Lifeguard Programs

Pool Lifeguard

Intent

The SSI Pool Lifeguard program provides students with the knowledge and training to supervise, assist, and rescue victims in pool environments equivalent to their training.

Minimum Instructor Rating

An active status Level 1 Lifeguard Instructor may conduct the Pool Lifeguard program.

Administrative Requirements

All lifeguard students must have digital copies of the following documents uploaded into MySSI before the final certification(s) can be issued:

Proof of First Aid and CPR training for children, infants and adults within two (2) years.

Proof of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training within two (2) years.

Proof of Oxygen First Aid training within two (2) years (recommended).

Student Prerequisites

Minimum age: 16 years old.

Duration

Recommended hours for completion: 16-32.

In-Water Ratios

The student-to-instructor ratio is 8:1.

The ratio may increase to 12:2 with one (1) certified assistant.

Minimum Supervision

An active status Level 1 Lifeguard Instructor or higher must directly supervise the entire program.

Requirements For Completion

Complete the digital learning and Academic Sessions 1-4 of the Lifeguard Instructor Manual.

Complete the program’s final exam.

Complete the Pool Lifeguard Water Fitness Evaluation as outlined in the SSI Training Standards.

Complete Training Sessions 1-4 of the Lifeguard Instructor Manual.

Complete the Pool Lifeguard Final Evaluation as outlined in the Lifeguard Instructor Manual.

Certification

Upon completion of all academic and training session requirements, an SSI Level 1 Lifeguard Instructor or higher may issue the SSI Pool Lifeguard digital certification card.

Certification expires two (2) years after the issuing date and must be renewed by participating in a Lifeguard Update program.

Update

The Lifeguard Update must be at least two (2) hours long and include the following evaluations:

A Final Evaluation for the Pool Lifeguard level.

A review of all skills from Training Sessions 1-4 of the Lifeguard Instructor Manual.

At least one (1) complete rescue scenario from Training Session 4 of the Lifeguard Instructor Manual.

Upgrade

Recommended hours for completion: 12-16.

A Level 2 Lifeguard Instructor may upgrade a Pool, Inland Open Water, or Beach Lifeguard certification for an eligible student once the student completes:

The remaining digital learning and academic sessions for the new certification level as outlined in the Lifeguard Instructor Manual.

A final exam for the highest certification level with a passing score of at least 80%.

A Lifeguard Water Fitness Evaluation.

All remaining skills and evaluations for the new certification level as outlined in the Lifeguard Instructor Manual.

Note | Prior to issuing the upgrade certification, the Lifeguard Instructor may complete a review of Lifeguard program academic and Training Session sessions if there is any concern or doubt about the student’s abilities.