For more information on spring lifeguard certifications and our summer junior lifeguard program, click below tabs:
Junior Lifeguarding Program
Junior Lifeguarding is an American Red Cross program for individuals of 11-15 years of age. Starting in 2026, two sessions of classes will be available to register for due to the high demand of interested participants. Participants may register for one session only. Class takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning promptly at 9:00 AM (participants must arrive at least 10 minutes early) and end at 12:00 PM. Directly following class, participants will volunteer as lifeguard shadows from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. Volunteering cannot be scheduled at any other dates/times except following class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. When class ends at 1:00 PM participants may only remain at the Aquatics Center if a parent is present on deck.
Junior Lifeguards are required to attend no less than 9 of the 10 scheduled classes as they are taught important information that builds off of each day (Lifeguarding material, CPR, AED, First Aid). The test date to earn their certifications are scheduled on the last day of class. If you know that your participant cannot be present on test day please speak with your JLG Instructor ahead of time to schedule an alternative test date.
Each Junior Lifeguard will learn to perform and pass skills taught over the five-week course and by the end of training have an opportunity to earn their Junior Lifeguard, Hands-Only CPR and First Aid Certifications. This program is designed to guide youth to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course by building a foundation of knowledge, attitudes and skills for future lifeguards.
REGISTRATION OPENS ONLINE APRIL 1ST, 2026
2026 Schedule-
**Participants may register for one of the following sessions. Reminder that participants cannot stay after class ends at 1:00 PM to swim at the Aquatics Center without a parent present on deck.
- Session 1:
- May 26th - June 25th
- Tuesdays & Thursdays
- Class 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM & Volunteering 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- Certification Test Date: June 25th
- Session 2:
- June 30th - July 30th
- Tuesdays & Thursdays
- Class 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM & Volunteering 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- Certification Test Date: July 30th
COST-
- $80 per Jr. Guard / Military & First Responders with ID pay discounted rate of $72 per Jr. Guard
- Cost Includes: 2 t-shirts and 3 American Red Cross Certifications (Junior Lifeguarding, Hands-Only CPR and First Aid)
- No refunds
Junior Lifeguards will need to bring the following to every class-
- Junior Lifeguard t-shirt
- Bathing suit
- Towel(s)
- WATER
- Sunscreen (not provided)
- Lunch
Course Prerequisites-
- Submerge-Tread Sequence:
- Jump into the water from the side, totally submerge, recover to the surface
- Tread water for 30 seconds, maintaining position at the surface
- Swimming Sequence:
- Swim two lengths of the designated swim area without stopping
- Face must remain in the pool for at least 50% of the swim
- Swim must be completed using front crawl or breaststroke
Each participant is expected to volunteer 1-2 hours per week outside of class time for hands-on training, assisting and shadowing lifeguards while on the job.
Each student is provided two Junior Lifeguard t-shirts that are to be worn when they are attending the class and especially when volunteering.
All Junior Lifeguards are expected to follow ALL Aquatics Center rules and lead by example for others in their behaviors, actions and words while present during the program. Participants who do not meet respectful expectations for how they treat their classmates, pool patrons or AC staff will be dismissed with no refund.
ARC Junior Lifeguarding will introduce participants to-
- The skills needed for entry to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course
- Communication, teamwork and decision-making skills
- The basic responsibilities of a lifeguard
- The basic knowledge and skills required to participate in the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to email our AC Team at [email protected].
AMERICAN RED CROSS SHALLOW WATER (WATER UP TO 5 FEET) LIFEGUARD COURSES
**2026 certification Class dates and registration will be updated here by February, 2026. class are held between april and may as we are an outdoor pool only.
The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to:
- Prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies.
- Provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) professionals take over.
To enroll in the Lifeguarding course, you must be at least 15 years old before the last scheduled class session. To participate in the course, you must be able to pass a prerequisite swimming skills evaluation, which includes two parts and takes place during the first in-person session. If participants do not pass both prerequisite swimming skills they will not be allowed to participate in class.
- Prerequisite 1: Jump in, submerge, resurface and swim 50 yards continuously, tread water for 2 minutes, and then swim 50 more yards. While swimming, you must keep your face in the water and demonstrate good breath control. You may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed. When treading, you must use only your legs, floating or both.
- Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Your face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed. Surface dive (head-first or feet-first) to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping your face at or near the surface. Swimming the distance underwater is not permitted. Exit the water without using a ladder or the steps.
During the first in-person session, you will be required to provide proof of age and identity.
This course follows a blended learning model, which combines online coursework with in-person sessions. Please plan to complete all of the assigned online course modules at least 2 days prior to the corresponding in-person session. The online course content (16 modules) is designed to be completed in approximately 6 hours, with each module taking between 15 and 30 minutes to complete. You may require more or less time to complete each module. I recommend beginning the online coursework as soon as possible to ensure that you are able to complete all of the assigned online modules in advance of the corresponding in-person sessions.
The total instructional time for the Shallow Water Lifeguarding course in-person sessions is 21.5 hours (excluding meal and rest breaks). All in-person sessions will take place at the City of Sumter Aquatics Center (1115 S. Lafayette Dr., Sumter 29150). In-person session times for the 2025 season are listed below:
In general, you will need the following for each in-person session:
- A swimsuit that allows for good range of motion and that will stay secure and keep you covered during physical activity (not provided)
- A towel (not provided)
- Comfortable clothing for classroom activities and practicing skills such as CPR (not provided)
- Your Lifeguarding Manual (in either print or digital format), hip pack, resuscitation mask and whistle (all provided)
- Water bottle (required- not provided)
- Lunch on Saturday & Sunday (not provided)
- Snacks (not provided)
For your comfort, you may want to bring an extra swimsuit and a change of dry clothes, in addition to an extra layer (such as a sweatshirt and sweatpants).
To successfully complete the course and receive certification, you must:
- Complete all online course content in advance of the corresponding in-person sessions
- Attend the entire course and participate in all in-person sessions
- Actively participate in all course activities, including assuming various roles during skill practices, skill drills, activities and scenarios
- Demonstrate proficiency in all skills
- Successfully pass the final written exam with a minimum grade of 80 percent
- Pass three final skill assessments
Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding (Shallow Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid, valid for 2 years.
Please be aware that the skill practice sessions in the Lifeguarding course involve strenuous physical activity. If you have any concerns about your ability to participate fully in class (for example, because of a medical condition or disability), please contact the Sumter Aquatics Director before the first in-person session to discuss possible accommodations. You may also wish to speak with a healthcare professional before the first in-person session.
If you have any questions, please contact Grayce Howard directly via email at: [email protected]