Certifications

Course Description

The American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification provides entry-level participants the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until EMS personnel take over.

Prerequisites:

• Participants must be 15 years of age by the last day of the class and must demonstrate the following skills:
• Swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both, maintain a position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs, swim 50 additional yards using the front crawl or breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swimming goggles are allowed.
• Complete a timed event, without goggles, within 1 minute, 40 seconds by starting in the water, swimming 20 yards, surface dive 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, exit the water without using steps or a ladder.

Participants who successfully complete the Lifeguarding course receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, valid for 2 years.

Registration Instructions

WFU Students/Faculty/Staff can register online at deaconrec.wfu.edu.

Community members registration email campusrec@wfu.edu 336-758-5838 and provide a call-back number.

For program questions email aquatics@wfu.edu.

Pricing

Total cost of instruction and a provided pocket mask is $275.

January Recertification
24th, 8am – 6pm

February – Full Class
19th, 4pm – 9:30pm
20th, 4pm – 9:30pm
21st, 8am – 6:30pm

March – Full Class
5th, 4pm – 9:30pm
6th, 4pm – 9:30pm
7th, 8am – 6:30pm

March Recertification
22nd, 8am – 6pm

April – Full Class
9th, 4pm – 9:30pm
10th, 4pm – 9:30pm
11th, 8am – 6:30pm

May – Full Class
28th, 4pm – 9:30pm
29th, 4pm – 9:30pm
30th, 8am – 6:30pm

June
TBD

This globally-recognized certification program is the best way to begin your life-long adventure as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. Upon successful completion you will obtain the SSI Open Water Diver certification which lasts a lifetime.

Components of the course (Steps 1 & 2):
– Online eLearning kit (lifetime access) with digital logbook
– Instruction (academic and pool)
– SCUBA gear use – provided
– Certification as a Referral diver: student must complete Step 1 and Step 2 – this allows students to move to Step 3 (training dives – see below)
– Includes Wake Forest facilities use fee
– Includes DAN (student dive accident insurance)

Required Personal Gear
– Student personal gear (mask, snorkel, fins) are required for each student
– May rent for $35 or there is a special student package to purchase

Step 3: Final Open Water training dives
– Pay directly to the facility

Wake Forest students/staff/faculty may register online at deaconrec.wfu.edu.  Community members can email aquatics@wfu.edu to register.

Course Fee: $435

More information about the SSI Open Water Diver, CLICK HERE.

You can watch an introductory video HERE.

Fall 2025 Offerings

10/3 5-7pm – swim test
10/18 10am – 2pm
10/19 10am – 2pm

Must attend all sessions!