Water safety Instructor and Lifeguard classes to begin soon in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Classes will begin soon for those interested in becoming a lifeguard or swim instructor in South Lake Tahoe. Offered by the American Red Cross, both classes are open to community members and will be taught at the Recreation and Swim Complex.

The Water Safety Instructor class trains candidates to teach courses and presentations in the Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety Program. The course helps develop instructors' understanding of how to conduct training sessions and how to evaluate participants' progress. Successful candidates are eligible to teach parent and child aquatics, preschool aquatics, learn-to-swim, adult swim classes, as well as the basic water rescue and personal water safety courses and other aquatic presentations.

Participants must be at least 16-years-old, be proficient swimmers, and be able to successfully complete the pre-course session.

Upon successful completion, participants will receive the American Red Cross
Water Safety Instructor Certificate, which is valid for two years. Attendance at all facility sessions and completion of all online lessons are two of a number of
requirements necessary to successfully pass for certification.

Pre-course and swim test must be completed before 1st class. For an appointment please call 530-542-6056.

Course A: May 17, 18 & 19, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Course B: June 19 & 20, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. June 21 & 22, 12:00 p.m.m – 5:00 p.m..

Fee: Cost is $150 plus a $36 certification fee paid to the American Red Cross

The Lifeguard training is also taught by the American Red Cross. The South Lake Tahoe Recreation Department is offering two Certified Lifeguard Training courses this summer. These courses are being taught by an American Red Cross Certified Instructor and will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies.

Participants will be trained and certified to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illness until EMS (emergency services) take over.

Participants must be at least 16-years-old, be able to swim 300 yards continuously while demonstrating breathing control and rhythmic breathing, tread water for two minutes using the legs only, and complete a timed event. Upon successful completion, participants will receive the American Red Cross Certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, which is valid for two years.

Attendance at all facility sessions and completion of all online lessons are two of
a number of requirements necessary to successfully pass for certification.

Course A: Monday, May 20 – Thursday, May 23, 3:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m. & Saturday, May 25, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Course B: Sunday, June 2 – Tuesday, June 4 & Sunday, June 9 – Monday, June 10. Sunday classes are 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Mon/Tue class are 3:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Fees: Cost is $150 plus a $36 certification fee paid to the American Red Cross.

Register online at www.cslt.sportssignup.com. For questions about this course please contact Kelley Edwards at 530-542-6059. Participants must register at least one week before class begins.

The City of South Lake Tahoe is currently hiring qualified lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors.