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. Participant 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. Registration deadline is two days prior to first session date.

Class times:
Fridays: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturdays and Sundays: 8:00am - 6:00pm

• Class 1: February 6-8
• Class 2: March 6-8
• Class 3: March 27-29
• Class 4: April 10-12
• Class 5: April 24-26
• Class 6: May 8-10
• Class 7: May 15-17
• Class 8: May 26-28 (Tuesday-Thursday, 8:00am - 4:00pm)
• Class 9: May 29-31
• Class 10: Jun 12-14

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

• Access to the eLearning content will be provided at the time of registration via an attachment with your emailed receipt.
• SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION of all eLearning modules, which should take approximately 5-7 hours, is REQUIRED BEFORE your first in-person skills session.

Lifeguard Class Prerequisites

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

• Prerequisite 1: Swim-Tread-Swim - Jump into the water from the side, totally submerge, recover to the surface and swim 150 yards. While swimming, you must swim continuously, keeping your face in the water, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles are allowed. After swimming 150 yards, maintain position at the surface of the water without support for 2 minutes by treading. While treading you can only use your legs. Your hands are to be kept under your armpits and your head must remain above the surface of the water. After maintaining position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes, swim 50 more yards.
• Prerequisite 2: Timed Event - 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. Surface dive to a depth of 10-12 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 steps. Swim goggles are not allowed.

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

• REQUIRED: Bathing suit/trunks (must be an actual swimsuit - no thong style or see-thru suits allowed)
• Recommended items: Sunscreen, several towels, multiple sets of dry 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.
• Demonstrate competency in all required skills and in the final skill scenarios.
• Correctly answer at least 80% of the questions in each of the final written examinations.

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 instructions will be distributed during the class
• Applicants must provide a copy of their social security card and photo ID during the application process
• All applicants will be sent for a pre-employment drug test and are subject to random testing throughout their employment
• Lifeguards starting pay is $16.50/hr
• Pool preference and schedule availability will be discussed after hiring
• Uniforms and personal equipment will be provided