Lifeguard

Program Description

Lifeguard Training provides progressive techniques and practices of advanced water safety, rescue, and resuscitation methods; emphasizes lifeguarding techniques and swimming pool operation. Provides the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses. 

This program features courses that will provide the entry-level skills to become an American Red Cross Certified Lifeguard. Current CPR, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and First Aid certifications.

Students entering this program should have a strong sense of self-discipline, assist and care for others, and critical thinking skills and crisis intervention.

Lifeguard jobs can be found in several recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, and sports facilities. Additional career information may be found in Career Coach: https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

1.  discuss the roles, characteristics, and responsibilities of a professional lifeguard.

2.  demonstrate surveillance techniques that a lifeguard needs to prevent aquatic injuries,

3.  identify important parts of the EMS system,

4.  develop the techniques for caring for victims of respiratory and cardiac arrest,

5.  demonstrate the seven steps in affecting a rescue,

6.  be able to rescue a submerged victim and remove them from the water,

7.  be familiar with how to recognize and care for victims of injuries and sudden illness,

8.  recognize and become familiar with the causes and signs and symptoms of aquatic spinal injuries,

9.  discuss the responsibilities following an accident and procedures to cope with stress, and

10.  make appropriate decisions for care when given two accident scenarios.

CCBC Pathway

Business Pathway - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs.  Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study.  You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.

Program Credentials

CCBC Credential: Students will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).

External Credential: Successful completer will qualify for the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training certification (testing is done in class).

Certifying Organization: American Red Cross www.redcross.org

Length of Training

37 hours per course to complete the class and written exam

Courses are offered at CCBC Catonsville, CCBC Dundalk, and online.

Program Requirements

Current CPR, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and First Aid certifications.

Students should be computer literate and have Internet access.

Recommended: High School Diploma or GED; prior experience and/or interest in swimming.

Students must pass a pre-course swimming skills test prior to taking lifeguarding courses.

In order to participate in the Lifeguard certificate classes, participants must be at least 16 years of age by the end of the course.​

This program is eligible for Baltimore County Public Schools Blueprint funding

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application.  An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Provisional Entry-Verification of required certifications

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has no options for obtaining course waiver(s) for prior learning.

Program Course Sequence

Additional Information

Skills for Success:
​Demonstrating competency in performing swimming skills tests. Previous work-related skills, knowledge, or experience in lifeguarding or swimming occupations.

Detail-oriented; dependability; self-control; ability to follow safety rules; ability to follow directions; cooperation; integrity; persistence; manual dexterity; mechanical aptitude; mathematical aptitude; ability to stand for long periods of time; ability to lift 35 pounds; excellent communication and customer service skills.

Career Opportunities:
​Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, or beaches, to provide assistance and protection to participants.

Beach Attendant, Beach Lifeguard, Lifeguard, Marine Safety Officer, Ocean Lifeguard, Ocean Lifeguard Specialist, Pool Attendant, Pool Lifeguard.

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more.  View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA.  Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Contact Information

Director: Michelle McCallum | mmccallum@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-1925 | Essex | BESS | 117