A lifeguard crash course covers the full certification compressed into consecutive days. This page explains the certificate itself so you know what to look for before you book a class anywhere. This page sets out what the course involves, what you need before you book and who it is meant for, so you can tell whether it is the certificate your facility is asking for.
What this certificate is for
The lifeguard crash course is written for the same content as the standard course, run intensively. Nothing is cut. The hours are the same, compressed, so arrive already able to pass the swim test. Employers do not all use the same wording when they advertise a vacancy, so where a job description is vague it is worth asking which certificate they will accept on your first day rather than assuming.
Inside the course
You will be assessed on each of the following, in the water and on land:
- the complete standard syllabus, nothing omitted
- the same skills testing and written exam
- CPR and AED for the professional rescuer
- first aid
These are tested rather than simply shown to you, so expect a lot of repetition in the water and a written paper at the end. Candidates who struggle usually do so on stamina rather than on technique.
Before you sign up
Before booking a lifeguard crash course, you should be able to meet the entry requirements:
- the same swim test and minimum age as the standard course
- the stamina for consecutive full days in and out of the water
The swim test is a gate, not something the class teaches you, and it is where most people come unstuck. If you are not there yet, spend a few weeks building the distance before you book a seat.
Who should take it
People who need a certificate before a season starts or a job offer closes. If you are not certain a lifeguard crash course is right for the job you have in mind, ask the facility what they require before you pay for a seat or call (800) 670-3391 and we will tell you what we see that kind of site asking for.
Frequently asked
Is anything left out of a crash course?
No. The hours and the testing are the same; they are simply run across consecutive days instead of spread over weeks.
Who should avoid it?
Anyone not already able to pass the swim test. There is no slack in the schedule to build fitness, so arrive ready.
Is the certificate different?
No. It carries the same validity as the standard route.
Related courses
If this is not the right fit, the closest alternatives are Pool Lifeguard, Lifeguard Recertification, Shallow Water Lifeguard. Each covers a different setting, and which certificate you need is decided by where you will be guarding rather than by preference.