Lifeguard Instructor Recertification - February 1, 2026

American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Recertification Course

Course Overview

The purpose of this course is to give
instructors the opportunity to review the course knowledge and skills within a formal course setting to
maintain their American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor certification. Successfully completing this
course is the only method for maintaining certification as an American Red Cross Lifeguarding instructor.

Prerequisites

◼ Possess a current, or expired by no more than 1-year, American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor
certification.

◼ Successfully complete the online session of the Lifeguarding Instructor Recertification course prior
to the in-person session

Course Length

The Lifeguarding Instructor recertification course is delivered in a blended learning format, consisting of
an online session (completed independently by the candidate) and in-person sessions (led by an
American Red Cross–certified instructor trainer).

◼ The online sessions for the instructor recertification course takes approximately 6-8 hours to
complete. Note: the online sessions include two courses:

1.  Basic-level Lifeguarding blended learning online content 
2. Lifeguarding Instructor Recertification blended learning online content.
   

◼ The instruction time for the in-person session is 6 hours, 30 minutes. The instruction time does not
include time for breaks or transitions. Additional time is         added the total class time to accommodate breaks and transitions

Course Materials

Lifeguarding instructor recertification candidates should review the following r. 24 American Red Cross
course materials prior to attending the Lifeguarding Instructor Recertification course:

◼ Lifeguarding Instructor’s Manual (candidates should bring this manual, digital or print version, to the
in-person session of the course).

◼ Lifeguarding Instructor’s Deck Book (optional)

◼ Lifeguarding Manual (digital or print version)

Certification

Candidates who successfully complete the Lifeguarding Instructor Recertification course will be issued
the an American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor Certificate, which valid for 2 years.