American Red Cross Training
The KPS Aquatic Center is a proud provider of American Red Cross Training. The facility provides training to the public in Lifeguarding, Water Safety Instructor and Lifeguard Instructor courses. Lifeguard Training courses are held monthly, and open to the public. Resident and Non-Resident Rates apply for enrollment. Lifeguard Recertification courses are offered in alternating months, participants must have a valid (or no more than 30 days expired) American Red Cross Lifeguarding certificate to participate in recert courses, and proof of certification is required upon enrollment in the course.
Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard Instructor, and LGI Recertification courses are held seasonally. Reach out to Dan Kimble, Manager of Aquatic Operations (daniel.kimble@kentwoodps.org) for information on instructor-level courses.
Lifeguard Training Courses
Blended Lifeguard Training [ENROLLMENT LINK]
The KPS Aquatic Center is a proud provider of American Red Cross training. These courses provide participants with flexible training options, improved tools and resources. The in-person training has a strong focus on practicing the skills needed to prepare, respond and prevent emergencies. Course materials, including a complementary eBook, includes skill videos for lifeguards to review and refresh during and after training. Our weekend courses at KAC are the Blended Learning Red Cross format. These courses are designed for those who need more flexibility, Red Cross blended learning curriculum combines online learning with in-person sessions where you will practice skills and demonstrate competency. Our full training certification courses are from 8a-7p both Saturday and Sunday, and have a mix of classroom and in-water skill practice.
*Due to high enrollment numbers and limited training spaces, beginning in June 2025, participants cancelling 5 days or less prior to the first day of class are only eligible for a partial refund of enrollment fees.
Participants must be at least 15 years old to participate in training, and must complete the required swimming skills prerequisite prior to taking the course. Participants will now have the option to complete the pre-course swim test in advance of the in-person sessions. Participants that attempt the pre-course swim test in advance and are not quite ready will be eligible for a full refund of enrollment fees. The prerequisite skills assessments include a swim-tread-swim and a timed event sequence:
- Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:
1. 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.)
2. Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs, no arms
3. Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both
- Brick Test – Complete in 1 minute, 40 seconds- Swim 20 yards, surface dive to 7ft, retrieve a 10-pound brick at the bottom of the pool, return to the surface, swim on the back holding a brick to starting position, and exit the water. (Swim goggles not allowed)
Lifeguard Recertification [ENROLLMENT LINK]
The KPS Aquatic Center is a proud provider of American Red Cross training. These courses provide participants with flexible training options, improved tools and resources. Our recertification training courses are from 8a-7p, and have a mix of classroom and in-water skill practice.
After enrolling in class, please contact chelsea.engelsman@kentwoodps.org to provide proof of current ARC certification.
Participants must possess a current American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification to participate in this course. A participant may not be more than 30 days expired, otherwise they must take the full LG training to recertify. The swim evaluation will take place at the start of the in-person session.
The prerequisite skills assessments include a swim-tread-swim and a timed event sequence:
- Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:
1. 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.)
2. Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs, no arms
3. Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both
- Brick Test – Complete in 1 minute, 40 seconds- Swim 20 yards, surface dive to 7ft, retrieve a 10-pound brick at the bottom of the pool, return to the surface, swim on the back holding a brick to starting position, and exit the water. (Swim goggles not allowed)
Instructor Level Courses
Water Safety Instructor [ENROLLMENT LINK]
The KPS Aquatic Center is a proud provider of American Red Cross training. These courses provide participants with flexible training options, improved tools and resources. The purpose of the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor course is to train instructor candidates to teach courses and presentations in the American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program by developing their understanding of how to use the course materials, how to conduct training sessions and how to evaluate participants’ progress. Our WSI training is in the Blended format and includes both online and in-person training. The in-person training sessions include both in-water and classroom sessions.
To participate in the Water Safety Instructor course, individuals must:
Be at least 16 years of age on or before the final scheduled lesson of this course.
Demonstrate the ability to perform the following swimming skills:
1. Swim the following strokes consistent with ARC standards 25 yards each - Front crawl, Back crawl, Breaststroke, Elementary backstroke, Sidestroke
15 yards of Butterfly2. Maintain position on back for 1 minute in deep water (floating or sculling).3. Tread water for 1 minute.
Lifeguarding Instructor [ENROLLMENT LINK]
The KPS Aquatic Center is a proud provider of American Red Cross training. The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Basic Lifeguarding Instructor Course is to train instructors to teach the basic-level American Red Cross Lifeguarding courses. This training is designed to help participants ready themselves for teaching American Red Cross Lifeguard Training courses, and will prepare them to use appropriate materials and techniques while teaching. This instructor level course is in the Blended Learning Red Cross format. These courses are designed for those who need more flexibility, Red Cross blended learning curriculum combines online learning with in-person sessions where you will practice skills and demonstrate competency. After enrolling in class, please contact daniel.kimble@kentwoodps.org for the link to the online content.
Participants must be at least 17 years old to participate in training, and must possess a current basic-level Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certification to participate in this course. It is also suggested that the participant has been a certified lifeguard for a minimum of one year prior to taking this course.
Lifeguarding Instructor Recertification [ENROLLMENT LINK]
The KPS Aquatic Center is a proud provider of American Red Cross training. The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor Course is to train instructors to teach the basic-level American Red Cross Lifeguarding courses. This recertification is the required in-person training for current ARC Lifeguard Instructors to maintain their certification. This course also includes a test out to maintain the basic-level Lifeguarding/CPR/AED/First Aid certification.
Participants must possess a current American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor or Instructor Trainer certification. Upon registration, please email daniel.kimble@kentwoodps.org to provide proof of current certification.
