Shallow Water Lifeguard Certification in Nashville

Become Shallow Water Lifeguard Certified through the American Red Cross

This certification is for shallow water lifeguarding only and does not include deep water training.

Register Now For Our Upcoming American Red Cross Shallow Water Lifeguarding Classes

Upcoming Classes:

2026

When:
May 21, 22, 23 & 24

Times:
May 21: 3-7pm
May 22: 8:30-5pm
May 23: 8:30-4pm
May 24: 8:30-4pm

Where:
Gordon Jewish Community Center
801 Percy Warner Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37205

Worden Aquatics, LLC is an authorized service provider for the American Red Cross, and we now offer Lifeguarding certification classes conducted at the Gordon Jewish Community Center in Nashville.

Class Description 

The Shallow Water lifeguarding class encompasses comprehensive online and in-person training designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure swimmers' safety in shallow & deep water environments such as pools, water parks, and beaches with minimal wave action.

Note: The Lifeguarding class has an online portion that participants must complete before attending the in-person portion of the class. You will have ten days to complete the 6-hour online class. You can break up the online portion. This online component covers foundational knowledge, safety protocols, and basic skills, allowing participants to familiarize themselves with essential information and concepts before the practical, hands-on training session.

Here's a breakdown of what such a class might involve:

  • The class begins with an overview of lifeguarding principles, roles, and responsibilities. This includes understanding the importance of surveillance, prevention, and intervention in ensuring water safety.

  • Participants are taught various water rescue techniques tailored to shallow water environments. This may include techniques for reaching, throwing, and wading to rescue swimmers in distress.

  • Lifeguards learn basic first aid techniques and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedures, including how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in emergency situations.

  • Lifeguards are trained to develop and implement effective emergency action plans, including procedures for responding to drowning, spinal injuries, and other water-related emergencies.

  • Lifeguards learn effective communication techniques for interacting with patrons, colleagues, and emergency responders. This includes verbal commands and clear, concise communication during emergency situations.

  • Lifeguards are taught to identify potential hazards in both shallow & deep water environments and assess risk factors to prevent accidents and injuries.

  • Lifeguards undergo physical fitness training to build strength, endurance, and stamina necessary for performing water rescues and prolonged surveillance.

  • Lifeguards are educated on legal and ethical considerations associated with lifeguarding, including duty of care, negligence, and liability.

  • Participants engage in scenario-based training exercises to simulate real-life emergency situations and practice their response skills under simulated stress.

  • The class typically concludes with a certification examination, which assesses participants' understanding of lifeguarding principles, rescue techniques, and emergency procedures.

More Important Information

  • • Minimum age: 15 years

    • Swim 100 yards continuously

    • Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs

    • Complete a timed event within :50 seconds by starting in the water swim 20 yards. Submerge to a depth of 4 to 5 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and walk of swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and exit the water without using steps or ladder

  • $ 255

    Price includes:

    • Online portion of the course

    • In-person portion of the course

    • All books & materials

    Note: No refunds if you cancel within 5 days of the class start date.

  • Gordon Jewish Community Center
    801 Percy Warner Blvd.
    Nashville, TN 37205

  • Online:
    6 hours – must be completed before the in-person portion

    In-Person:
    May 21: 3-7pm
    May 22: 8:30-5pm
    May 23: 8:30-4pm
    May 24: 8:30-4pm

    Registration must be completed at least 7 days before your first class.

  • Fill out the sign-up form below. After submitting, a team member will email you all instructions and details for your course.

Sign Up Here For 2026 Lifeguard Classes