Lifeguard Courses

Registration

Lifeguard
Certification

Become a certified American Red Cross lifeguard! Learn how to effectively prevent and properly respond to water emergencies with the American Red Cross lifeguard training. With this Lifeguard program we integrate online classes with in classroom learning. Certification is given upon a successfulpassing of the course. Both members and non-members are all welcome to register. For more questions, contact Tiffany by emailing tiffany@whitefishwave.com or call 406-730-6172. Pre Registration Required. Registration Cost: $250

2026
Offer 1
May 1-4
Pre-course May 1 6pm-8:45pm
May 2 & 3 9am-5:30pm
May 4 6pm-8:45pm
Offer 2
May 29- June 1
Pre-course May 29 6pm-8:45pm
May 30 and 31 9am-5:30pm
June 1 6pm-8:45pm
Offer 3
June 11 -14
Pre-course – June 11 -6pm-8pm
June 12 & 13 9am- 5:30pm
June 14 9am-1pm
Course Schedule

Lifeguard
Review

With this Lifeguard program we integrate online classes with in classroom learning. Certification is given upon a successful passing of the course. Both members and non-members are all welcome to register. Pre Registration Required. Registration Cost: $250

Red Cross lifeguard review (recertification) courses require participants to hold a current, or recently expired (within 30 days), Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certification. The review includes passing in-water skills, a 50-question written exam with 80% accuracy, and active participation in scenarios.

Review Course
2026 June 6th from 9am-6:30pm

Lifeguard Instructor Course

Prerequisites

  • Minimum age: 17 years by the last day of class
  • Swim 300 yards continuously using Freestyle & Breaststroke only
  • Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs
  • Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds Starting in the water, swim 20 yards
    • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards
    • Surface dive 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object
    • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to the starting point
    • Keep both hands on the brick and your face out of the water
    • Place brick on wall and exit pool without using the steps or ladder
  • Demonstrate Instructor Level CPR and Rescue Skills on Day 1 of class

Passing Criteria

  • Students must meet the following criteria to pass the class
  • Take and pass all online classroom assignments before the first pool session
  • Participate in all Class activities
  • Complete all practice teaching assignments with proficiency
  • Pass all written tests with a minimum score of 80%
  • Show Instructor level skills in all rescue, First aid, and CPR skills

Needed for Class

The following items will need to be brought to the first day of class:

  • ARC Lifeguarding Instructor Manual (available on Red Cross Store
  • Guard Pack with Pocket mask
  • Swim suit (one piece for women, trunks for men)
  • 2 towels, Goggles if needed for the swim test only
  • Change of clothes, comfortable athletic wear for classroom skills
  • Lunch or money for lunch (time will be provided for lunch each day, students may leave facility)

Items provided by The Wave:

  • All training Equipment
  • Lifeguard Manual (PDF for online classroom, physical book for class days)

Aquatics Information Request