"I signed up on a Tuesday, certified by Sunday. Riverside Rec hired me before I even drove home."
Jordan Espinoza
Certified guard, age 16 — now at Riverside Aquatic Center
RescueLifeguard Certification Program
Which Lifeguard Course
Fits Your Family?
Weekend courses at community pools. Take our 3-question quiz, get a personalized recommendation, and book a free swim assessment — all before you spend a dollar.
Red Cross Aligned
1,400+ Certified Guards
Weekend Courses
94% First-Attempt Pass Rate
38 Partner Pools
Free Swim Assessment
CPR Included (Standard)
Hire Within 2 Days
Red Cross Aligned
1,400+ Certified Guards
Weekend Courses
94% First-Attempt Pass Rate
38 Partner Pools
Free Swim Assessment
CPR Included (Standard)
Hire Within 2 Days
Quick Quiz
Find the right course in 60 seconds
Answer three questions and we'll highlight the best fit in the comparison table below.
1 / 3
How old is the swimmer?
Compare Courses
Every course, side by side
Junior Guard Build the foundation Ages 11–14$149 per participant | Most Popular Standard Certification Earn your whistle Ages 15+$249 Red Cross aligned | Accelerated Recert Stay current, stay sharp Existing guards$179 renewal discount available | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Hours | 16 hrs | 28 hrs | 14 hrs |
| Pool Sessions | 4 sessions | 6 sessions | 3 sessions |
| First Aid Module | Basic | Full AHA | Refresher |
| CPR Included | |||
| Certification | Completion cert | Red Cross card | Red Cross renewal |
| Class Size | Max 10 | Max 12 | Max 8 |
| Schedule | 2 Saturdays | Sat + Sun × 2 | Fri eve + Sat |
| Prerequisite Swim Test | 25m unaided | 300m continuous | Waived |
| Select Course | Select Course | Select Course |
Junior Guard
Ages 11–14
$149
Total Hours16 hrs
Pool Sessions4 sessions
First Aid ModuleBasic
CPR Included
CertificationCompletion cert
Class SizeMax 10
Schedule2 Saturdays
Prerequisite Swim Test25m unaided
Select CourseStandard Certification
Ages 15+
$249
Total Hours28 hrs
Pool Sessions6 sessions
First Aid ModuleFull AHA
CPR Included
CertificationRed Cross card
Class SizeMax 12
ScheduleSat + Sun × 2
Prerequisite Swim Test300m continuous
Select CourseAccelerated Recert
Existing guards
$179
Total Hours14 hrs
Pool Sessions3 sessions
First Aid ModuleRefresher
CPR Included
CertificationRed Cross renewal
Class SizeMax 8
ScheduleFri eve + Sat
Prerequisite Swim TestWaived
Select CourseCourse Details
Zoom in on your course
Real photos, real families, and exactly what to pack on day one.
American Red Cross Aligned
Nationally Recognized Standards
Certified Instructors
Community Pool Partners
1,400+
Certified guards since 2019
94%
Pass rate, first attempt
38
Community pools served
2 days
Average hire time post-cert
What families are saying
"As a recreation director, I've sent eight staff through Rescue. Every single one showed up day one ready to work. That's rare."
Keisha Adeyemi
Recreation Director, Northbrook Parks Department
"My daughter was terrified of the deep end test. The instructors here knew exactly how to push her without breaking her. She cried happy tears at the end."
Sandra Park
Parent of newly certified guard
"The CPR section alone is worth every penny. My son now knows what to do if something happens at any pool, not just when he's on stand."
Marcus Thompson
Parent, Standard Cert graduate
"Recertified in one weekend. Instructors were professional, drills were current, and the documentation was flawless for my employer."
Aaliyah Osei
Returning guard, 4th certification cycle
Free Assessment
Start with a free 30-minute swim assessment
Not sure if your swimmer is ready? Our instructors evaluate stroke strength, endurance, and comfort in deep water — then tell you exactly which course to book. Zero pressure, zero cost.
- In-pool evaluation at your nearest partner facility
- Honest readiness feedback — no upsell pressure
- Course recommendation with your quiz result
- Same-day enrollment if you're ready to go
Not ready to book? Download the checklist.
"Is Your Kid Ready?" — a free prep guide covering swim requirements, what to practice, and how to build confidence before day one.
Book Your Free Assessment
30-minute in-pool session, no charge
Participants must complete a 300-meter continuous swim (any stroke) and tread water for 2 minutes without stopping. Our free swim assessment evaluates exactly this — if your teen isn't quite there yet, we'll tell you what to practice.
Yes. Standard Certification is aligned with American Red Cross Lifeguarding standards, which are accepted by municipal pools, rec centers, private clubs, and summer camps nationwide. Most employers ask for the Red Cross card specifically — and that's exactly what graduates receive.
We offer one free remediation session within 30 days of the original course. We'd rather have a genuinely ready guard on deck than push someone through for the sake of completion.
Yes — bleacher seating is available for all pool sessions. Classroom modules are trainee-only to maintain focus, but you're welcome for the pool drills. Most parents say watching the deep-water rescue scenarios is the most reassuring thing they've ever seen.
Our graduates average 2 days from certification to first job offer. We maintain relationships with 38 partner pools and rec centers that actively recruit from our program. We can share your teen's cert with hiring contacts on request.
Standard Certification is a full 28-hour program for first-time guards — it covers all rescue techniques, CPR/AED, spinal injury management, and first aid from scratch. Accelerated Recertification is a 14-hour renewal for guards with a current or recently-expired Red Cross card who need to update their credentials.
Yes — we offer 15% off for groups of 5 or more from the same organization. Contact us directly for invoicing and scheduling. Several municipal departments run dedicated sessions with us each spring before Memorial Day.