Lifeguard Certification

University Recreation Aquatics is affiliated with the American Red Cross to offer lifeguard classes and certification upon successful completion of the class. Participants must be at least 15 years old to register and participate in the class. 

Spring 2025 Class Schedule: 

Steps to Earning a Lifeguard Certification:

1. Register for a Lifeguard Class Part 1. 
2. Successfully complete Part 1 and work with our instructors to register for Lifeguard Class Part 2.
3. Look for an email with instructions on how to complete your online coursework, this must be done before the first day of the class. 
4. Attend all class sessions, meeting all American Red cross standards and passing all required assessments.
5. Earn your American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification! 

Part 1 Lifeguard Class: 

This part will take approximately 1.5 hours and upon successful completion this part a staff member will assist you in registering for Lifeguard Class Part 2. 

This part will consist of the following: 

• Jump into the water and fully submerged 
• Resurface and swim 150 yards (using front crawl or breastroke, goggles are allowed) 
• Tread water for 2 minutes (without using your arms) 
• Swim 50 yards (using front crawl or breastroke, goggles are allowed)
• Timed brick retrieval – you must swim 25 yards, surface dive and retrieve a 10 lb. brick, then swim 25 yards on your back with the brick on your chest; in under 1 minute & 40 seconds. 

Part 2 Lifeguard Class:

This is a 25-hour course conducted over 3–4 days, with each class lasting 4–8 hours. For 8-hour sessions, a 1-hour lunch break is included. Approximately two weeks before the first class, participants will receive an email with the course schedule and instructions for completing the required online coursework. This email will be sent to the address confirmed during Lifeguard Class Part 1.

To earn certification, participants must:

• Attend all class sessions
• Complete the online coursework
• Engage in all skill sessions, drills, activities, and scenarios
• Demonstrate proficiency in all required skills and scenarios
• Pass the final written exams with at least an 80% score

Make-Up / Refund Policy:

Make-ups are not offered if participant is not able to make the scheduled class or for inclement weather.  If inclement weather cancels a class, those affected will be contacted with more information.

Except as otherwise stated, refunds or credits will not be issued after payment has been made for an activity, class, or program.

Exceptions include:

• If the activity, class, or program is canceled by Texas Tech University - University Recreation
• If a participant is injured or unable to participate due to a documented medical reason.

Any refund request outside the stated exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Refunds are made at the discretion of the Assistant Director of Aquatics and are not guaranteed.

Lifeguard Certification Information