Water Safety Instructor

This course is developed to train instructor candidates to teach Parent and Child Aquatics, Pre-School Aquatics, Learn-to-Swim, Adult Swim courses, and presentations.  The first class day will consist of the prerequisite swimming skills evaluation. Satisfactory completion of the skills must be achieved in order to take the course and become certified.

Demonstrate swimming skills consistent with the Stroke Performance Charts, Level 4, by swimming the following strokes:   Front Crawl - 25 yards, Back Crawl - 25 yards; Breaststroke - 25 yards; Elementary Backstroke - 25 yards; Sidestroke - 25 yards; Butterfly - 15 yards; Tread water for 1 minute; Maintain position on back for 1 minute in deep water. 

Lifeguard Certification

This course prepares candidates to recognize and respond quickly and effectively to aquatic emergencies and prevent drowning and other incidents. After successful completion of the course, participants will receive the following certifications: Lifeguard Training (2 years), First Aid (2 years), Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for The Professional Rescuer (2 years) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) (2 years).

The minimum age requirement to be certified through the American Red Cross is 15 years old.  By registering for this training, it does not guarantee you a job at the City of Angleton or any other city, organization or company.  You must be able to meet prerequisites to take the class as listed below.  There will be absolutely no refunds given for this class.  For this reason, please make sure you can attend all the dates and times and meet the prerequisites. 

Shallow Water & Water Park Certification

Candidates must be able to successfully complete the following prerequisites:       
1.    Swim 300 for Shallow Water continuously.  (Prerequisite test)     
2.    Swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke, surface dive to retrieve a 10-pound object, return to the surface, and swim 20 yards back to the starting point with the object for Deep Water.

Deep Water Lifeguard Certification

Deep Water Lifeguard Certifications are held in conjunction with our Shallow Water classes. Dates and time are listed above.

Candidate must be able to successfully complete the following prerequisites:
Prerequisite 1 300-Yard Swim - Prospective participants must perform a 300-yard continuous swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed.

Prerequisite 2 Tread Water - Prospective participants must tread water for 2 minutes without support and without stopping while their head remains above the surface of the water. When treading, only the legs can be used. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.

Prerequisite 3 Timed Event - Prospective participant on the following skill to be performed within 1 minute and 40 seconds.

Starting in the water, swim 20 yards, Surface dive to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface, so they are able to get a breath. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

General Information For All Certification Courses

•    Participants who are not members of the Recreation Center will be given a pass to use the pool for conditioning one (1) week prior to course. 
•    Participants must attend all days scheduled to pass the course and pass all prerequisites.  If not satisfactorily completed, the participant will not be able to continue in the course and will be given credit for half of the registration they can use towards the next class.  There will be no refunds.
•    Must be 16 years old on or before the final day of course.
•    The WSI course is a blended learning format, with both online and classroom components. The American Red Cross requires all new WSIs to complete the American Red Cross Online Instructor Registration and Orientation. In order to participate in the WSI course, participants must complete the online instructor registration and orientation, prior to the first class date.
•    The class certifies the participants to teach the Learn to Swim program, Water Babies, and Whale's Tales. The fee includes all materials for the class as well as certifies the participants as American Red Cross WSI's after successfully passing all tests with 80% or better.
•    You must wear a swimsuit in class.
•    A one piece suit or thick strapped athletic two-piece for females is required.
•    Goggles are highly recommended for the prerequisite swimming test. For Lifeguarding goggles are not allowed during the brick dive on the first day or after the first class day, if you wear contacts, please plan accordingly.
•    Snacks and lunch on long days are allowed and recommended.
•    Attendance in the course does not guarantee certification; candidates must pass written and practical exams.
•    Do not be late. Part of being a professional American Red Cross Lifeguard or Water Safety Instructor is being on time.      Being late could result in termination from the class and financial consequences.
•    The Angleton Recreation Center is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. We suggest leaving valuables (cell phone, wallet, etc.) at home or using a day locker and lock from the Angleton Recreation Center.  
•    All cell phones must be put away and turned off or set to silent during class.