scenarios

  • Lifesaving Resources Water Safety & Rescue for open water scenarios

Red Cross Waterfront Skills module equips lifeguards with the knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to emergencies in non-surf, open-water areas like parks, resorts, and camps. This course is open to anyone 15+ who holds a valid Red Cross Lifeguard certification, can pass a swim skills test and complete online coursework.

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. 

This is a full day class delivered in person on location at a pool, lake, river, or ocean location. The final skills assessment includes timed response scenarios, surveillance rotations, and multiple-rescuer response scenarios. On completion, participants receive American Red Cross certifications valid for 2 years.

We will gladly deliver trainings for community organizations, schools and businesses. Please contact us for scheduling and pricing.

The Water Safety & Rescue certification class is a one-day program delivered in person on location. Open to anyone 12+. Participants must be able to tread water for 1 minute with clothing on, swim 50 yards rescue stroke, and retrieve a 10-pound weight from a depth of 8-9 feet. Must be able to enter and exit deep water safely

The focus of this program is on the prevention, recognition and management of drowning and aquatic injuries, surface water rescue and survival principles and procedures. This program is a foundational course for community members, public safety and rescue professionals, regardless of their swimming ability or experience in, on or around the water. Participants must be in good physical condition, and be comfortable and able to propel themselves in deep water while wearing a lifejacket. For more information about this curriculum please visit Lifesaving Resources LLC.

This program meets/exceeds NFPA 1670 & NFPA 1006 Standards for Technical Rescue. Subjects and/or practical evolutions include the following:

• Physiology/Mechanisms of Drowning

• Principles of Water Rescue and Survival

• Threat Analysis and Pre-Incident Planning

• Types and Uses of Personal Flotation Devices

• Shore-based Non-swimming Rescues

• Basic Contact and Swimming Rescues

• Cold Water Rescue and Survival

• Swiftwater Rescue and Survival

• First Responder Survival in the Water

• Management of Aquatic Spinal Injuries

• Personal Defense and Survival Maneuvers

• Incident Command

• Rescue from Submerged Vehicles

Participants who successfully complete this course receive a Water Safety Technician certificate valid for 3 years, recognized by NFPA 1670 & NFPA 1006.

Email us for more information on course delivery options: dena@waterstrong.org