McDowell Wellness Center is offering several opportunities for American Red Cross lifeguard training.  Classes will be offered February 10-23, March 3-16, April 7-20, April 28-May 4 and May 5-11. Participants must pass a pre-swim test before beginning the training.  The pre-swim test can be scheduled by appointment only prior to the start date of the class by calling McDowell Wellness Center at (859) 936-9355 or by emailing kcurtsinger@emhealth.org.

In order to pass the pre-test, students must be able to swim a total of 300 yards, consisting of 100 yards freestyle, 100 yards breaststroke, and an additional 100 yards of either freestyle or breaststroke.  Students must also be able to tread water for two minutes and be able to recover an object from the bottom of the pool in a set amount of time. 

The training consists of online course work, in-person skill sessions, and a written exam over a period of two weeks. After successful completion of the course, participants will receive certification for Lifeguarding and Professional Rescuer, which includes CPR with AED and First Aid Training.

The class fee is $300 and includes participants’ training, lifeguard manuals, CPR face shields, a FOX 40 whistle, and in-person skill sessions.  The fee for recertification is $150.  Please call Karla Curtsinger at (859) 936-7219 for more information.