Water Safety Instructor Course

The American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Course prepares individuals to teach swimming and water safety classes, including the Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program, Parent and Child Aquatics, Preschool Aquatics, and Basic Water Safety. This nationally recognized certification equips instructors with the skills and knowledge needed to teach all ages how to swim safely and confidently. The American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Course is the premier certification for teaching swimming and water safety in the United States. Whether you're starting a career in aquatics or expanding your skills as a swim professional, this course provides the tools and credentials needed to teach with confidence and effectiveness at any age level.

 Course Overview

• Duration: Approximately 30–35 hours

• Format: Blended learning (online precourse + in-person sessions)

• Class Schedule: Thursday 6pm to 8pm; Saturday and Sunday 8am to 6:30pm

                             (Must attend all three sessions for entirety)

• Certification Validity: 2 years

• Certifying Body: American Red Cross

• Minimum Age: 16 years old by the last day of class

Prerequisites

Participants must:

1. Be at least 16 years old

2. Pass a Swim Skills Test on Day 1 of the course, demonstrating proficiency in:

   • Front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke, elementary backstroke, sidestroke (25 yards each)

   • Butterfly (15 yards)

   • Maintain position on back for 1 minute in deep water (floating/sculling)

   • Tread water for 1 minute

3. Complete the Red Cross online Orientation to the Swimming and Water Safety Program and WSI Instructor Candidate Online Lesson (about 7 hours)

   
   

     What to Bring to Class

   Please bring a modest bathing suit, towel, sun screen, dry clothes, snacks, water, and goggles (optional). Also, student will be required to submerge without goggles so consider bringing a second pair of contact lenses if you wear them. Student will be given 1/2 hour for lunch and can either bring lunch, buy lunch at the concession stand, or go off campus to get lunch.