March is Red Cross Month
Western Colorado Chapter American Red Cross
   

Aquatics Program

Red Cross Swimming and LifeguardingCome to the American Red Cross for the best training and tips on how to be safe in, on, and around the water!

Aquatics ProgramThe American Red Cross has been the leader in swimming and lifeguarding since 1914. Now the winning tradition continues with an exciting new collection of courses designed to make learning easier and to help you benefit from the latest research on instructional techniques. Designed to help increase safety wherever water sports are enjoyed, the American Red Cross Water Safety Today program teaches easy-to-remember safety tips for pools, spas, water parks, lakes, rivers, oceans and other water features. The course is ideal for parents, youth in grades 4-12, youth organizations and people such as camp staff and campers who participate in water-related activities. Nearly 2 million people learn to swim each year with American Red Cross programs.

Water Safety Instructor

If you're at least 16 years old and a proficient swimmer, you can become an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and teach swimming and water safety courses.

Prerequisites:  None

Skills you'll learn:

  • Teach skills that may save a life.
  • Gain terrific work experience as an aquatics professional.
  • Earn money or volunteer while you help people learn valuable skills.
  • Learn organizational and presentation skills that will help you in any career.
  • Help prepare swim coaches to prevent and respond to emergency situations.
  • Make a difference in someone's life.
Lifeguarding

LifeguardingPurpose: If you're 15 or older and looking for a great summer job or challenging career, American Red Cross Lifeguarding is the best place to start. This course helps you develop skills and experience that is valued by colleges and employers. You'll develop new valuable skills and learn how to work effectively with people. You'll also get tips for securing a lifeguarding job. The American Red Cross trains more than 170,000 lifeguards each year.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Surveillance skills to help you recognize and prevent injuries.
  • Rescue skills to use in the water and on land.
  • First Aid training and Professional Rescuer CPR to help you prepare for any emergency.
  • Professional lifeguard responsibilities like interacting with the public and addressing uncooperative patrons.
Lifeguard training and first aid certificates are valid for three years (CPR certificates for one year) from completion date. If more time has passed or you cannot obtain your training records from the local chapter, it is best to take another class to get recertified.

All Red Cross Lifeguarding classes, Water Safety Instructor classes and Swimming Lessons are taught at area recreation centers and public pools. Please call the one nearest you to inquire about programs offered there.

  • Western State College:  970-943-2083
  • Ouray Hot Springs:  970-325-7073
  • Town of Telluride:  970-728-2173
  • Montrose Recreation Department:  970-249-7705
  • North Fork Pool in Hotchkiss:  970-872-4244
  • Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta:  970-874-0923
  • Bookcliff Country Club:  970-243-3713
  • St. Mary's Life Center:  970-244-6100
  • Mesa State College:  970-248-1374
  • Fruita Monument High School:  970-254-6640
  • Fruita Recreation Department:  970-858-0360
  • Battlement Mesa Activity Center:  970-285-9480
  • Rifle Recreation Department:  970-625-2151
  • Glenwood Springs Hot Springs:  970-947-2943
  • Carbondale Recreation Department:  970-963-2733
  • Basalt Recreation Department:  970-927-8214
  • Aspen Recreation Department:  970-544-4100
  • The Snowmass Club:  970-923-5200
  • Snowmass Village Recreational Center:  970-922-2204
  • Avon Recreation Department:  970-748-4061
  • Eagle Recreation Department:  970-328-5277
  • Anderson Camps in Eagle:  970-524-7760
  • Aspen Club and Spa:  970-925-8900
  • Glenwood Springs Recreation Department:  970-384-6311
Water Safety Quiz Water Safety Tips Top 10 Reasons to Be a Lifeguard
Together We Can Save a Life

American Red Cross, Western Colorado Chapter
506 Gunnison Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Phone:  970-242-4851
Fax   970-241-2337
Email:  chapter@arcwcc.org