Certification Classes

American Red Cross Training & Certification

The Dallas Park and Recreation Department’s Aquatic Services Division is proud to offer the American Red Cross training and certification programs. Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor Certification courses prepare individuals for jobs in a variety of aquatic settings such as country clubs, camps, and municipal swimming pools. We also offer re-certification courses in both life guarding and CPR.

To register please download and print the registration form and follow the instructions for submitting it.

• Register for a Training Class

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course Prerequisites

• Must be at least 15 years old (by last day of class)
• Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations: 
  • Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest: 
    • Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed) 
    • Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs 
    • Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both
  • Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds: 
    • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed).
    • Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 – 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. 
    • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface. 
    • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Course Prerequisites

• Must be at least 16 years old (by last day of class)
• Must possess American Red Cross Level 4 competencies or equivalent:
  • Front Crawl: 25 yards
  • Elementary Backstroke: 25 yards
  • Breaststroke: 15 yards
  • Back Crawl: 15 yards
  • Butterfly: 15 yards