Skip to main content

LIFEGUARD TRAINING HEADQUARTERS – Your Center for Life Guard Training

Facebook X-twitter Youtube
Menu
Menu

Lifeguard Training in Rutherford County, Tennessee

Rutherford County, home to Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee State University, offers strong access to lifeguard and water-safety training, with local YMCA facilities and municipal pools supporting a steady need for certified aquatics staff. As one of the fastest-growing counties in Tennessee, Rutherford County sees consistent demand for trained lifeguards each swim season. The area provides a solid base for both training and eventual employment.
Certification courses are offered in-person and through blended learning formats that combine online instruction with hands-on skills sessions, ideal for students at MTSU, local high schoolers, and working adults. Programs are structured for aquatics staff, camp counselors, and community members seeking a nationally respected credential. Flexible scheduling accommodates the academic calendar and busy work weeks alike.
Lifeguard Training in Rutherford County

Lifeguard training in Rutherford County, Tennessee at a glance

Certification in Rutherford County, Tennessee 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 Rutherford County, Tennessee.

Nationally Recognized, CMAHC-Aligned Training

American Aquatics and Safety Training is a nationally recognized training and certification provider whose curriculum is systematically reviewed against current standards from the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC).
Certifications are issued through nationally recognized bodies such as the American Red Cross and YMCA, credentials widely accepted at pools and aquatic centers throughout the Murfreesboro and greater Nashville area.

Core Curriculum

In Rutherford County, coursework is organized into two core disciplines: water rescue and surveillance, and professional resuscitation.

Water Rescue & Surveillance

  • Active vs. Passive Recognition: Learn to scan a zone systematically and distinguish an active swimmer in distress from a passive, unconscious drowning victim.
  • Water Entries: Master rapid-response entries suited to different facility depths and configurations.
  • In-Water Stabilization: Learn protocols for protecting and stabilizing victims with suspected head, neck, or back trauma.

CPR & AED Training

  • High-Quality Compressions: Deliver compressions at the correct rate and depth with full chest recoil.
  • AED Operation: Correctly place pads and integrate the device into the compression cycle with minimal interruption.
  • Rescue Breathing: Perform rescue breaths at the correct ratio for adult, child, and infant scenarios.

Rutherford County Lifeguard Certification Requirements

To enroll in Rutherford County, candidates must meet the following age and physical performance requirements.

Minimum Age

Physical Performance Test

These benchmarks confirm you have the cardiovascular stamina and swim technique needed before hands-on rescue training begins.
  • Swim 300 yards continuously using front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination.
  • Tread water for 2 minutes using only your legs.
  • Retrieve a 10-pound object from a depth of 7–10 feet within 1 minute 40 seconds, then swim it back without using a ladder or the pool steps.

Skills You'll Master

The curriculum is organized into three core disciplines: water rescue, resuscitation, and first aid.

Water Rescue Techniques & Surveillance

  • Reaching and throwing assists using rescue equipment.
  • Active and passive drowning victim rescues.
  • Multiple-victim response prioritization.
  • Submerged victim recovery in shallow and deep water.

CPR / AED for Professional Responders

  • Adult, child, and infant CPR technique.
  • Two-rescuer CPR coordination.
  • AED use on adult, child, and infant victims.
  • Choking and airway obstruction response.

Advanced First Aid & Medical Emergencies

  • Bleeding control and wound care.
  • Recognizing and responding to shock, heat illness, and other medical emergencies.

How It Works: The Path to Certification

Our Rutherford County courses use a blended instructional approach so most of the coursework fits around your schedule.
  • Step 1: Complete the online coursework covering rescue theory, CPR/AED, and first aid fundamentals.
  • Step 2: Contact us to arrange your in-person skills session and confirm scheduling.
  • Step 3: Attend the in-person session and pass the physical prerequisite and rescue skills evaluation.
  • Step 4: Achieve a passing score on the final written evaluation to complete certification.
Contact Us to Enroll

Packing Checklist for Your Skills Session

To ensure a successful in-person skills clinic, arrive prepared with:
Proper swimwear icon

Proper Swimwear

A functional, athletic-style swimsuit designed for rigorous physical activity.

Towels and warm layers icon

Towels & Warm Layers

At least two dry towels and a warm change of clothing to maintain body temperature between drills.

Hydration and nutrition icon

Hydration & Nutrition

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

Documentation icon

Documentation

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

Nationally Recognized Certification

Upon successful completion, students in Rutherford County earn a nationally recognized certification from American Aquatics and Safety Training covering Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid, valid for two years.
Our curriculum follows nationally recognized training standards and is reviewed against current CMAHC-referenced criteria.
Because employment requirements vary by organization and region, always confirm with your intended employer that this certification meets their specific criteria.

Why Take Aquatic Safety Courses in Rutherford County?

With a growing population and numerous pools and recreation centers, Rutherford County offers strong seasonal and year-round job opportunities for certified lifeguards. Training provides essential safety skills, including CPR and water rescue, that carry value well beyond any single job. It is a flexible, in-demand credential for students, camp staff, and career-minded adults.
Throughout the course, you’ll receive hands-on instruction in:
  • Injury prevention and facility safety
  • Patron surveillance techniques
  • Water rescue skills
  • Victim assessment
  • First aid
  • CPR/AED

Career Opportunities

A lifeguard certification can open the door to rewarding employment opportunities in Rutherford County and beyond.
  • Pool and waterpark lifeguard positions
  • Resort and hotel aquatics staff
  • Community and recreation center supervision
  • Camp and school aquatics programs
  • Aquatics facility management

Frequently Asked Questions About Lifeguard Training in Rutherford County

How long does lifeguard training take?

A standard, comprehensive lifeguard training course takes approximately 25–27.5 hours to complete. Our blended learning format lets you finish the classroom portion online before attending the required in-person skills session.
Yes. Certifications earned through American Aquatics and Safety Training are nationally recognized and follow standards referenced by the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC).
Bring a proper swimsuit, a towel, a swim cap, a dry change of clothes, a water bottle, and valid photo identification confirming your age. Swim goggles are allowed for the swimming portion but not during the object retrieval test.
Passing the physical prerequisites is a mandatory safety requirement. If you don’t pass 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’re ready.
Find Upcoming Lifeguard Classes in Tennessee by County

Enrol in a lifeguard class in Rutherford County

$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 Rutherford County

A lifeguard class in Rutherford County combines online coursework with an in-person skills session, so you work through the theory on your own schedule and demonstrate your rescue skills in the water. Lifeguard certification in Rutherford County covers water rescue, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid in a single 27.5-hour course.

How the course is structured in Rutherford County

The course is delivered in two parts. The online modules cover surveillance, rescue theory and emergency action planning, and the in-person session is where you are assessed on entries, approaches, extrications and spinal management.

Who lifeguard courses in Rutherford County are for

Lifeguard courses in Rutherford County are open to candidates aged 15 and over who can pass the prerequisite swim test. Most people who become a lifeguard in Rutherford County go on to work at community pools, waterparks, school and university facilities and open-water sites across Tennessee.

What lifeguard certification in Rutherford County costs

Lifeguard training in Rutherford County is $195, which covers the online modules, the in-person skills session and a nationally recognized certification valid two years from the date of issue. Lifeguard certification classes in Rutherford County run year-round, and you can start the online portion as soon as you enrol.

More lifeguard training locations

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

Skip to content