Become a Certified Lifeguard

Swim Lessons with Mary is proud to be a licensed training provider for The American Red Cross. The ARC Lifeguarding Course prepares individuals to be swimming pool, waterpark and restricted waterfront lifeguards in drowning prevention, surveillance and professional skills at levels that exceed common standards.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a 2 year American Red Cross lifeguarding and first aid certification. Participants will also receive a 2 year American Red Cross CPR and AED for lifeguard certification.

Swim Lessons with Mary will cover the cost of the course for any guards that come to work as swim instructors on our team. Send us an email with your resume if you are interested in employment with our team.

Upcoming Classes

LG Certification Course

Course Dates: May 31 - June 2, 2024

Location: Pebble Creek Swim Club - 103 Pebble Creek Drive, Taylors, SC 29687

Cost: $230 early signup discount: $210

Course prerequisites:

  1. Candidates must be 15 years of age by the end of the lifeguard course. A government-issued identification is required to provide proof of age.

  2. Must be able to perform the following skills at the pre-course session:

    • 300 yard continuous swim demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not allowed.

    • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke, surface dive 7-10 feet, retrieve a 10 pound object, return to the surface, swim 20 yards back on your back to the starting point with the object and exit the water without using the ladder or steps, within 1 minute and 40 seconds.

  3. This is a Blended Learning Course

  • 8 to 10 hours of online training are required before attending the class.

  • Online material will be emailed to the participant prior to the class.  If you do not receive the material, please contact us. 

Course requirements:

1. Attendance is to all classes is mandatory. If participant cannot make all class times, the participant does not pass the course. There are no exceptions and no refunds. Please double check dates and times prior to registration.

2. Active participation in all class sessions.

3. Demonstrate competency in all required skills.

4. Must demonstrate the necessary maturity and professionalism required of a lifeguard.

5. Demonstrate competency in three final scenarios.

6. Correctly answer at least 80% of the questions on both written exams.

There is a $25 non-refundable fee if the pre-course is failed or the participant cancels after the pre-course. Consider practicing the pre-course requirements before you register.

  • If the participant does not pass the course, a refund will not be issued nor will there be discounts for another course.

What to bring to class:

  • Suitable swim suit, towel, and change of clothes

  • Lunch/snacks/drinks 

  • Pen

Don’t see a course date that works for you?

We will be releasing more course dates soon! Please jump on our email list here to be notified when our new classes are added.