Do I Swim Well Enough?
You don't have to be a great swimmer, but you do have to be a good/strong swimmer who knows either a proper front crawl or breaststroke. Scroll down for a description of the pre-test.
The Red Cross requires this test to make sure it is safe for you to take the course. It is non-waiveable.
Poor swimming is the number one cause of not being successful in the lifeguard course. The prerequisite test is described below. Keep in mind, that you must be able to swim a proper front crawl (freestyle) with breathing to the side, OR a proper breaststroke with breathing putting your face in and breathing to the front each stroke. You must know how to do one of these two strokes correctly.
If you were never on a swim team, go to a pool and try the prerequisite test.
Lifeguard Course Swim Pretest
On the first day of class you will take a swimming test to make sure it is safe for you to take the course. This Red Cross requirement is non-waivable. We cannot teach you these skills during the course.
Prerequisite 1: 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
(You must know how to either a front crawl or a breaststroke with breathing. You cannot swim with your head out of the water. The Red Cross requires this. We won't be able to teach you how to swim during the course.)
Prerequisite 2: 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 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.
"The Brick Test"
Watch the video to see one of the two swimming tests. Detailed explanation above.