Take Pride in Saving Lives

By: Stella Pierce

Community Writer

Photo Courtesy of:

Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services

Photo Description:

A lifeguard standing on a chair blowing a whistle at the pool

Take pride in saving lives! Get certified as a lifeguard and join the City of Riverside Aquatics team. We're actively hiring lifeguards for summer pool openings—be part of our dynamic aqua team! For more info, contact aquatics@riversideca.gov|$170/session ($255 Non-Resident) F - Su, March 7-9 & March 28 - 30F: 4 - 8 p.m., Sa/Su: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.Sippy Woodhead Pool, 2060 University Ave. American Red Cross Lifeguard Training course gives participants the knowledge and skillset to become professional lifeguards. This course requires all participants to pass the in water prerequisite test on the first day of class in order to continue being enrolled. Upon attending all class meetings and successful completion of an in-water and written exam participants will receive their Lifeguard certification. Instructors will reach out to participants who are registered, one week prior to the first class date with course updates and details. Any questions please feel free to email Aquatics at aquatics@riversideca.gov. Must be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of this course.   Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest: Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed) Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both   Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds: Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed). ? Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 – 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.   To receive their certification participants must participate in all class sessions. Demonstrate competency in all required final rescue skill scenarios. Pass both the Section 1 - CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid and Section 2 - Lifeguarding Skills final written exams with a minimum 80 percent. ****NOTE: There will be an online class portion that will need to be completed prior to the first day of class. The online portion consists of approximately 8 hours of classwork