Overview
We will be conducting Lifeguard Certification, Re-Certification, and Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Courses on an as-needed basis. There will typically be one every month or every other month. If you would like to inquire about becoming a lifeguard or taking the courses please contact the Aquatics Facility Supervisor at 701-456-2074. See upcoming courses below.
LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION COURSE
The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course is to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over.
*Deadline is 10:00 am on the first day of scheduled course.
*All pre-tests will be the first date listed at 4:00 pm, unless otherwise noted.
*These courses include blended learning. The first course date is a pre-course date for the pretest and quick introduction to the course. This will include getting course materials and enrolling into the online classroom for the online coursework. The online course work will need to be completed by the Friday of the in person course portion (second Friday posted).
2026:
- January 9, 16, 17, 18
- March 6, 13, 14, 15
- April 24, May 1, 2, 3
- May 8, 15, 16, 17
- June 13 (1:00 pm), 19, 20, 21
- August 14, 21, 22, 23
- October 16, 23, 24, 25
TIMES: Pre-test (4-6 pm); Friday 4-8 pm; Sat 9 am-6 pm; Sun 9 am-7 pm (times may vary)
COST: $250 (for those hired with WRCC - we cover the cost of the course)
CERTIFICATION: Lifeguarding (including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid - valid for 2 years.
REGISTRATION: REGISTER ONLINE or Call 701-456-2074 for more information.
PREREQUISITES:
- Must be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of course.
- Complete a Swim-Treat-Swim Sequence
- Jump into the deep water from the side, totally submerge, recover to the surface and swim 150 yards.
- After swimming 150 yards, maintain position at the surface of the water without support for 2 minutes by treading
- After maintaining position at the surface for 2 minutes, swim 50 more yards.
- Complete a times event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
- Surface dive, feet first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so you are able to get a breath. Candidates should not swim the distance underwater. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Notes for the Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence:
-
-
- While swimming, you must swim continuously, keeping your face in the water AND demonstrating good breath control.
- You may use the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted.
- Swim goggles are allowed
- While treading:
- You can only use your legs.
- Place your hands under your armpits.
- Your head must remain above the surface of the water.
-
WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTION COURSE (WSI)
The purpose of this instructor course is to train instructor candidates to teach courses and presentations in the American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program including Parent and Child Aquatics, Preschool Aquatics, Learn-to-Swim, Adult Swim, Private Lessons, Water Safety Courses (including Safety Training for Swim Coaches) and Water Safety Presentations.
2025:
- November 8, 9, 15, 16
2026:
-
- February 14, 15, 21, 22
- April 4, 5, 11, 12
- May 23, 24, 30, 31
- July 18, 19, 25, 26
- November 7, 8, 25, 26
DAY/TIME: Sat-Sun, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (pre-test is first day of class)
COST: $300.00
CERTIFICATION: American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Certification
REGISTRATION: REGISTER ONLINE or Call 701-456-2074 for more information.
*These courses include blended learning. The online portion needs to be completed before the first class.
PREREQUISITES:
- Be at least 16 years old on or before the last day of the Instructor Course
- Demonstrate the ability to perform the following swimming skills: Swim the following strokes consistent with the American Red Cross Level 4 standards – Front Crawl – 25 yards; Back Crawl – 25 yards; Breaststroke – 25 yards; Elementary Backstroke – 25 yards; Sidestroke – 25 yards; Butterfly – 15 yards
- Maintain position on back for 1 minute in deep water (floating or sculling)
- Tread water for 1 minute
LIFEGUARD RE-CERTIFICATION COURSE
This course is designed to update your skills while also extending your certification for another two years. There are also courses for those whose certifications are still valid (or within 30 days of expiration) which allow them to continue working without having a lapse in certification.
2026:
*All recertification courses will be on Saturday’s following a lifeguard pre-test unless otherwise noted.
- January 10
- March 7
- April 25
- May 9
- June 14 (Sunday)
- August 15
- October 17
TIME: 8:00 am-6:00 pm
COST: $150.00
REGISTRATION: REGISTER ONLINE or Call 701-456-2074 for more information.
LIFEGUARD INSTRUCTOR TRAINING
The Lifeguard Instructor Course trains instructor candidates how to teach American Red Cross Lifeguarding, Shallow Water Lifeguarding, and Aquatic Attraction Lifeguarding, along with other optional modules.
DATE: FUTURE CLASSES TBD
TIMES: Friday 4-8 pm; Saturday 8 am-7 pm; Sunday 9 am-5 pm (times subject to change)
COST: $300 (reimbursement will be offered to those hired with WRCC)
CERTIFICATION: American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED with Waterpark Lifeguarding Module
REGISTRATION: REGISTER ONLINE or call 701-456-2074 for more information.
PREREQUISITES:
-
- Must be at least 17 years old.
- Possess a current American Red Cross certification in Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED
- Complete the online Lifeguard Instructor course through the ARC learning center before the first day of class. An email will be sent with instructions after registration.
- Pass two rescue skill scenarios that test lifeguarding and CPR (on the first day of class)
NOTE: Instructor Candidates, upon successful completion of the course, have the opportunity to re-new their Lifeguarding Certificate as well.
