Lifeguard Training Courses
Wayland Rec offers Lifeguard Certification and Re-Certification Courses annually at Wayland Town Beach.
Lifeguard Course: Full Certification Course with Waterfront Skills
Earn your lifeguard certification from the American Red Cross. The certification, which includes First Aid, CPR and AED training, is valid for two years upon completion and is accepted nationwide. Our detailed training includes both testing of hands-on skills as well as comprehension on written tests. Our lifeguard certification courses are designed to ensure that you are properly trained and prepared in the event of a water emergency. Lifeguard certifications are required for Town Beach Director, Lifeguards and Camp Aquatics Director. Be a life saver!
Who:
This option is for those training for the first time OR for those whose certifications have expired. The pre-requisites for this course include being 15 years of age (by the last day of class) and having passed the pre-course swimming skills test.
Not everyone is ready to take a lifeguarding course. Persons that are not on swim team or who do not regularly swim laps in a pool for at least 10 minutes without stopping may need extra time preparing for the distance swim, strengthening their kicks so as to be able to tread water for two minutes without their hands, or preparing for the timed event.
If you need some extra practice time to strengthen their skills before taking a lifeguarding course, we can allow lifeguard course candidates to use the Town Beach at no cost in advance of an upcoming certification course.
Waterfront Lifeguard Certification
Pre-course Swimming Skills Test: Swim 550 yards, continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both, but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
Additional Prerequisite:
- Swim 5 yards, submerge and retrieve three dive rings placed 5 yards apart in 4 to 7 feet of water, resurface and continue to swim another 5 yards to complete the skill sequence. Swim goggles may not be used.
- Tread water for 2 minutes, using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under their armpits or across the chest.
- This will be done in deep water (over 7 feet deep).
- Complete a timed event within 1 minute and 40 seconds:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Swim goggles are not allowed.
- Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound diving brick.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface to breathe (or to get a breath).
What:
This course is conducted in a Blended Learning format. These classes have an online component that must be completed before the in-person swimming sessions Lifeguard candidates will receive a link to online content that must be completed before beginning the In-Person Skills Training.
When:
Lifeguard Certification Course with Waterfront Skills. Must attend all sessions.
- Online: 5 hour pre-course
- In-person:
Saturday, June 1, 2024 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sunday, June 2, 2024 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Monday, June 3, 2024 4:00pm - 8:30 pm
Where:
The course is held at Lake Cochituate at Wayland Town Beach. 25 Parkland Drive, Wayland, MA 01778 and/or Wayland Community Pool (weather dependent).
Questions?
Contact us at rec@wayland.ma.us