Central Illinois Lifeguard Training

Lifeguards work at swimming pools, beaches, lake and river swimming holes and water parks to ensure the safety of swimmers. Residents of Central Illinois have access to nationally recognized lifeguard training.

Course Providers

• The main certifying organizations are the American Lifeguard Association, or ALA, and the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross training is recognized as the standard. ALA offers self-study courses on DVD. The American Red Cross conducts trainings in Peoria, Champaign and Danville Illinois. Both the ALA and American Red Cross trainings include CPR certification. Some private companies are certified to offer the American Red Cross training, such as CAATS.

Course Content

• Central Illinois lifeguard training has the same course content as training offered across the country. Lifeguard training includes in-depth water and land rescue training, surveillance of swimming area, CPR and first aid. Training for lifeguarding in shallow water only is also available.

Requirements

• Lifeguard trainees must be 15 years of age, able to swim 300 yards continuously using the crawl, backstroke and breaststroke and be able to dive to the bottom of a pool and retrieve an object.

Certification

• Lifeguard certification is good for three years, and CPR certification is good for one year.