Water Safety Programs

The American Red Cross has been a leader in aquatic education since 1914. We offer an extensive selection of courses for all ages, skill levels, physical capabilities, and job-related training needs.

For a list of participating pools, click here

GuardStart - Provides motivated 11 to 14 year olds a successful start into Red Cross lifeguarding with easy to implement training. Covers five critical areas: prevention, fitness, response, leadership, and professionalism.

Learn to Swim Program - Learn to Swim has seven levels of instruction designed to help swimmers of all ages develop and refine their skills. Authorized Red Cross Water Safety Instructors teach a variety of strokes, including the front crawl, back crawl, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke, and butterfly. This course also introduces a wide range of personal safety skills and diving techniques.  Children must be at least three years of age to begin. Contact participating pools for more info.

Lifeguarding - Provides people 15 years and older all the training needed to be prepared to respond to aquatic emergencies and become a certified American Red Cross Lifeguard.

Lifeguarding Instructor (LGI) - Designed for lifeguards to become certified American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructors.

Waterfront Lifeguarding - This course teaches lifeguards the skills and knowledge needed at a waterfront facility. Students learn to provide for the safety of patrons and effectively respond to emergencies.

Waterpark Lifeguarding - This course teaches lifeguards the skills and knowledge needed at a waterpark environment. Students learn how to recognize and respond quickly and effectively to emergencies and prevent drownings and injuries.

Water Safety Instructor (WSI) - Provides training and certification to candidates so that they may teach all the levels of the Infant and Preschool Program, Learn to Swim Program, Community Water Safety, Basic Water Safety, and the Water Safety Instructor Aide Course.

For details on the Mandatory Boater Education Law, contact the Oregon State Marine Board at (503) 378-8587 or visit the OSMB Web site.