Get Certified to Save Lives

After successful first session, Lifeguard Certification Course #2 begins this weekend at the Rec

Texas A&M Rec Sports is offering its second American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification course of the summer — and there’s still time to register.

Whether you’re looking for a summer job or want to build a valuable life skill, this course offers the training needed to become a certified lifeguard and gain confidence in the water.

“This class teaches valuable lessons, including lifesaving skills that you may use one day,” said Diego Cardona ‘26, an Rec Sports lifeguard.

The second course will take place Friday, June 6 through Sunday, June 8 at the Student Recreation Center Natatorium. It follows a blended learning format, which includes an online learning module, a prerequisite swim test, and in-person classroom sessions. Participants will cover four core areas:

Foundational Lifeguarding Concepts: Recognition of distressed swimmers and drowning victims, effective surveillance, and injury prevention.
Water Rescue and Extrication Techniques
Resuscitation and First Aid: Includes CPR, ventilations, AED use, and basic first aid.
Individual and Team-Based Emergency Response

Two individuals are swimming and relaxing at the edge of a pool, with one holding a red rescue tube.

Lifeguard sitting on a high chair by the poolside, blowing a whistle, wearing a red lifeguard uniform.

Lifeguards practicing saving procedures in the pool using the lifeguard rescue tube.

The course fee is $250 for members and $300 for non-members.. Non-members must register in person at Member Services inside the Student Rec Center. All participants must complete the required online coursework before the first in-person session.

The first course, held in May, included five participants and one instructor. Preparation was essential to ensure participants were ready for both the digital and hands-on components.

“We are looking forward to the upcoming session this weekend and anticipate increased participation — particularly from students interested in joining our team,” said Esther Gagawala, Aquatics coordinator. “This growth will play a vital role in strengthening our lifeguard staffing for the summer season.”

Don’t miss the chance to earn your certification, gain life-saving skills, and prepare for a potential job at Rec Sports. Spots are limited — register today!