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The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) professionals take over. To participate in an American Red Cross lifeguarding course, participants must:

  1. Provide proof of identity and age. Participants must be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course.
  2. Successfully complete a prerequisite swimming skills evaluation. The prerequisite swimming skills evaluation is designed to confirm that participants have the physical ability to successfully participate in the training. The evaluation includes an endurance swim; treading water using only the legs; and a timed event that involves retrieving a 10-pound submerged object, swimming it back to the exit point and exiting the water without using a ladder or steps.
  3. Because this class is a blended learning (online learning with instructor-led skill session) format, participants must complete all modules and have proof of completion before the first day of class.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a certificate for Lifeguarding that includes CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid and is valid for 2 years.

*Course registration fee will be refunded if participant passes the course and completes the hiring process with Community Programs, Cuesta College.

DATES: Friday-Sunday. May 22-24, 2026.

TIME: Varies by Day 

  • Friday, May 22: 4-7 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 23: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 24: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

FEE: $100

LOCATION: Online via Red Cross Learning Center, San Luis Obispo Campus Room 1100 and Cuesta Pool.

INSTRUCTOR: Cate Galloway & Adler Von Protz

QUESTIONS: Contact instructor at cate_galloway@cuesta.edu

Class Schedule – Please Note:
Our class schedules may be subject to change. You can view the most current class status anytime on the Community Programs website. To stay up to date after registering, please monitor your email, as any changes will be sent to the email address we have on file.