Learn from the experts and get your lifeguard certification from the American Red Cross, the most trusted source for lifeguard preparation and certification. Our courses reflect the latest techniques based on science and best practices to ensure that you are properly trained and prepared for emergencies in and around the water.
Upcoming Training Dates:
Please check back for 2025 dates.
The cost of the class is $400 and can be paid at the front desk of the Clinton Health and Wellness Center. It includes:
- The course fee
- A hip pouch with a face mask and gloves
Completion of this training does not guarantee employment at the Hunterdon Health and Wellness Centers. An application process would need to be completed after the successful conclusion of the certification course. All applicants need to be at least 16 years old. Reimbursement for the class is offered to those who are employed by the Hunterdon Health and Wellness Centers after 90 days of employment where the employee is scheduled for at least two shifts per week. Reimbursement is $350.
PLEASE NOTE: If a student is under 18, a parent's signature is required on the waiver forms prior to the student attending the classes.
Requirements for Participation & Completion
- Participants need to be at least 15 years old at the start of the class. (NOTE: To become an employee at the Hunterdon Health and Wellness Centers, applicants must be at least 16 years old.)
- Attendance at ALL classes is mandatory
- Online classes must be completed before attending the in-person classes
- Demonstration of competency in all skills taught including rescues, first aid and CPR
- Demonstration of sound working knowledge of what is required of a lifeguard
- Passing all final skill scenarios
- Passing the written exam with at least an 80% or better
All lifeguarding participants must complete the required swimming skills prerequisite before taking the class. The prerequisite skills assessments include:
- Jumping in the pool from the deep end (googles are allowed)
- Swimming 150 yards nonstop using only front crawl and breaststroke
- After the 150-yard swim, immediately tread water for 2 minutes using only your legs
- Immediately after treading water, swim another 50 yards nonstop using only front crawl and breaststroke
- After a short break, swim 20 yards from the shallow end to retrieve a 10-pound rubber brick from the bottom of the deep end (7 feet) and bring it up to the surface. Swim on your back with the brick, back to the shallow end, keeping the brick on your chest with both hands and using only your legs to swim. When arriving at the shallow end the brick must be placed on the deck and the student must exit the pool without using a ladder or steps. This must be done in less than 1 minute and 40 seconds. The clock stops once the brick and person are out of the pool. No goggles allowed.
Once the above requirements are completed, the participant can attend the rest of the classes.
- Adequate clothing for swimming and classroom time
- Two or more towels
- Lunch and snacks
- Lifeguarding Instructor's Manual (e-reader version)
- Knowledge of lifeguarding from online learning and reading the Lifeguarding Instructor's Manual
- Positive attitude
- Willingness to learn
- A readiness to receive both positive and corrective feedback
- Payment for the class. $400.00 made payable to Hunterdon Health & Wellness Center