After careful consideration and evaluation, Scouting America will transition away from the Scouting America Lifeguard certification program effective December 31, 2024. Over the last decade, training lifeguards across the entire aquatics industry has continued to evolve. While our partnership with the American Red Cross remains strong, the Red Cross training materials will no longer be available to be used for instruction of the Scouting America Lifeguard program. In addition, Scouting America does not have the resources required to develop and maintain a stand-alone lifeguard training curriculum that meets the rigorous standards set by state and federal regulations.
Moving forward, we believe that partnering with well-established certifying agencies such as the American Red Cross, YMCA, StarGuard Elite, and Ellis & Associates will still allow us to offer local councils access to top-tier lifeguard training. We are confident that this approach will provide Scouting with quality training while also meeting industry standards. Our primary focus is on ensuring that every council has the support it needs to certify lifeguards for both summer camp and year-round aquatic activities.
Individuals currently certified as Scouting America Lifeguards may continue to use their certification until it reaches its expiration date. Scouting America Lifeguard Instructors can no longer certify Scouting America Lifeguards as of 12/31/2024.
Scouting America Lifeguard and Instructor Program Transition Informational Webinar Recording (Jan 16, 2025) – This webinar discussed details about the new training options, pricing, and resources available through Scouting America so you can move forward with confidence. We appreciate you taking the time to be part of this important conversation and look forward to helping you navigate this next step in lifeguard training.
Questions? Email outdoorprograms@scouting.org
Transitioning to Red Cross Certification: Opportunities for Scouting America Aquatics Instructors and Scouting America Lifeguard Instructors
We are committed to working closely with each council to maintain the high levels of safety and preparedness that our Scouts and leaders expect and supporting local council lifeguard certification programs for summer camp and year-round aquatics programs.
As part of this transition, currently certified Scouting America Lifeguard Instructors and Scouting America Aquatics Instructors will have the option to participate in a crossover course to become American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructors, if they choose. More information about these opportunities will be available soon.
For individuals and camps that have relied on National Camping School Aquatics Instructor courses to become certified as lifeguard instructors, opportunities to earn certification as an American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor will be offered both before or after National Camping School in 2025, along with additional certification options available at locations nationwide.
For information regarding the crossover courses, click on the following fact sheets:
- American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Course Fact Sheet
- Scouting America Aquatics Instructor Crossover to American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Course Fact Sheet
Scouting America hosted Lifeguard Instructor training courses:
This American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor training course is designed to equip candidates with the expertise and pedagogical skills necessary to effectively teach lifeguarding courses. Participants will learn to facilitate engaging learning experiences, assess student performance, and ensure course content meets American Red Cross standards for safety and effectiveness.
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be certified to instruct American Red Cross Lifeguarding, Shallow Water Lifeguarding, Waterfront Skills, Waterpark Skills, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers, and First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22) courses.
Prerequisites for this course include a current American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED or equivalent, and candidates must demonstrate competency in pre-course skill evaluations. The certification obtained through this course will empower individuals to train the next generation of lifeguards, contributing to safer aquatic environments across the nation.
Note: Course fees will vary because each course is taught by an independent American Red Cross contractor.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor training courses hosted by Scouting America:
May 14-16, 2025 – Hubert Eaton Scout Reservation – Running Springs, CA
Course Fee: $425
CLICK HERE to register for the Hubert Eaton Scout Reservation LGI course
American Red Cross & Scouting America Lifeguard Instructor Crossover Opportunities
Certified Scouting America Lifeguard Instructors and Scouting America Aquatics Instructors will have the option to participate in a crossover course to become American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructors. Candidates should visit the American Red Cross website here and look for the eight-hour Lifeguarding Instructor Crossover/Re-Entry-BL course (AP-HSSAQU804-BL-r.24) closet to their area. Questions?
Persons certified as an American Red Cross Lifeguard, can transition to becoming a lifeguard Instructor by taking the Lifeguarding Instructor-BL course (AP-HSSAQU803-BL-r.24). This is a 16-hour course. Again, candidates should visit the American Red Cross website here for courses near you.
Transition opportunities are also available from the YMCA, StarGuard Elite, Ellis & Associates and other recognized lifeguarding training providers.
We are working with the ARC and host councils to provide ARC Lifeguarding Instructor courses prior to National Camping School courses at selected locations in Winter and Spring 2025. Preliminarily, this would be a two-day course prior to NCS. As these courses are added, we will update the NCS website and notify councils.
