Red Cross Basic Water Rescue

Basic Water Safety Certification

5 Hour Course

The American Red Cross Basic Water Rescue course provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent, recognize and respond to many types of aquatic emergencies. This course also prepares individuals for aquatic emergencies by teaching them how to protect themselves while assisting others. This certification is valid for 3 years.

There are no prerequisites to be eligible for the Basic Water Rescue course. However, because there is an in-water skills session, it is recommended that participants are comfortable in chest- deep water. The Basic Water Rescue course does not provide participants with all the knowledge and skills needed to be certified as a lifeguard.

Targeted Audience

Public Safety Personnel such as police officers, firefighters and Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Parents or caregivers of children
Camp personnel and trip leaders
Daycare workers
Teachers
Clubs/Organizations engaging in water activities
Individuals who work on or around the water

Things to Know

Certification Requirements

Attend entire Class Session
Demonstrate competency in each skill taught in the course. (Competency is defined as being able to perform each skill correctly without coaching or assistance.)
Correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions in the final written exam (20 correct answers out of 25 questions).

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Course Objectives

After successfully completing this course, students should be able to:

List water safety guidelines for activities in, on or around the water.
Recognize the characteristic behaviors of someone who needs help in the water.
Define an emergency action plan
Describe how to develop an emergency action plan
Describe how to trap air in clothing for buoyancy as a means of self-rescue when not wearing a life jacket.
Describe two positions used for floating in cold water while wearing a life jacket.
Explain how to perform an ice self-rescue.
Explain how to help someone who has fallen through the ice.
Describe actions to take to prevent or delay hypothermia.
Describe how to care for someone having a seizure in the water.
Demonstrate the HELP and huddle positions.
Demonstrate two ways to perform a reaching assist.
Demonstrate a throwing assist using two different pieces of equipment.
Demonstrate a wading assist with equipment.
Demonstrate the beach drag and walking assist.
Demonstrate two ways to stabilize a victim’s head, neck and back in the water.

What to Bring to Class

Download & Print Course Material
- The American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety Manual
Bathing suit, towel, no bikinis allowed
Pen or Pencil, paper for note taking
Light sweater for cooler climates

Refunds and Other Policies

Refund Policy:

There are no refunds once the course has been registered for and payment has been received. This policy includes: students who do not pass their prerequisites or do not attend all classes for the entire duration of class, do not pass Red Cross required skills with proficiency or do not pass the written final with a minimum score of 80 percent.

Class Transfer:

Students can opt to transfer classes to another date. Class transfers are allowed a total of one time and transfer requests must be submitted on a Class Transfer Form at least 48 hours prior to the start date of their original class start date. All transfer classes must be completed within 6 months of the original class start date. All class transfer requests are $50.

Cancelled Class

The Swimming Swan LLC., reserves the right to cancel any classes at any time. If a class is cancelled, a full refund will be given OR students will be given the option to transfer classes to another date with no additional fees.

No Visitors

Only registered students are allowed on the pool deck and/or in the classroom during class. All visitors must wait outside in the parking lot OR leave the premises until class is over for the day.

Blended Learning Internet Requirements:

Chrome is recommended when logging into the Blended Learning Course for your online course work. Do not use Internet Explorer. If you are using Safari or Firefox , you must go to your internet settings and turn off any popup blockers for the course to work correctly. You should use a laptop or desktop computer, we do not advise you use a cell phone to complete your online course work.

FAQ's

Is this an American Red Cross Certification? Yes, this is valid for 3 years.

What are the prerequisites to be able to this course? There are no prerequisites needed other than being comfortable in chest-deep water.

Is there a swim test? No, however you must be comfortable in chest-deep water.

How long is this course? This course is designed to be taught in approximately 4 hours. This includes time for class activities, skills practice and the final written exam

Does this course certify students in CPR? No, this course does not certify or teach CPR skills.

Is this a blended learning class where I complete an online course before I attend the in-class session? No, there is no online coursework in this course.

Is there a lunch break? No, this course is at most 4.5 hours, you will be given periodic bathroom breaks.

How long does it take to receive my certification? Certificates are available within 72 hours of class completion.

Where do I access my certification?

A. By Logging into the Learning Center with the username and password you created when you began the Blended Learning online portion of your course.

B. Click on; My Learning, My Transcripts, and then Print.

C. For any help; call 1-800-Red-Cross