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Learn the skills needed to prevent and respond to emergencies, while earning the certification needed to work as a pool lifeguard!
As a Licensed Training Provider for the American Red Cross, Santa Cruz County Parks/Simpkins Family Swim Center offers Lifeguard courses throughout the fall, winter, and spring (Jan-May, Aug-Nov). Lifeguard certifcation courses are not available at Simpkins Family Swim Center during the Summer season due to other aquatics programing.
All courses are "blended learning" format, consisting of independent online coursework followed by in-person skill sessions.
A strong swimming prerequisite and physical stamina are necessary to participate and succeed in the American Red Cross Lifeguard certification course. Please see prerequisite swim test below.
Contact us to register for a course or schedule a pre-course swim assessment date/time at the swim center.
After completing the pre-requisite swim test you will be given access to the online course via Red Cross Learning Center. The online portion of the certification course (approx 8 hours) must be completed before attending skills sessions.
Attend in-person skill sessions. To sucessfully pass the course and earn 2-year certification, lifeguarding candidates must be able to independantly demonstrate the required CPR and rescue skills, demonstrate sucess in multiple-responder team scenarios, and pass a multiple-choice test with at least 80% by the course conclusion date.
(831) 454-7960
Monday – Friday 6:00 AM to 7:45 PM, except holidays
swimcenter@scparks.com
Our physical office is open, but staff availability is limited as some staff members are working remotely.