In partnership with the American Red Cross, the Aquatics Division offers lifeguard training classes for those interested in protecting the safety of swimmers. All classes will take place at the Wade Wehunt Pool, 1206 Myers Park Drive, 850-891-4903.

Lifeguard Blended Learning Course

These classes are for participants seeking immediate City of Tallahassee employment only. Participation is not allowed to obtain certification for working elsewhere. Certifications will not be processed for those who fail to follow through with the application process and begin working.

In-Person Skills Dates & Times

*Attendance at all in-person skills sessions is required.

Class times (unless otherwise noted):
Fridays: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturdays and Sundays: 8:00am - 6:00pm

• January 17-19, 2025

Additional classes will be added. All in-person skills sessions will take place at Wade Wehunt Pool, located at 1206 Myers Park Drive.

This is a blended learning course (online learning and in-person skill sessions) for ages 15 and up

• Successful completion of all eLearning modules is required before your first in-person skills session.
• The eLearning portion of the course takes approximately 5-7 hours - and must be done BEFORE class begins.
• Access to the eLearning content will be provided at the time of registration via an attachment with your emailed receipt.

Lifeguard Class Prerequisites

The prerequisite skills session will be held at the start of the first in-person class session to determine eligibility. You must be able to complete the following in order to participate in the class.

• Prerequisite 1: Swim-Tread-Swim - Jump in, submerge, resurface and swim 150 yards continuously, tread water for 2 minutes, and then swim 50 more yards. While swimming, you must keep your face in the water and demonstrate good breath control. You may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed. When treading, you must use only your legs.
• Prerequisite 2: Brick Swim - Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Your face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed. Surface dive (head-first or feet-first) to a depth of 10 to 12 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping your face at or near the surface. Swimming the distance underwater is not permitted. Exit the water without using a ladder or the steps.

Registration & Fees:

• To register by phone, call the Aquatics Reservation Hotline at 850-891-4903, the Trousdell Aquatics Center at 850-891-4901 or the Wade Wehunt Pool at 850-891-3985
• To register in person, please visit the Trousdell Aquatics Center or Wade Wehunt Pool
• To register online, use the link above
• All lifeguarding classes are offered FREE OF CHARGE!

Items to Bring to Lifeguard Class

• Bathing suit/trunks (must be an actual swimsuit - NOT OPTIONAL)
• Recommended items: Sunscreen, several towels, multiple sets of warm clothes, water or sports drinks and healthy snacks

Course and Certification Requirements

• Proof of completion of all eLearning must be provided at the start of the first in-person skills session.
• On time and present throughout all in-person sessions. Attendance is mandatory and tardiness will not be tolerated. Participants will not be permitted into class late or to leave early.
• Demonstrate competency in all required skills and in the final skill scenarios.
• Correctly answer at least 80% of the questions in each of the sections of the final written examination, including eLearning and in-person exams.

Additional Important Information

• THESE CLASSES ARE FOR PARTICIPANTS SEEKING IMMEDIATE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE EMPLOYMENT ONLY. Certifications will NOT be processed for those who fail to follow through with application process and begin working.
• Participants will be given a lunch break (at least 45 minutes) during each full day class.
• Due to the nature of the skills in this course, you will be participating in strenuous activities, such as performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the floor and removing adults from the water. If you have a medical condition or disability or if you have any questions about your ability to participate fully in this course, please discuss them with your health-care provider and the Aquatics Supervisor before you start the course.

Employment Information

• Employment application packets will be distributed during the class
• Upon completion of the class, instructions will be given for time/date/location to submit the packet
• Applicants must provide a copy of their social security card and photo ID with their application packet
• All applicants will be sent for a drug test when the application packet is submitted
• Lifeguards starting pay is $15.50/hr
• Lifeguards can work up to 40 hours per week. There are some restrictions during the school year for lifeguards who are under the age of 18
• Pool preference and schedule availability will be discussed after hiring
• Uniforms and personal equipment will be provided