About Lifeguard Certification Classes

FRRPD offers American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification courses through a blended learning format. This course combines online learning with in-person instruction, where participants practice essential lifeguarding skills and demonstrate competency.

Upon successful completion, candidates receive American Red Cross certification in Lifeguarding and First Aid/CPR/AED, valid for two (2) years.

Quick Facts

  • Certification: American Red Cross Lifeguarding and First Aid/CPR/AED
  • Certification Validity: 2 years
  • Minimum Age: 15 years old before the last scheduled class session
  • Course Fee: $295
  • Location: Nelson Pool, Oroville, CA
  • Course Format: Blended Learning (online coursework and in-person instruction)
  • Full Course Fee: $295.00

Individuals hired as employees for the 2026 FRRPD Summer Season who complete the season in good standing and are eligible for rehire will receive reimbursement of 50% of their lifeguard certification fees.

 Note: Successful completion of the course in no way guarantees employment with Feather River Recreation & Park District.  

Blended Learning

This course follows a blended learning model, which combines online coursework with in-person sessions. You will receive an email from the American Red Cross with instructions for accessing the online course content. 

The online course content (16 modules) is designed to be completed in approximately 6 hours, with each module taking between 15 and 30 minutes to complete. You may require more or less time to complete each module. FRRPD recommends beginning the online coursework as soon as possible to ensure that you are able to complete all of the assigned online modules in advance. 

Please plan to complete all of the assigned online course modules prior to the in-person sessions.

Prerequisites

Candidates participating in the FRRPD certification class must be at least 15 years old before the last scheduled class session.

Note: While the American Red Cross minimum age for participation is 15, individuals must by at least 16 years old to be eligibile for employment with FRRPD.

Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:

  • Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed)
  • Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs
  • Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both

Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:

  • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed).
  • Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 – 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.  
  • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
  • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Schedule

Check back with us for more information in Spring 2027!

Register

Register online at frrpd.recdesk.com or contact the District Office at 530.533.2011

Already a certified American Red Cross Lifeguard and looking to recertify? Check out our Lifeguard Recertification Course!