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Lifeguard Training in Georgia - Get Certified in GA

Program Overview: Lifeguard training in Georgia is a professional, OSHA-compliant blended safety course conducted by American Aquatics and Safety Training that awards a nationally recognized 2-year certification in Lifeguarding, CPR and AED for Professional Responders, and Advanced First Aid upon successful completion of Day 1 physical swim prerequisites and final written evaluation

Professional lifeguard training in Georgia requires candidates to be at least 15 years old and pass a rigorous physical swim evaluation on Day 1. Successful completion awards a nationally recognized, OSHA-compliant 2-year certification in Lifeguarding, Professional CPR/AED, and Advanced First Aid. Local training courses are offered statewide by American Aquatics and Safety Training.

Earning your official certification with high-quality lifeguard training in Georgia is the first step toward a rewarding, high-responsibility role in aquatic safety. American Aquatics and Safety Training provides premier, nationally recognized courses throughout the Peach State. Whether you are looking to secure a summer job at a community pool in Atlanta, guard a busy aquatic center in Savannah, or launch a professional career across the Georgia region, our comprehensive lifeguard Classes in Georgia delivers the hands-on skills, confidence, and credentials you need.

As an elite regional provider, our curriculum is fully compliant with national safety standards, OSHA workplace regulations, and the CDC Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC).

View Upcoming Georgia Class Schedules
Lifeguard training in Georgia

Lifeguard training in Georgia at a glance

Certification in Georgia costs $195.00, takes 27.5 hours (7.5 online + 2 days in person), and requires you to be 15 and swim 300 yards.

Cost
$195.00 per participant, group discounts available.
Length
7.5 hours online plus 2 days in person (27.5 hours total).
Minimum age
15 by the last day of class.
Swim test
300 yards continuous; tread water 2 minutes without arms; retrieve a 10-lb brick from 7–10 ft within 1:40.
Certifications
Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid.
Valid for
Two years. Recertification is 10 hours in person.
Format
Blended — online at your own pace, then an in-person skills session available on request in Georgia.

The Non-Profit Advantage for Lifeguard Training in Georgia

What is American Aquatics and Safety Training? We are an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to reducing drowning incidents by providing standardized, OSHA-compliant lifeguard training in Georgia that aligns directly with the CDC Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) and national safety council guidelines.

Unlike standard commercial operations, American Aquatics and Safety Training operates under a dedicated 501(c)(3) mission. Our core focus is reducing drowning incidents and elevating aquatic safety across local communities through accessible, world-class education. When you enroll in our lifeguard training in Georgia, you are learning from dedicated safety professionals utilizing the highest instructional benchmarks in the industry.

Prerequisites & Requirements for Lifeguard Training in Georgia

To enroll in a professional course for lifeguard classes in Georgia, candidates must meet strict age and physical conditioning baselines. The entry evaluation is conducted in the pool on Day 1 of the course. You must pass all physical elements to continue with the remaining training modules.

How old do you have to be to get a lifeguard certification in Georgia?

  • Age Baseline: Candidates must be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled day of the class.
  • Verification: You must bring valid proof of age (such as a birth certificate, passport, state ID, or school ID with birthdate) to the first class session.

What do you have to do to pass a lifeguard test in Georgia?

These physical performance prerequisites ensure you have the raw cardiovascular endurance, lower-body strength, and swimming mechanics required to safely complete your lifeguard classes in Georgia without putting yourself or a victim in danger.
  • 300-Yard Swim: Continuous swimming for 300 yards (12 lengths of a standard 25-yard pool) using front crawl (freestyle) or breaststroke with rhythmic breathing. Goggles are permitted.
  • 2-Minute Tread: Continuous water treading in deep water for 2 minutes utilizing legs only (hands must be tucked under armpits or crossed on the chest).
  • Timed Brick Drill: Swim 20 yards, surface dive to retrieve a 10-lb submerged brick from deep water (7 to 10 feet), and swim 20 yards back on your back holding the brick with both hands within 1 minute and 40 seconds (goggles are not allowed for this drill).

Core Skills Taught During Lifeguard Training in Georgia

Our specialized curriculum is split into three core disciplines: water rescue mechanics, professional resuscitation, and advanced first aid. You will master these essential safety skills through practical, hands-on scenarios in the pool and the classroom.

Water Rescue Techniques & Surveillance Skills

  • Drowning Surveillance: Learning how to effectively scan a 180-degree zone, recognize the signs of an active vs. passive drowning victim within 30 seconds, and overcome visual challenges like lighting conditions in indoor and outdoor facilities.
  • Entries & Approaches: Mastering rapid-response entries based on water depth and conditions, including the slide-in entry (for shallow or suspected spinal water), stride jump, and compact jump from elevated lifeguard chairs.
  • Surface & Submerged Rescues: Learning how to safely approach and rescue an active victim using a rescue tube (front-drive and rear-clip rescues), as well as extracting a passive, unconscious victim submerged on the pool floor.
  • Spinal Injury Management: High-level training for handling suspected head, neck, or back injuries in deep and shallow water. You will master the inline stabilization technique, the head-splint turn, and rapid backboarding procedures with multi-guard teams.

CPR / AED for Professional Responders

  • Primary Assessment: Rapidly identifying life-threatening conditions, opening airways, checking for pulse and breathing simultaneously, and activating emergency medical services (EMS).
  • High-Quality CPR: Executing chest compressions and ventilations for adults, children, and infants using advanced barrier masks and Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) resuscitators.
  • Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Operation: Setting up, positioning pads, and safely administering shocks using an AED for victims experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
  • Airway Obstruction: Clearing severe airway blockages for conscious and unconscious choking victims across all age groups.

Advanced First Aid & Medical Emergencies

  • Trauma Care: Controlling severe external bleeding using direct pressure, pressure bandages, and commercial tourniquets. Managing shock, open wounds, burns, and fractures.
  • Sudden Illness Management: Recognizing and treating acute medical emergencies common in aquatic settings, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, severe dehydration, diabetic emergencies, seizures, asthma attacks, and anaphylactic allergic reactions (including EpiPen administration).

How It Works: The Path to Completing Your Lifeguard Training in Georgia

Our courses use a balanced instructional approach to respect your schedule while ensuring total mastery of life-saving skills.
  • Step 1: Choose Blended or Traditional Learning: Flexible Scheduling

Select the format that fits your schedule. Our Blended Learning track allows you to complete comprehensive video lectures and online modules at home at your own pace, cutting down on classroom hours so you can focus entirely on practical skills when you arrive at the pool.

  • Step 2: Pass the Physical Entry Evaluation: Day One Benchmark.

Attend the first session prepared to demonstrate your swimming endurance, leg strength, and deep-water retrieval capabilities during the standard prerequisite physical screening.

  • Step 3: Train for Real-World Rescue Scenarios: In-Water Mastery.

Work directly with expert instructors in the pool. Master critical life-saving techniques, including active and passive victim rescues, submerged victim recoveries, rapid backboarding for spinal injury management, and multi-rescuer professional CPR/AED applications.

  • Step 4: Complete Written Exams & Earn Certification: Credentials Issued Fast.

Achieve a score of 80% or higher on the final written evaluations. Upon successful completion, your digital, 2-year OSHA-compliant credentials will be issued rapidly, making you instantly eligible for aquatic employment.

Register for Blended Learning Online Modules

Packing Checklist for Your Georgia Pool Sessions

To ensure a successful in-person skills clinic, participants should arrive at the aquatic facility with the following items:
Proper swimwear icon

Proper Swimwear

A functional, athletic-style swimsuit (one-piece preferred for female athletes) designed for rigorous physical activity.

Towels and warm layers icon

Towels & Warmth

At least two dry towels and warm change-of-course deck apparel (like a sweatshirt or parka) to maintain body temperature between pool drills.

Hydration and nutrition icon

Hydration & Nutrition

A reusable water bottle and high-energy snacks to stay properly fueled during demanding physical training.

Documentation icon

Documentation

Valid government or school-issued photo identification confirming your age requirement on Day 1.

Georgia Lifeguard Career Opportunities

A lifeguard certification can open the door to rewarding employment opportunities throughout Georgia. With a wide range of public pools, water parks, recreation centers, private clubs, summer camps, and resort destinations, certified lifeguards are in demand across the state. Whether you’re looking for seasonal summer employment or a long-term career in aquatic safety, becoming a certified lifeguard can help you qualify for a variety of rewarding positions.

Common employment opportunities include:

  • Water Parks & Resorts: Water parks, resorts, and hotels throughout Georgia that require certified lifeguards to supervise pools, water attractions, and recreational aquatic areas.
  • Municipal & Community Pools: City and county parks departments operating public swimming pools, aquatic centers, and community recreation facilities.
  • Youth Camps & Private Clubs: Summer camps, country clubs, fitness centers, and private swim facilities focused on recreation and water safety.
  • Schools & Universities: K–12 schools, colleges, and universities with swimming pools used for athletics, physical education, swim instruction, and community programs.
  • Aquatic & Recreation Centers: Indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities that employ lifeguards to monitor swimmers, enforce safety regulations, and respond to emergencies.

While hiring requirements vary by employer, many aquatic facilities seek candidates with current Lifeguarding, CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications from nationally recognized training organizations.

Why Train as a Lifeguard in Georgia?

Georgia’s warm climate and active aquatic lifestyle make lifeguarding an important and rewarding skill. Our lifeguard training in Georgia combines flexible online learning with instructor-led pool sessions, allowing students to build the knowledge and practical rescue skills needed to respond confidently during aquatic emergencies.
Throughout the course, you’ll receive hands-on instruction in:
  • Water rescue techniques and victim assessment
  • CPR for adults, children, and infants
  • Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use
  • First Aid for aquatic and medical emergencies
  • Spinal injury management and emergency response
  • Accident prevention, patron surveillance, and risk recognition
  • Team communication and emergency action procedures
By combining classroom knowledge with supervised practical exercises, students develop the confidence and skills needed to perform effectively in real-world aquatic environments. Students looking to expand their emergency response skills can also explore our CPR Certification, First Aid Training, and Waterfront Lifeguard Training programs.

Nationally Recognized Georgia Lifeguard Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, students earn a nationally recognized lifeguard certification that includes training in CPR, AED, and First Aid. The program is designed to prepare participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills required for many professional lifeguarding positions.

Our curriculum follows nationally recognized training standards and incorporates current best practices for aquatic safety. Course content aligns with OSHA workplace safety recommendations and the CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) to help students develop the competencies expected in modern aquatic environments.
Because employment requirements vary by organization, students should always confirm any additional qualifications or certifications required by their prospective employer.

Local Lifeguard Training Sites Across Georgia

To ensure accessibility for all students, we offer seasonal and year-round training options across major Georgia metropolitan hubs:

Metro Atlanta Area

Serving Atlanta, Marietta, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, and surrounding suburbs.

Coastal & Southern Georgia

Serving Savannah, Augusta, and surrounding regions.

Northern & Central Georgia

Serving Athens, Macon, Columbus, and regional aquatic hubs.

What Our Georgia Students Say

Jordan K.
Atlanta, GA

Flexible and Professional!
I really appreciated the blended learning approach. It allowed me to get the theory work done on my own time before the in-pool training in Atlanta. The instructors were excellent and really emphasized the practical safety skills I needed.

Casey M.
Savannah, GA

Professional and Efficient
Taking my certification through this 501(c)(3) non-profit was a great experience. The course was well-organized, and it is clear they are focused on quality training and community safety. Perfect for anyone looking for lifeguard certification in Georgia.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lifeguard Training in Georgia

How long is a course for lifeguard training in Georgia?

A standard, comprehensive lifeguard training course takes approximately 25 to 26 hours to complete. Through our blended learning format, a significant portion of this time is completed online at home, allowing you to maximize your physical pool time and finish the in-person training over a single weekend.
Yes. Our certifications are fully aligned with national standards, OSHA workplace safety regulations, and the CDC Model Aquatic Health Code. They are widely recognized and accepted by municipal pools, private clubs, summer camps, and residential facilities throughout Georgia.
You should bring a swimsuit (one-piece athletic style preferred), a minimum of two dry towels, a dry change of clothes, a pen/notebook for classroom review, and plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated during physical training.
Passing the physical prerequisites is a mandatory safety requirement to participate in the rest of the course. If you miss the mark on Day 1, our instructors will provide guidance on what to practice, and our flexible scheduling policy allows you to transfer into a future session once you feel fully prepared.
Find Upcoming Lifeguard Classes in Georgia by County

Enrol in a lifeguard class in Georgia

$195 — 27.5 hours, blended online plus one in-person skills session. Nationally recognized certification, valid two years.

Enrol now — $195

Classes are scheduled and delivered by American Aquatics & Safety Training, our training partner.

Lifeguard classes in Georgia: what to expect

Every lifeguard class in Georgia is blended — the coursework is completed online, then you attend one in-person session to be assessed in the water. Lifeguard certification in Georgia is awarded once you pass the rescue, CPR/AED and First Aid components, which take 27.5 hours in total.

The format of a lifeguard course in Georgia

The programme splits into self-paced online study and a single practical day. The online half covers scanning, rescue theory and emergency planning; the practical half covers entries, approaches, extrications and spinal management in the water.

Entry requirements for lifeguard courses in Georgia

Lifeguard courses in Georgia require candidates to be at least 15 by the last day of class and to complete the swim test. Those who become a lifeguard in Georgia typically work at municipal pools, waterparks, campus aquatic centres and waterfronts.

Cost of lifeguard certification in Georgia

Lifeguard training in Georgia costs $195. That price includes the online modules, the in-person skills assessment and certification valid for two years. Lifeguard certification classes in Georgia are scheduled throughout the year.

4.9 out of 5 ★★★★½ from 409 reviews of the lifeguard certification course.

Reviewed by Jackie Hamper, Director & Safety Curriculum Specialist at American Aquatics and Safety Training
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026
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