Programs

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. 2025 DATES: *Deadline is 10:00 am on the first day of scheduled course.

• June 13 (pre-test), June 20-22 (course)
• August 15 (pre-test), August 22-24 (course)
• October 17 (pre-test), October 24-26 (course)

TIMES:  Friday 4-8 pm; Sat 9 am-6 pm; Sun 9 am-6 pm (times may vary) COST:  $250 (for those hired with WRCC - we cover the cost of the course + a sign on bonus of $250) 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. *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). PREREQUISITES:

1. Must be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of course.
2. 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.
3. 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.

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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 DATES:

• May 24, 25, 31, June 1
• July 19, 20, 26, 27
• November 8, 9, 15, 16

DAY/TIME:  Sat-Sun, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm 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:

1. Be at least 16 years old on or before the last day of the Instructor Course
2. 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
3. Maintain position on back for 1 minute in deep water (floating or sculling)
4. Tread water for 1 minute

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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. CHOOSE YOUR DATE: Jun 14, Aug 16, Oct 18 TIME: 9:00 am-5:00 pm COST: $150.00 REGISTRATION:  REGISTER ONLINE or Call 701-456-2074 for more information.

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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: June 6-8, 2025 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:  REGISTE 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.

The purpose of this 30-minute course is to provide direction in safety, technique, and gym etiquette to youth members, along with anyone interested in learning more about the fitness equipment. Participants will learn how to properly use our cardio and strength machines and equipment from one of our certified personal trainers. Youth ages 12-13 will be able to use the fitness equipment without parental supervision after the successful completion of this class. For more information on fitness equipment and personal trainers, please visit westrivercommunitycenter.com 2025 Dates

• May 19
• July 14
• Sept 15
• Nov 17

Registration deadline is 2 days prior to class.

We invite you to register for our Learn-to-Belay course, open to anyone ages 16+ who want to become a certified belayer. Being a certified belayer allows you to climb the West River Community Center climbing wall during open climb hours. For more information on our climbing wall, visit westrivercommunitycenter.com. REQUIREMENTS: Must attend both nights to be certified.

The West River Community Center offers a wide variety of fitness from group fitness classes to group training programs, you'll be sure to find one that suits you.  Please visit westrivercommunitycenter.com to see all the great group fitness classes and challenges offered by our certified group fitness instructors and personal trainers.