Community Lifeguard Certification Course

Dive Well and Hip Pack

UC Davis Recreational Pool

Interested in becoming a lifeguard before summer? 

Join us at the Rec Pool for a Community Lifeguard Certification Course! 

All community members and students are eligible to enroll. Participants must be at least 15 years old on or before the first day of class and pass course specific swimming prerequisites prior to the start of training.  

This certification course utilizes a Red Cross blended learning format that combines online learning with in-person sessions where you will practice skills and demonstrate competency. 

Certification Course Details 

Dates: 

  • Friday 5/30/25: 4pm-8pm
  • Saturday 5/31/25: 9am-6pm
  • Sunday 6/1/25: 9am-6pm 

Location: UC Davis Rec Pool, 152 La Rue Rd, Davis, CA 95616 

Cost: $300

Bring: swimsuit, goggles, towel, sunscreen, sack lunch, water bottle. A 30-minute lunch break is provided. 

Registration 

  • Enroll HERE. Registration ends: 5/15/25 @ 11:59pm. 
  • Complete the online blended learning portion via the Red Cross Learning Center by 5/30/25 at 4pm.  Access to the online portal will be sent via email on 5/16/25. 
Lifeguard Course Prerequisite Testing:

Swim 150 yards continuously (either freestyle or breaststroke), demonstrating breath control and deep water comfortability. Then immediately after, complete a two-minute timed water tread (no hands), and finish with another 150-yard swim*

AND

Swim 25 yards and retrieve a 10-pound diving brick from the bottom of a seven-foot pool, resurface with the brick, and swim on your back (without using arms) to your starting position. Then exit the pool without using a ladder. This event must be completed in less than 1 minute and 40 seconds.

Lifeguard Certification Course Requirements:
  • Be 15 years of age by the first day of the course
  • Complete online blended learning potion before the start of the course
  • Attend all in-person sessions
  • Score a minimum of 80% on the final written exam consisting of 50 questions 
  • Successfully complete the three final skills assessments 
  • Rotate in-conduct surveillance – rotate out 
  • Timed Single-rescuer CPR Scenario 
  • Multiple Rescuer Response Scenario 


Participants who successfully complete the Lifeguard certification course are issued a Lifeguarding (including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid certification valid for two years via email. 

Contact aquatics@campusrec.ucdavis.edu with any questions.