Lifeguard Certification
Camp Emerald Bay became an American Red Cross Lifeguard and CPR training facility in 2019. With trained lifeguard instructors working together to lead this program, you can feel confident that your Scouts, aged 15 and older, will leave Emerald Bay with the skills to not only safely guard your troop’s aquatic program, but apply for lifeguarding jobs in your area.
Who: Anyone aged 15 or older can take the course.
When: During your week of summer camp, participants are in class for both Sessions 1 and 2 (8:40 a.m.-11:00 a.m.) during the week. Upon arriving to camp on Sunday, all participants enrolled in a Lifeguarding course will report to the Waterfront at 2 p.m. for the prerequisite testing for the program. Online learning modules must be completed prior to arriving in camp.
Benefits of the Course: A two-year certification in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid, all recognized nationally. You will also earn BSA Lifeguard and the Lifesaving merit badge if not already earned.
Cost: $75 per person. Fees are collected online through Doubleknot, once registered for the course. Participants in the course who wish to only earn BSA Lifeguard can do so without paying the fee.
Process to Register: Once you have a participant interested in taking the American Red Cross Lifeguard course, you will add it as you would a merit badge. The ability to select courses is available in April. A “How to Register” guide can be found on our Forms and Documents Page.
Pre-Course Work (e-learning): Approximately 7 hours of online course work will be sent to participants in May via an email containing a registration link. All online modules for the CPR/Lifeguard course must be complete by each participant prior to their week in camp.
BSA Lifeguard: The Boy Scouts of America offers a lifeguard course that is only recognized at BSA facilities. There is no cost for this certification. This course runs parallel to American Red Cross Lifeguard, so participants will still be required to complete the e-learning. Participants only taking BSA Lifeguard will also earn American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers (CPRO).