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Frequently Asked Questions​

 

Lifeguard Certification/Recert Questions:

 

Is a Lifeguard Course challenging?

YES! This course is challenging and not everyone will pass. Remember, the first part of this course (the prerequisites) assesses your swimming ability and endurance. From my 19 years of experience, most students who are weak swimmers struggle to pass the prerequisites. If you can't pass the prerequisites, you can't continue in the course. Once you pass the prerequisites you will be expected to know the "ins and outs" of being a lifeguard / professional rescuer. This includes completing water and land rescues correctly, working as a team, understanding legal responsibilities, and much more! You will have to complete skills test, a multiple choice final written exam, and hours of training in and out of the water.
 

What do I need to do for the Lifeguard prerequisites?

Please see the Prerequisite tab for more info.

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If I don’t pass the Lifeguard prerequisite, do I get my money back?

Only half of the money will be returned. For example, if you paid $360 for the course but can't complete the required prerequisites, only $180 will be given back.  Why? I often have to turn away other candidates willing to play for this training, I still have to pay for insurance, pool rental, supplies, and Red Cross fees regardless if you pass or fail. Again, students who have a strong background in swimming tend to pass the prerequisites.

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Important Notes: As stated in the terms and conditions - if you paid with a check and your child failed the prerequisites, the check you provided is not returned. The check will be deposited and a refund of 50% will be mailed out to you. 

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What Certification will my child receive? 

Lifeguarding with CPR/AED For the Professional Rescuer and First Aid (Valid 2 years)

  • This certification also includes CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer which is the same level of training many police, firefighters, and healthcare providers carry.

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I’m already certified in CPR, do I still need to take the CPR portion of the Lifeguard course?

Yes, you are still required to take the CPR portion of the lifeguard course. Your lifeguard certification also has CPR/AED for lifeguards built into the course. The instructor is obligated to teacher and verify that you can correctly perform CPR and operate an AED.

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I want to sign up for a Lifeguard Class, but I have a scheduling conflict on one of the days class is being taught.

If you fail to show up for a scheduled class (such as failing to show up for the second day), you will be issued a failed in the Red Cross database and no refund will be issued. With permission, you can have your child complete a missed class at a different location however space is each class is limited and a make up class is not guaranteed. 

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I was once a Lifeguard but my certification is now expired / How to keep your certification.

Students need to register and attend a Lifeguard Recertification class before their certification expires in 2 years. To do so, they can check with their employer if they do in-house recertifications or find a local class using: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-classIf a student finds a class that takes place after their certification expires but no longer than 30 days after expiring, students are still allowed to attend the recertification class. For example, a student expired on April 1st but can’t find a recertification class that starts until April 5th. This 30 day window is called a “Grace Period”. The only catch is students aren’t allowed to Lifeguard during the 30 day “Grace Period” as they're technically expired. If a student fails to get recertified within this timeframe, they’ll have to complete a Lifeguard Certification course again.

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My child wants to become a Lifeguard. How old do they have to be?

To be a lifeguard, you must LEGALLY be 15 years old by the last day of the course. If a child's age is in questions, you may be required to provide a birth certificate as proof.

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My children is 14 but will turn 15 after the class is over. Can they take the Lifeguard class. 

No - this is a legal issue.

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Can you make an age exception since my child is turning 15 soon? They really really really want to be a Lifeguard.

Again NO - this is a legal issue. (Lifeguard Class only)

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What supplies do I need?

The following supplies are provided to students (built into the cost) for Lifeguard Certification and must be brought to class daily. 

1. Pocket Mask

2. Hip pack

3. Whistle

Those in a lifeguard recertification class must bring these items or purchase them from the instructor. 

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Do I need a manual / book?

All students will receive a link to your course's digital manual. This is free E-Book and is good for two years. If you wish to purchase a physical paper manual, you can do so on the Red Cross Store. It’s $34.95 + Shipping.

https://www.redcross.org/store/american-red-cross-lifeguarding- manual/755740.html

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Lifeguard Job Expectations: 

  1. Patron surveillance / guarding designated zone.

  2. Minimizing and eliminating hazardous situations and behaviors.

  3. Enforcing facility rules and educating patrons about them.

  4. Recognize and respond quickly and effectively to all water and land emergencies. 

  5. Administer first aid and CPR, using an AED.

  6. Working as a team with other guards, facility staff, and management. 

  7. Testing and documenting pool chemicals

  8. Knowing your facilities Emergency Action Plans

  9. Documenting Injuries and Incidents

  10. Attending inservice trainings and staff meetings

  11. Performing opening duties / closing duties / facility inspections

  12. Cleaning: Pool, Bathrooms, and Equipment.

  13. Checking in patrons / welcome desk.

  14. Serve as a role model for younger children, teens, and families

  15. Assist patrons with questions or concerns about the facility.

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What Lifeguard Certification does my child need?​

  1.  Lifeguarding - Cover pools with depth of 7 feet or greater. Most popular and widely accepted

    • Note: Additional Training is required to become a Waterfront or Waterpark Lifeguard​
       

  2.  Waterfront - You need this to guard at lakes, open-water areas, quarries, some summer camps and more. Must be a certified lifeguard to enroll in this class or take a combo class that certifies you in both Lifeguarding & Waterfront at the same time.
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  3. Waterpark - You need this to guard at amusement parks or a facility that has waterpark features such as a lazy river,  wave pools, certain slides, and more. Must be a certified lifeguard to enroll in this class or take a combo class that certifies you in both Lifeguarding & Waterpark at the same time.

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  4. Shallow Water Lifeguarding: For facilities with water up to 5, 6, or 7 feet deep.

    1. ​Shallow Water Lifeguarding (Water up to 5 feet)

    2. Shallow Water Lifeguarding (Water up to 6 feet)

    3. Shallow Water Lifeguarding (Water up to 7 feet) 
       

  5. Aquatic Attraction Lifeguarding: Covers facilities with water less than or equal to 3 feet.
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  6. Beach Lifeguard - Being a certified lifeguard is always helpful but each beach town will have their own requirements and training that will need to be completed. Holding a Lifeguard Certification is not enough to be a beach lifeguard. Please check the town’s website for details.

 

What other versions of Lifeguarding are there? 

American Red Cross Lifeguarding is my most popular “organization” of Lifeguarding in NJ, NY, and PA. However other states and facilities may have a different preference. Here are the other popular organizations to get certified by. 

  • Ellis & Associates International

  • YMCA Lifeguarding

  • StarGuard ELITE

  • United States Lifesaving Association

  • Boy Scouts of America Lifeguarding has been retired as of December, 2024 and will no longer be offered.

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How do I find my child’s Lifeguard Certification? 

All certifications are sent electronically through email which can be viewed and printed immediately. You can also view their certification on the Red Cross Database here: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/digital-certificate  It takes 2-3 days for your child’s Lifeguard Certification to show up in the database so don’t check here immediately after they pass their Lifeguard course.

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Lifesaving Award for Professional Rescuers

If your child has used any lifesaving skills taught by the American Red Cross during an incident, such as: first aid, CPR, using an AED or epinephrine auto-injector, giving back blows and abdominal thrusts, water rescues, and more…they would be eligible for a American Red Cross award. To read more, CLICK HERE

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Blended Learning (Online) *Link Sent in Confirmation Email

Blended Learning is mandatory online learning that all lifeguards must complete prior to the start of class. It takes about 6 hours to complete and prepares lifeguards for their in-person training. Please ensure your child doesn’t wait until the last minute to complete. If you child is having an issue with blended learning, please call 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED-CROS)

Tip: Must be completed on a laptop, desktop, or tablet. *Don’t use your smartphone!!!!*

 

Classroom / Behavior Expectations:

The Lifeguard Certification class is challenging and a lot is expected of students. Similar to how I run my own classroom during the school year, students are expected to act appropriately and civilized during class as I don’t allow nonsense, drama, nor disrespectful behaviors. A level of seriousness is expected as students are learning life saving skills. The safety of your children is always my top priority followed by having a safe and respectful learning environment where everyone can learn. Overall, the class is fun and they’ll make great memories while learning the ins and outs of being a lifeguard.

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Final Written Exam:

Yes you still need to take a final exam (evil laugh again) but if you've been paying attention and studying, it's easy. The written exam has 50 multiple choice questions that covers everything from sudden illnesses to lifeguarding scenarios. You must get 80% on the test to pass. You find your score out immediately as I grade the test in front of you. If you do not achieve a score of 80 percent or higher, you will have the opportunity to remediate and take another version of the exam the same day. You may not use your Lifeguarding Manual, notes or any other resources during the exam. Don’t stress, we’ll review together before your test.

 

Final Water Tests:

In addition to passing all of your Lifeguard Rescues, you also need to complete 3 Final Rescue Skill Scenarios while demonstrating your ability to work as a team. Your final skill scenarios may involve performing a successful water rescue followed by performing or using gloves, CPR, AED, Bag-Valve-Mask, and more. 

 

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Outside Organization Crossover to American Red Cross:​

I'm certified with a different organization. Can I cross over to American Red Cross?

I'm happy to crossover individuals who can show documentation of current lifeguarding credentials in the following organizations:

  • YMCA Lifeguard

  • Ellis & Associates

  • United States Lifesaving Association (USLA)

  • StarGuard ELITE

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Requirements to cross over to American Red Cross?

1. Certified with outside organization

2. Complete Required 6 hours of online Blended Learning

3. Attend and pass the class.

Please contact me to discuss class options. 

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CPR/AED Class Questions:

Is a CPR/AED Course challenging?

Sort of. Most people find CPR easy especially after learning how to perform CPR correctly. The class require physical strength to perform compressions for select periods of time. You'll also be on your knees for long periods of time.

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Do I need to bring a pocket mask to class?

A pocket mask will be provided to you for all new CPR certifications. If you are taking a CPR / AED Recertification, you must bring your  own mask for purchase one from me for $20.

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Do I need a book?

All students will receive a link to your course's digital manual. This is free E-Book and is good for two years.  â€‹â€‹

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What American Red Cross CPR Classes do you teach?

- Adult First Aid/CPR/AED - BL

- Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED - BL

- Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED -BL

- Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED - Reviews, and Challenges

- Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED with Epi and Asthma - BL

- Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED, Opioid Overdose & Naloxone Administration - Nasal Spray

- CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer

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General Questions:

What forms of payment do you accept?

CASH and Checks ONLY.  Checks must be made of to: Bartolone's Lifeguard & CPR Training

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Do I need to bring ID?

Yes - all participants need a proper ID. This includes a school issued picture ID, driver license, passport. 
 

When do I get my certification cards?

If you paid in cash, you'll get your certification cards immediately. If you pay with a check, you'll have to wait until the check clears before I can issue your certification cards.

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I have more Questions:

Please send me an email to BartoloneLGtraining@gmail.com. Be as specific as you can about your questions. I will respond with as much information as I can. 

 

 

Bartolone's Lifeguard & CPR Training LLC  © 2024

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