Amenities»Activities»Aquatics»Lessons + Programs»Lifeguard Certification

Lifeguard Certification

When you become certified as a lifeguard and work at Tahoe Donner this summer, your course fee will be reimbursed after 30 days on the job. Email aquatics@tahoedonner.com for more info!

LIFEGUARD TRAINING 2025

Students 15 and older learn how to provide safety and protection to aquatic patrons and how to respond to water-related emergencies. Participants will receive the American Red Cross Lifeguard certificate and a CPR/AED and First Aid for the Professional Rescuer certification. Please be sure to read the *PREREQUISITES FOR LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION COURSE below before applying.

DATES + TIMES:
Class 1: May 29-30 | 3:30PM-6:30PM and May 31 – June 1 | 9AM – 5PM
Class 2: June 5-6 | 3:30PM-6:30PM and June 7-8 | 9AM-5PM
COST: Member $150 | Public $200

LIFEGUARD REVIEW COURSE 2025

These courses are intended for those who have successfully completed the Red Cross Lifeguard course within the last two years. Includes CPR/AED and First Aid for the Professional Rescuer certification.

DAY + TIME:
Two Day Course: June 13 | 3:30PM-6:30PM and June 14 | 9AM-5PM
COST: Member $80 | Public $95

To register for the Lifeguard Certification or Recertification course or ask questions, please email aquatics@tahoedonner.com.

*PREREQUISITES FOR LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION COURSE

SWIM-TREAD SEQUENCE:

  • 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
  • Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs
  • Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both

TIMED EVENT:

  • Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds
  • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards
  • The face may be in or out of the water
  • Swim goggles are not allowed
  • Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object
  • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face at or near the surface
  • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps