People of all ages and backgrounds come to the Miller Natatorium for water safety education, to learn how to swim, and to meet their health and wellness goals in the pool. Lifeguards play a crucial role in ensuring a safe environment for everyone.
The Lifeguarding course will teach students how to lifeguard safely and confidently in aquatic centers and swimming pools. This class covers effective and appropriate procedures for lifeguarding skills, following the guidelines set by the American Red Cross. Additionally, it includes training in CPR, AED, and First Aid. Please note that this class does not provide certification for open water lifeguarding.
Note: Cost: $46 - Please bring payment in the form of cash or check on the first day of class. Payment will be given back if prerequisite swim is not passed.
If you have any questions or concerns please call Berlin Area School District's Community Education and Recreation Program Department at 920-361-2004 ext 3057.
Note: Pool temperature and maintenance is regulated by the Berlin Area School District and not the instructors. The water temperature is maintained as best as possible between 78-80 degrees, which is within state health code standards. Please keep this in mind when attending class.
Lifeguard Training Prerequisites
Students must meet the following prerequisites to enroll in this course:
1. Must be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course.
2. Must successfully complete the Swim Skills requirements outlined below (assessed at the beginning of the first class).
3. Must pass the online portion of the hybrid course and present a certificate of completion (screenshot or printed documentation) by the start of the first class. (who and when will the red cross info be sent to the participants to complete this portion of the class?)
4. Must be able to listen to directions, execute lifeguarding skills, and attend all scheduled class times.
Attendance Requirements
Due to the time constraints of this class, all students are required to attend **ALL** scheduled hours. Time will be allotted each day for snacks, breaks, and lunches. Failure to attend all classes or adhere to the curriculum guidelines will result in course failure. Students are not permitted to use the internet or written notes during any course exams, whether online or in-person. There will be no exceptions for tardiness.
Swim Skills Requirements
To begin this course, all students must pass the prerequisite swim at the start of class on the first day. Students who do not pass the swim skills test will not be allowed to take the course. It is highly recommended that students utilize open swim sessions to practice for this evaluation. In the past, some students have been turned away for not acquiring the necessary skills before the course. The prerequisite swim consists of the following:
- 200-Yard Swim/Tread Sequence: Students must swim a 200-yard sequence using only forward-moving strokes (freestyle, breaststroke, or butterfly). Goggles may be used. Flip turns and open turns are allowed, but not required. Swimmers will jump in from the starting block zone, swim 150 yards (3 laps or 6 lengths), then return to the starting blocks and tread water using legs only (no arms) for 2 consecutive minutes. Finally, students will swim 50 more forward-moving yards (1 lap or 2 lengths). Students who touch the ground, stop while swimming, or fail to keep their heads above water while treading will fail the skill.
- Weighted Triangle: Students will start near the disability entry zone (lift) in the Clay Lamberton pool. They will swim unassisted to the deep end, retrieve a rubber brick from the bottom of the pool (placed just before the deep end ladder near the stands), surface, place the brick on their chest, and flutter kick on their back until they return to the starting point and exit the pool unassisted. This task must be completed in under 1 minute and 40 seconds. Goggles are not permitted. Students can practice at home with a swimming brick, a full gallon of water, or any 8-10 lb weight.
Certification
Certification will be awarded to students who successfully complete all prerequisites, coursework, and a final written exam. Students will receive their certification through their Red Cross Student Portal and via their personal email.
Extra Information About the Course
Students should bring a swimsuit designed for athletic and rigorous use. Two-piece swimsuits are not allowed. Students may wear a swim shirt, as long as it does not interfere with skills requirements. Those with long hair must tie it back for the duration of the course.
Disabilities
Students with disabilities are encouraged to take this course as long as they can meet the necessary physical demands. If you have concerns about your ability to complete this course or if you need accommodations, please contact the Berlin Community Education and Recreation Department. We will do our best to accommodate student needs, provided that such accommodations do not impede the student's ability to pass skill exams.
Conduct
Bullying, harassment, or any form of misbehavior is strictly prohibited. To ensure a safe learning environment, all participants must be focused, ready to learn, and attentive to the course subjects. Students will practice life-saving techniques, both on each other and under the instructor’s guidance. Safety and maturity are top priorities in this setting. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in expulsion from the lifeguarding course.