American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification

Campus Recreation offers lifeguard certification classes throughout the year. These classes provide the necessary training to receive Red Cross certification.

To find course dates, course cost, and to register, please visit the Campus Recreation online portal. For general questions, please contact Campus Recreation.

Instructions to Register

  • Once you are on the secure site at https://recportal.missouristate.edu, click on Sign up in the top right corner.
  • Register the parent, sign waiver. 
  • Click on the 3 line stack in the top left by the Missouri State logo then select Member Services, View Account.
  • Scroll to bottom of page and ADD FAMILY.
  • Proceed to registration and select the appropriate family member. 
  • Proceed to checkout.  If you use electronic check for payment you will not be charged credit card processing fees.
  • Make sure you get a confirmation which will list the class, the child’s name and the date/time.

Lifeguard Certification Course

This course provides participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for injured patrons. Participants must pass a pre-course swim test. This course certifies successful participants in American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid. All classes are held in the FRC Aquatic Center.

This training is open to all FRC members, MSU employees, and dependent children of employees.

Registration fees for this course are non-refundable. Classes not meeting the minimum number of enrollment will be canceled.

Prerequisites

Lifeguard candidates must meet the following qualifications:

  • Be at least 15 years of age
  • Demonstrate strong swimming skills
    • Swim 300 yards continuously
    • Complete a 10-pound object retrieval
      (Must swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke, surface dive 7-10 feet, retrieve a 10-pound object, return to the surface, swim 20 yards to the starting point with the object and exit the water without using a ladder or steps within 1 minute and 40 seconds.)
    • Tread water for 2 minutes without using hands

Certification Requirements

To be eligible for two-year certification, you must:

  • Attend all class sessions
  • Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities
  • Demonstrate competency in the three final skill scenarios
  • Pass the final written exam

All participants must be FRC members, MSU employees, or dependents of MSU employees. Class sizes are limited. Classes are held at the Foster Recreation Center with some components at the Hammons Student Center pool.

American Red Cross Lifeguard Review Course

This course gives currently certified lifeguards the opportunity to review and renew their lifeguard certification in a formal class setting. Participants hold current lifeguard certification and pass a pre-course swim test.

Please note that all participants MUST be currently certified in American Red Cross lifeguarding. Participants are required to show proof of this training prior to the start of class.

Review Course Prerequisites

Lifeguard candidates must meet the following qualifications:

  • All of the same prerequisites as the full lifeguard course; and
  • Hold current certification in American Red Cross lifeguarding

Certification Requirements

To be eligible for two-year certification, you must:

  • Provide proof of current ARC lifeguard certification
  • Attend all class sessions
  • Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities
  • Demonstrate competency in the three final skill scenarios
  • Pass the final written exam

All participants must be FRC members, MSU employees, or dependents of MSU employees. Class sizes are limited. Classes are held at the Foster Recreation Center with some components at the Hammons Student Center pool.