RENEW YOUR LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION! Lifeguard recertification training with First Aid and CPR/AED. This program allows you to extend or recertify your certifications for two more years. Save $100 today with special Grant!

Exciting News! National Grant Secured to Lower Lifeguard Training Fees for 2025

The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is pleased to announce that we have secured a new national grant for 2025, allowing us to reduce lifeguard and safety training fees. This grant provides a special $100 discount, lowering the regular course price from $285 to just $185—available until funds are exhausted. Register today to take advantage of this limited-time offer!

Recognized National Standards in Lifeguard Certification

The American Lifeguard Association has been listed over the years with the CDC Healthy Swimming website. In addition, the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. General Service Administration (GSA) has determined that the American Lifeguard Association offers lifeguard certification programs similar to those provided by the American Red Cross. Since the early 1990s, we have helped ensure that all our training programs meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements.

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the U.S. Department of Labor—serving as the federal Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)—has officially recognized that the American Lifeguard Association meets the national standards for lifeguard training and certification. Our programs meet national requirements in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories, and are widely used in both public facilities and federally managed programs.

The American Lifeguard Association is proud to be among a select group of national training organizations recognized by the United States Government for meeting these federal requirements. In addition, recently on April 16, 2025, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs issued VHA Directive 1040, which formally lists the American Lifeguard Association as an approved provider of lifeguard certification.

The American Lifeguard Association is just one of a handful of national training entities listed by the United States Government to meet these federal requirements. With this said, the American Lifeguard Association meets national lifeguard training and certification requirements for all 50 states along with the District of Columbia and U.S. territories, per Article VI of the U.S. Constitution which dictates that federal law is the "supreme law of the land." Federal regulations, such as meeting the United States Department of Labor requirements regarding lifeguard training and certifications, take superiority over state laws. Preemption applies regardless of whether the conflicting laws come from state legislatures, courts, administrative agencies, or state constitutions.

How to Enroll in the Free Pool Operator Course

1. Register and pay for your Lifeguard Recertification Course with ALA.
2. On the same day, email alalifeguard@aol.com with your full name and date of birth, stating that you would like to also enroll in the Free Pool Operator Course.

Ensuring Compliance with the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC)

ALA is committed to helping employers comply with the latest Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) standards, which require facilities to conduct pre-service evaluations and in-service training for all staff. Employers must maintain documentation verifying compliance, which must be available for inspection. We are available to assist employers in meeting these requirements.

Renew Your Lifeguard Certification—No Matter Where You Trained!

Whether your original certification was from ALA, the American Red Cross, or another organization, you can recertify with ALA and receive a two-year certification. If your previous certification was not through ALA, simply email us a copy of your past certificate after registering, so we can add it to your records.

Don’t miss out on these incredible opportunities! Secure your discounted registration and claim your free Pool Operator Course today.

Course Overview

Our Lifeguard Recertification Course incorporates the latest ECC science and guidelines from the United States Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition. Open to all previously certified lifeguards including individuals who previously received their training from the American Red Cross.

Our video instructor-led course enables individuals to renew their lifeguard certifications immediately. Upon completing the online components of the program, you will earn a two-year certification in lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and first aid. Your certification records will also be uploaded to the National Verification System, allowing employers and health department officials to easily verify your credentials. Additionally, we mandate that employers conduct both pre-service and in-service training evaluations in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). This helps ensures that our training program meets national standards, providing candidates with the highest quality education and preparation for preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies.

If you need assistance at any point during your training, we are available 24/7 in real-time to assist at alalifeguard@aol.com.

To enroll in this program, click the ADD TO CART tab at the top of the page and proceed to checkout. You can complete the certification program right away or at any time during the year. We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 30-day price match guarantee. If you find a lower price for your training or are not completely satisfied, simply email us and request a refund.

The American Lifeguard Association promotes aquatic environments' safe and enjoyable use through public service announcements and national news media interviews. The Association’s opinions and viewpoints have been aired numerous times over the decades on network shows such as NBC Today Show, Good Morning America, Doctors, and Weather Channel. It has also worked with all the national news networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. To learn more about our Association and read the latest news stories regarding the American Lifeguard Association's nationwide efforts in the lifesaving profession, we ask that you tap American Lifeguard Association News.

The US Labor Department has determined our lifeguard programs are equivalent to the American Red Cross training program. The American Lifeguard Association® offers a way to renew your certification for another two years through distance learning. You may renew your lifeguard certification with us, regardless of whether or not you initially took your training with the American Lifeguard Association. It does not matter how long your certificate has expired, as long as you can send us a copy of your previous certification. We ask that you email us a copy of your previous certification to alalifeguard@aol.com once you registered so that we may keep a copy with your records.

The certification program is accomplished through an instructor-led video training program with online materials with a new 2025 439 page ALA Lifeguard Manual and a final online exam that lets you get certified right away as an individual or in a small group. The training can be accomplished on your own and at your own pace. Upon completing your online portion of the program, you will be issued a two-year national certification in lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid. All the training materials, including the videos, will remain available to you throughout your two years of certification so that you can refresh your skills at any time. With this blended program, the employers assess your skills and encourage you to continue practicing the skills through in-service training. See the following link: American Lifeguard Association for our new training videos, which examines proper rescue techniques and victim care.

The national standards emphasize that screening tests should not be so strict that they exclude capable candidates whose swimming skills may be less advanced but whose dedication, judgment, and personal qualities make them better suited to be outstanding lifeguards than those who may simply swim faster.

How the Program Works

Once you register, you will receive an email with full access to our online training videos, reference materials, and step-by-step instructions to complete your training and extend your lifeguard certification.

Lifeguard Recertification & Pool Operator Discount

Lifeguards are currently in short supply, and experienced professionals are in high demand. We strongly encourage you to also obtain your Swimming Pool Operator Certification if you haven’t already done so. By registering today, you can take advantage of our special discount offer — simply add the SPSA Swimming Pool Operators Challenge Course to your cart and use the discount code “Sponsored” at checkout to receive the reduced price of $100 for this three-year certification, a significant savings from the standard $250 fee.

About Our Lifeguard Recertification Program

The American Lifeguard Association’s lifeguard and safety training programs play a vital role in promoting water safety nationwide. Supported by employers and government agencies across the country, our lifeguard recertification program allows you to renew your Lifeguard, CPR/AED, and First Aid certifications for an additional two years.

Our program can be completed on your own schedule — no need to wait for a group class. Training is conducted through an instructor-led video program with comprehensive online materials and a final exam. With over 25,000 active members across the USA, our training community is one of the largest and most respected in the industry.

Course Purpose and Certification

The purpose of the American Lifeguard course is to provide the knowledge and skills needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. Upon successful completion, each participant will receive an American Lifeguard Certificate indicating completion in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid—all valid for two years.

Employers are responsible for ensuring that each lifeguard candidate meets the physical and practical requirements necessary for their specific position.

Flexible, Nationwide, and International Training

With our flexible self-study format, you can complete your certification anywhere and at any time—whether at home, school, university, or a community pool in the U.S. or abroad. Once registered, all materials and access links will be emailed directly to you.

A Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 1990 with the support of the United States Senate, the American Lifeguard Association® (ALA) has become one of the nation’s leading aquatic health and safety organizations. The ALA adheres to a strict code of ethics and remains committed to delivering high-quality, accessible training worldwide.

Our certification programs are nationally recognized and supported by the Swimming Pool and Spa Association and Global Lifeguards, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Together, these associations form part of the Global Lifeguard Association, which has trained more than 250,000 certified lifeguards over the past 30 years.

Upon successful completion, you will become a certified lifeguard through the American Lifeguard Association, and your credentials may qualify for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or college elective credits.

Start Your Training Today

Don’t wait another day—join tens of thousands of active ALA lifeguards nationwide! Training is simple, flexible, and can be completed in as little as one day.

Click ADD TO CART at the top of the page to register and begin your certification today!

Steps to Complete the American Lifeguard Program

Step 1: Review All Instructor-Led Training Videos and Materials

Once you register, you will receive access links to our online training videos and digital lifeguard manual. These materials cover all essential CPR/AED, First Aid, and lifeguarding techniques.

Participants are expected to review all training content carefully and be able to demonstrate each skill presented. The program requires hands-on practice, both in and out of the water, to ensure full competency.

A complete list of required swimming, rescue, and first aid skills will be provided within your course materials.

Step 2: Complete the Online Final Exam

After reviewing the training videos and practicing your skills, you will proceed to take the final written exam online.

To successfully pass the exam, you must achieve a score of 80% or higher. You may review your online materials at any time before or during your preparation.

• There is no time limit for completing the exam, but it must be finished in a single session.

• If you exit the exam before completing it, you will need to restart from the beginning.

• Should you not achieve a passing score, you may retake the exam at no additional cost until you pass.

Upon completion, you will receive an exam summary showing your score and the correct answers for any questions missed—this ensures you fully understand all key concepts.

After passing, you will be awarded your Lifeguard, CPR/AED, and First Aid certifications, each valid for two years from the date of issuance.

Step 3: Final Verification and Certification

Once you successfully complete the program, you will receive an official confirmation email. Your certification will be entered the same day into our National Verification System, allowing employers and health department officials to verify your credentials instantly.

You will be issued the following credentials:

• Deep-Water Lifeguard Certification (Professional Lifeguard Title)

• CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer

• First Aid Certification

Per national standards, all certifications are valid for two years from your completion date.

You will also receive a digital copy of your certification via email, which we recommend printing for your records. Additionally, a waterproof, wallet-size certification card will be mailed to you on the next business day.

Program Purpose and Employer Standards

The goal of the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) Training Program is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies effectively.

In accordance with national standards and the CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), employers are responsible for ensuring that each lifeguard candidate demonstrates the skills, physical ability, and knowledge required to perform their duties safely and effectively. These competencies must be verified through both pre-service and ongoing in-service training conducted before and during employment.

Through our blended training program, the American Lifeguard Association requires all participating employers to meet and maintain these national standards to ensure the highest level of safety and compliance across all aquatic facilities.

Verification and Documentation

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, you will receive an email confirmation verifying your certification. You should print and retain a copy of your official American Lifeguard Association Certification for your records.

In addition:

• A complimentary waterproof, wallet-sized certification card will be mailed to you on the next business day.

• Your certification records will be entered into the National Verification System, which allows validated credentials to be viewed by employers and health department officials for compliance and verification purposes.

As a participant in the American Lifeguard Association’s certification program, it is important to understand that your employer has been granted specific authorization to evaluate your practical skills as part of your lifeguard training. This framework ensures that your competencies are assessed under real-world conditions, reinforcing both the integrity and effectiveness of your certification.

Authorization Framework

Upon your successful registration in the program, your employer is authorized by the American Lifeguard Association to serve as the Instructor of Record for your practical skills evaluation. In this role, the employer is empowered to conduct, assess, and certify your demonstrated lifeguarding skills in accordance with the guidelines established under the CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC).

What This Means for You:

1. Comprehensive Assessment: Your employer is qualified to assess your skills in a practical environment, ensuring that you meet the standard required for effective lifeguarding.
2. Convenience: Your practical skills will be evaluated on-site by your employer, providing a seamless and integrated training experience.
3. National Recognition: Certifications issued under this program are nationally recognized and entered into a verification system accessible by health departments and employers across the United States.

Conditions and Responsibilities:

• Adherence to Guidelines: All practical evaluations conducted by your employer must adhere to the guidelines and quality controls as specified by the MAHC and any additional guidelines provided by the American Lifeguard Association.
• Record-Keeping: Your employer is obligated to keep precise records of all evaluations and certifications conducted under this authorization.
• Quality Assurance: If your employer deviates from the prescribed guidelines, the authorization may be revoked, affecting the validity of your certification.

By proceeding with your registration for this program, you acknowledge the authorization granted to your employer to act as the "Instructor of Record" for your practical evaluation and agree to participate in this assessment as part of your lifeguard certification process.

30-Day Price Match Guarantee

At the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), our success is built on the trust and satisfaction of our members. We understand that affordability is an important factor when choosing a certification program, and we want you to feel confident knowing you’re receiving the best value in the industry.

Even though we continuously monitor our competitors to ensure our pricing remains among the lowest nationwide, we proudly offer a 30-Day Price Match Guarantee.

If, within 30 days of your registration, you find a lower price for any comparable lifeguard training offered within your county—conducted within 30 days of your registration date—at a local park authority, community pool, school, or university, we will match that price.

How Price Match Works

To qualify for the price match:

• The lower price must be publicly listed on a valid website and verifiable by our team.

• The course must be open for registration (not already full).

• The offer cannot be from an employer-sponsored class that requires participation as a condition of employment, as such courses often reduce wages or benefits in exchange for lower training costs.

Simply email us at alalifeguard@aol.com within 30 days of your initial registration. Include the website link or advertisement showing the lower price. Once verified, we’ll immediately refund the difference—no questions asked.

Health and Safety Reminder

Before participating in any practical sessions, please consult your physician or healthcare professional if you have a medical condition or disability that might limit your ability to fully participate in lifeguard training. If you have any concerns, you are welcome to contact us by email for guidance.

Our Commitment to Lifeguard Excellence

Lifeguards play a crucial role in maintaining safe aquatic environments. Unlike most other emergency responders, lifeguards focus on preventing emergencies before they occur.

Our program emphasizes:

• Injury prevention and risk awareness

• Effective surveillance and patron safety

• Proper rescue techniques and victim recognition

By combining comprehensive training with an unwavering commitment to safety, the American Lifeguard Association continues to set the standard in professional aquatic education.

SKILLS COVERED IN THE PROGRAM

Swimming Skills:

Be able to complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest: 1. Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed.) 2. Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs, no arms 3. Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both • Brick Test – Complete in 1 minute, 40 seconds- Swim 20 yards, surface dive to 7ft, retrieve a 10-pound brick at the bottom of the pool, return to the surface, swim on the back holding a brick to starting position, and exit the water. (Swim goggles not allowed)

Rescue Skills:

• Slide-In Entry
• Stride and Compact Jumps
• Rescue Approach—Front Crawl or Breaststroke
• Simple Assist
• Extension Assist from the Deck
• Reaching Assist with Equipment and
• Throwing Assist
• Swimming Extension Rescue
• Active and Passive Drowning Victim Rear Rescue
• Two-Person Removal from the Water
• Using a Backboard
• Passive Submerged Victim—Shallow Water
• Submerged Victim—Deep Water
• Multiple-Victim Rescue
• Feet-First Surface Dive
• Front and Rear Head-Hold Escape

Caring for Head, Neck, or Back Injury Skills:

• Manual In-Line Stabilization for a Head, Neck, or Back Injury on Land—Lying
• Down, Sitting, or Standing
• Using a Backboard for a Standing Victim on Land
• Head Splint Technique—Face-Up Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface
• Head Splint Technique—Face-Down Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface
• Head Splint Technique—Face-Up Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface
• Head Splint Technique—Face-Down Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface
• Head and Chin Support—Face-Up Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface
• Head and Chin Support—Face-Down Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface
• Head and Chin Support—Face-Up Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface
• Head and Chin Support—Face-Down Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface
• Stabilization for a Submerged Victim—Face-Up, Face-Down, or on One Side in Deep Water
• Using a Backboard in Shallow and Deep Water

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Skills:

• Removing Gloves
• Initial Assessment
• Rescue Breathing—Adult, Child, and Infant
• Using a Bag-Valve-Mask Resuscitator—Two Rescuers
• Conscious Choking—Adult, Child, and Infant
• Unconscious Choking—Adult, Child, and Infant
• CPR—Adult, Child, and Infant
• Two-Rescuer CPR—Adult, Child, and Infant
• Using an AED—Adult, and Child

First Aid Skills:

• Secondary Assessment
• Controlling External Bleeding
• Applying a Sling and Binder
• Applying an Anatomic Splint
• Applying a Soft Splint

Skill Scenarios:

• Final Skill Scenario 1—Active Drowning Victim
• Final Skill Scenario 2—Submerged Passive Drowning Victim
• Final Skill Scenario 3—Head, Neck, or Back Injury.

Note: There are several ways to care for a spinal injury in the water. In this scenario, the victim will be face down, and the student will need to rotate the victim face up with their choice of any of the different saves for this purpose.

National Recognition & Federal Compliance

The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is proud to be recognized as one of the nation’s leading authorities in lifeguard training and water safety education. Our programs meet and exceed federal and national standards for aquatic safety, ensuring full compliance and nationwide acceptance.

Recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which establishes national requirements for lifeguard training and certification, the U.S. Department of Labor has determined that the American Lifeguard Association’s certification programs meet federal standards for lifeguard training and certification and are comparable to those offered by the American Red Cross.

Recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Building on this national recognition, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—through VHA Directive 1040, issued April 16, 2025—formally recognizes the ALA Lifeguard Certification as an approved qualification for VA medical facility personnel working in aquatic therapy and recreational pool programs.

This designation underscores the ALA’s longstanding commitment to professional excellence, public safety, and service to those who serve.

National Standards and Employer Requirements

In accordance with the CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), all employers are responsible for verifying that each lifeguard candidate demonstrates the required skills, physical ability, and knowledge both before and during employment, through pre-service and in-service training. With our blended learning program, the ALA requires all participating employers to meet and maintain these national standards.

Federally Accepted in All 50 States

The American Lifeguard Association is among a select few national training entities recognized by the U.S. Government as meeting federal lifeguard certification standards.

ALA certifications meets national requirements in:

• All 50 U.S. states

• The District of Columbia

• All U.S. territories

This recognition is upheld under Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, establishing that federal law is the “supreme law of the land.”

A Legacy of Lifesaving Excellence

For over 30 years, the American Lifeguard Association has trained and certified tens of thousands of professional lifeguards dedicated to preventing emergencies and protecting lives worldwide.

Be alert. Be professional. Save lives the right way — with the American Lifeguard Association.

Click on "ADD TO CART" at the top of the page to register.

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