Tucson Lifeguard Training Starts in December

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Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation will offer American Red Cross Lifeguard training classes in December for people who want to serve as lifeguards next summer. Red Cross protocols and Pima County protocols will be covered in this course that is required for all Pima County lifeguards.

Prospective lifeguards must be at least 16 years old by June 15, 2023, in order to register for lifeguard training. To receive a lifeguard certification, prospective employees are required to complete approximately seven hours of online pre-class work through the American Red Cross before attending in-person lifeguard training sessions.

In order to enroll in the course, prospective employees must register for and pass a pre-requisite screening that includes basic water skills. The skills include, but are not limited to: treading water for two minutes using only the legs, 300-yard swim continuously demonstrating breath control, and retrieving a ten-pound brick from underwater in the deep end of the pool.

Lifeguarding is a great summer job, especially for people who love the sun and love keeping people safe at the pool.

“I wanted a seasonal position that would not interfere with the school year, which continued to be a great option through college at the U of A,” said Britney Hammel, veteran Pima County lifeguard. “Several of my friends at school were lifeguards and loved it. I was also excited about being able to work outside by the pool instead of working in retail or at a restaurant.”

Pima County also offers water skills practice after prospective lifeguards have registered and paid for pre-requisite screening.

Pre-requisite screenings, fees, and registration deadlines:

• Friday, December 2, 6 – 7 p.m. $50, deadline to register is Nov. 30
• Saturday, December 3, 4 – 5 p.m. $50, deadline to register is Nov. 30
• Thursday, December 8, 6 – 7 p.m. $50, deadline to register is Dec. 6

Prospective lifeguards should use this online link to register for a pre-requisite screening date. An alternative is calling Jodi Layton at 520-724-5171, who will assist in registration.

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