How old do I have to be to take a lifeguarding course?
Lifeguarding course participants must be 15 years old by the last day of class. All students will be asked to verify their age at check-in. We typically ask for a photo ID, but any official document (birth certificate, school records, etc.) that includes the student’s name and birthdate may be used.
What are the prerequisite swimming skills for the lifeguarding course?
Students must successfully complete the following prerequisite swimming skills on the first day of class in order to continue in the course:
Can I practice or take the prerequisite swim test before registering for the course?
Yes. Students may schedule time with an instructor to run through the full prerequisite swim requirements before registering for a course. Students may also be able to receive a 30-day pass to practice during open swim times. Contact us at safetyschool@swimrichmond.org for additional information.
What happens if I do not pass the prerequisite swim test for the lifeguarding class?
Students who do not pass the prerequisites on the first day of the course will not be allowed to continue in that course. If this happens, students may either transfer to a future course at no additional change fee or receive a refund, less a $50 prerequisite evaluation fee. SwimRVA also offers swim lessons and coaching to help students prepare for a later course.
What happens if I need to switch to another class or cancel my registration?
SwimRVA will be happy to help you find a course that better fits your schedule. Changes or cancellations made more than 10 calendar days before the start of the course are not subject to any fees. Cancellations made more than 10 calendar days before the course will receive a full refund.
If you need to change courses within 10 calendar days of the start of the original class, there will be a $25 change fee. If you cancel your registration within 10 calendar days, your registration amount will be refunded less a $50 cancellation fee. No-shows without notice may be subject to a $50 no-show fee.
The lifeguarding class that fits into my schedule is full. Can you squeeze me in?
Maybe! While we can’t always accommodate additional students once a course is full, we encourage you to join the waiting list. Depending on interest, instructor availability, and course logistics, we may be able to adjust the class size or add teaching faculty to accommodate additional participants. Joining the waiting list is the best way to let us know you’re interested and ensures we can contact you if a spot becomes available or the course capacity is expanded.
What is the registration deadline for classes?
Registration closes two calendar days before the start of the course. This allows students time to complete any required online learning components before class begins. Classes fill quickly, so we encourage you to sign up early.
If it is less than two calendar days before the course begins, contact us at safetyschool@swimrichmond.org. Exceptions may be possible depending on class size, instructor availability, and the student’s ability to complete the online learning requirements before class.
What should I bring to class?
Come prepared to get in the water each day. This includes a bathing suit suitable for physical activity, towels, and a change of clothes for the classroom. You should also pack food and a water bottle, as we typically do not have time for students to leave campus for lunch. A notebook and something to write with may also be helpful.
Do I have to attend every class/session? What happens if I am late or miss part of the course?
In order to successfully complete the course, students must be present for all required instructional time. Small amounts of missed time, such as arriving a few minutes late, may be able to be made up during the course; however, repeated lateness or larger amounts of missed instructional time may prevent a student from completing the course successfully.
Students should make every effort to attend the full course from start to finish. If a student thinks they may be late, they should call the SwimRVA front desk at 804-271-8271 so the instructor can be notified of their estimated arrival time. All make-up time is subject to instructor availability.
Does completing the course guarantee that I will become certified? Will I get a refund if I do not pass the course and gain my certification?
No. Course attendance alone does not guarantee certification. Successful students must attend all class sessions, actively participate in all activities, successfully perform all required skills, complete the final skills assessments, and pass the final written exam with a score of 80% or better.
Students have two opportunities to successfully complete each final skills assessment and the final written exam. Once a student has exhausted both opportunities for a required task, they must retake the full course in order to earn certification. We do not offer refunds to students who fully participate in the course but do not meet the testing requirements for certification.
When will I receive my certification after successfully completing the course?
Certifications are processed through the American Red Cross and emailed directly from the American Red Cross to the student email address submitted for the course. Most certifications are processed within 48 hours, but processing may take up to 10 days after the course is completed.
Students can also access their digital certificate here to print a copy for their records.