Aquatic Center

• All swim classes accommodate the range of participant skills within that class. Instructors have the skills and training to handle each student's needs within the same class setting.
• Before entering the pool area, please have your child(ren) remove gum or candy from their mouth, remove all adhesive bandages and use the restroom.
• Family members may observe swim lessons from the bleachers located on the east side of the pool deck or opt to enter the water with their child to participate in the lesson. Please do not observe from the pool wet deck to allow for fewer distractions for all students.
• Family members should remain available (no matter the age of the participant) to be available in cases of emergencies, inclement weather or questions.
• After each lesson, please be available for the instructor to give you verbal progress updates and feedback on your swimmer’s progress.
• For more detailed information or more Aquatic Policies, check out our Rules page.

The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies. It also provides care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over.

Registration begins in April, and 100% attendance is required. Call Aquatics at 850.474.2497 to make a reservation for the course you wish to attend. 

Total Course Length: 21.5 in-person hours

Course fee: $230

Training Manual: Aquatics Life Guard Manual. A hard copy of the American Red Cross manual is available for purchase from the Red Cross.

Training Prerequisites

• Age Requirement: Participants must be at least 15 years old on or before the last scheduled session date. 
• Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence: Participants must perform a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest.
  • Jump into the water and totally submerge,
  • Resurface and then 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: Prospective participants must complete the following skill within 1 minute and 40 seconds

• Starting in the water, swim 20 yards (face may be in or out, NO goggles);
• Surface dive (Head-first or Feet-first) to a depth of 7-10 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 out, at or near the surface;
• Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Course Requirements

• 1 Friday Evening, from 6-7:30 p.m. Lifeguard candidates must be able to complete the following prerequisite skills on the day of the first class meeting. Only $100 will be refunded if, for any reason, candidates are unable to complete the course within the scheduled time frame.
• Online Learning: 6 hours of online learning must be completed before the first full-day class. After registration with UWF, the American Red Cross will directly email each participant a link to the online course.
• 2 Consecutive Saturdays, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.: Learning Course

Starfish Swim Instructor Training

The Starfish Swim Instructor certification is offered for all candidates who successfully complete both the blended learning and in-water course requirements.

Course fee: $275
Dates: Vary based on student enrollment
Registration: To register for this course, send an email to aquatics@uwf.edu or call 850.474.2497.

Prerequisites

• The minimum age for participation is 16. However, if the instructor/trainer has personal knowledge of the candidate's maturity level, interested participants who are 15 may be considered.
• The candidate must pass a water skills screening to show proficiency at the level of their certification.

Requirements For Successful Completion

• Attend all scheduled classes and times
• Demonstrate proficient land and water skills
• Pass a written exam with a score of at least 80 percent

 

First Aid/CPR/AED

Emergencies are unexpected situations that require immediate action. Participants will learn the concepts and skills needed to recognize emergency situations and respond appropriately until advanced medical personnel arrive and take over.

Course fee: $xx  Due at in-person skills practice 
Dates: Classes are scheduled as requested
Registration: To register for this course, send an email to aquatics@uwf.edu  or call 850.474.2497 requesting BLS, Basic First Aid, Adult CPR, Pediatric CPR, CPR for the Professional Rescuer and AED and any combination of these skills

Requirements for Successful Completion

• Blended learning course options for individual and group certification are available