Lifeguarding Challenge Course FAQ’s

Q.         What is a Lifeguard Challenge course?

A.         It is a certification or re-certification option for individuals who are confident with their Lifeguarding, CPR, first aid, knowledge and skills and who want to be tested.  Upon successful completion of the challenge (100% practical skills 80% written tests) the individuals Lifeguard CPR and First Aid certifications will be renewed.  During the course of the challenge there is NO REVIEW of skills.  It is a test only format.

Q.         What do I need to prepare for a Lifeguard Challenge?

A.         Read/Review American Red Cross’ training manual Lifeguard Training. All of the skills and knowledge are in the manual.

Q.         What do I need to bring to a Lifeguard Challenge?

A.         A pencil, a swimsuit, towel and pocket mask.

Q.         What happens if I don’t pass all the sections of the written test?

A.         A challenge is an all or nothing format.  You must pass all sections to be certified or re-certified.

Q.         What does the practical and written tests consist of?

Emergency Preparedness

Lifeguard Training

CPR for the Professional

First Aid

AED (Optional)

Oxygen Admin. (Optional)

15 Questions

15 Questions

15 Questions

15 Questions

10 Questions

15 Questions

Water:              500 yard swim

                        20 yds. retrieve 10 lb. object

                        Multi Victim Rescue

                        Front head hold escape

                        Rear head hold escape

                        Scenarios:         Active Drowning Victim

                                                Submerged Passive Victim

                                                Head neck or back injury

First Aid:           Removing gloves

                        Controlling external bleeding

                        Applying sling and binder

                        Head, neck and back immobilization on land

CPR:                Primary Survey

                        Rescue Breathing (Adult, Infant and Child)

                        Conscious Choking (Adult and Child)

                        Unconscious Choking (Adult, Infant & Child)

                        CPR (Adult, Infant & Child)

                        CPR 2 Person - Adult

                        BVM – 2 rescuers

AED (Optional)  Scenario & Demonstrating proper use

Oxygen Admin.  Using Resuscitation Mask

(Optional):         Using BVM

                        Administering Supplemental O2

                        Measuring Suction Devices & Simulating

                                    Suction

                        Measuring & Simulating Insertion of Oral

                                    Airway

                        Measuring & Simulating Insertion of Nasal

                                    Airway

Q.         If I don’t pass the Challenge course may I take it again?

A.         If your certifications are current (not expired LGT and FA 3 years CPR 1 year) you make take another challenge course.

If you are not currently certified  (your certifications have expired) you only have one chance to take the challenge. Simply put - if you are not certified/current and you fail the challenge you MUST take the entire Lifeguard training course to gain your certification, no exceptions.