As the #2 provider of American Red Cross Certifications in the state of Wisconsin, we offer a variety of courses to promote safety around the water and in everyday life. You don’t have to be a lifeguard to be certified in these skills. We can host private classes for your group or organization in our facilities or we can bring the class to you.
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Prepared to Respond
Wherever you are, knowing how to respond quickly and safely to an emergency can help save a life.
"Both Senior Leadership and I appreciate that we are better prepared as a College for accidents and emergencies – both on campus and wherever our faculty, staff and students may be."
—Director of Safety, College of Engineering
First Aid/CPR/AED Courses
Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED – Blended Learning
This course will prepare you to recognize and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children, and infants and meets OSHA/workplace requirements. This is a blended learning course, including an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skill session. The online portion must be completed before attending the in-class portion. Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a digital certificate valid for two years.
UW-Madison Students: $80
Members: $85
Non-Members: $95
Online learning link can be found in your registration confirmation.
Host a Class
We can host your class in our spaces, or we can come to yours. All classes outside of Rec Well facilities will have a $100 administrative fee in addition to the per person cost for the class:
- Campus Departments: $85 per person
- Registered Student Organizations (RSOs): $55 per person
All requested classes must be hosted on UW-Madison’s campus. Classes must have a minimum of 6 participants. Please make requests at least 4 weeks in advance of your desired class date. Classes requested within 4 weeks of the desired class date are not guaranteed.
Lifeguarding & Water Safety
Lifeguard Certification Course
Learn how to effectively prevent and respond to water emergencies with American Red Cross lifeguard training. Our courses are designed to arm you with the skills and knowledge to prepare you for a variety of scenarios in and around the water. With our lifeguard training, you will learn how quick response times and effective preparation are vital to being a lifeguard while also understanding the crucial skills needed to prevent drownings and injuries.
UW-Madison Students: $275
Members: $300
Non-Members: $350
Online learning link can be found in your registration confirmation.
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What to expect
Prerequisites:
- Must be 15 years old on or before the last day of the course
- Swim 300 yards using a combination of freestyle (with rotary breathing and a strong kick) and breaststroke with correct coordination
- Tread water for two minutes, legs only
- 10-pound object retrieval from 7’10” depth
- Successful completion of online session of course prior to first class meeting (further instructions will be provided upon registration)
Class Components:
- Now teaching 2017 American Red Cross® Lifeguarding material
- Learn water rescue skills, CPR/AED, and First Aid
Lifeguard Recertification Course
Lifeguarding review classes are designed to help you update your skills, extending your certification for another two years. The Red Cross also offers review courses, for those whose certification is still valid (or within 30 days of expiring) while allowing you to continue to work without a lapse in verification.
UW-Madison Students: $100
Members: $125
Non-Members: $175
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What to expect
Prerequisites:
- Must have current Red Cross Lifeguard Training certification
Class Components:
- Now teaching 2017 American Red Cross® Lifeguarding material
- Review water rescue skills, CPR/AED, and First Aid prior to taking the recertification test