Safety Training Courses

FREE LIFEGUARD TRAINING opportunity!

 FREE LIFEGUARD TRAINING available FOR swimmers INTERESTED IN BECOMING A LIFEGUARD FOR THE CITY. MUST BE 16 YEARS OR UP .

  • Apply for the Part-Time Lifeguard position. 
  • Successfully interview and demonstrate the Lifeguard Training Pre-Course skills (described in course description below).
  • Commit to working 200 hours (with pay) as a lifeguard for the City.
  • Pass background check, drug and health screen.
  • You will then be enrolled in a Lifeguard Training class (see available sessions below). Must attend all class dates and times and successfully complete course to be eligible for hire.
  • Become a Lifeguard for the City of Burlington!
Be a lifeguard

​lifeguard training


Through classroom discussion and land and water skill practice, participants learn teamwork, rescue and surveillance skills, First Aid, CPR/AED and other lifesaving techniques needed to become a professional lifeguard. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR certification (valid 2 years).

Fee: $200 or FREE! (see above)
Location: Maynard Aquatic Center

​Prerequisites:
  • Must be 15 years old on or before the last day of class
  • Must successfully complete the Pre-course Skills Test on the first day of class
Pre-course Skills Test:
  • Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not allowed.
  • Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs
  • Complete a timed event: 20 yard swim using front crawl or breaststroke, surface dive to 7-10 feet, retrieve a 10 pound brick and, holding the brick with both hands, swim 20 yards back to starting point. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps. Must be completed in 1 minute, 40 seconds.

Lifeguard Training class sessions

(All spaces currently reserved for prospective lifeguards for the City. Enrollment will be opened to others if space allows. Email anicholson@burlingtonnc.gov to be added to the waiting list.)
Session Dates Days and Times
Cancelled April 25 - 26 and May 2 - 3 Sat 8 AM -6 PM, Sun 12 - 6 PM
  TBA