Lifeguard Certification
Individuals interested in working as a lifeguard in the State of Rhode Island must become certified by the RI Division of Parks & Recreation as either a Surf or Non-Surf lifeguard to work at a beach or as a Pool Lifeguard (if required by facility operator) to work at a pool.
Surf Certified Lifeguards can work at any type swimming facility in the state.
Non-Surf Certified Lifeguards can work at non-surf (freshwater or bayside) beaches and pools.
Pool Certified Lifeguards can work only at swimming pools.
Note: Non - Conditional State Lifeguard Certification cards expire on September 30th of each year.
Lifeguard Certification Requirements:
- All candidates must be at least 16 years of age and must present a photo I.D. with verification of date of birth every time they apply for certification.
- Applicants under the age of 18, MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must sign the application/waiver form for the minor applying to take the state lifeguard certification test.
- All candidates must have successfully completed courses and hold valid cards in Lifeguard Training, First Aid, and CPR which includes infant, child and adult. All of which should be valid through September 30, 2013.
Card Notes
- The following CPR cards will be accepted:
- "CPR for the professional Rescuer" or "CPR for Lifeguards" from the Red Cross and "BLS for the healthcare Provider" from the Heart Association are the recommended level of CPR training. The "Heartsaver CPR for all Ages" from the Heart Association will also be accepted.
- An appropriate Adult, Infant, and Child CPR card from the National Safety Council, American Safety & Health Institute or other accredited organizations.
- Only original, valid up to date cards and certificates from nationally accredited organizations, such as the Red Cross, YMCA, National Safety Council and American Heart Association are accepted. Individuals considering training from Ellis & Associates or the Starfish Aquatics Starguard Lifeguard programs must check with the Division of Parks & Recreation for accepted training from these programs and would require waterfront training for Surf or Non-Surf Certification. Individuals should not consider any on-line course without checking with the Division of Parks & Recreation prior to registration to verify if any such course would be accepted for lifeguard certification. No photostats, altered, defaced or damaged cards will be honored. No letters from instructors, rosters or other documents will be accepted in lieu of original training cards or certificates from accredited organizations. Candidates should contact the Division of Parks & Recreation with any questions on their training cards or certificates well in advance of scheduled test dates.
- No candidate will be certified if any of their cards or certificates are due to expire within 30 days. They will not be certified until they have renewed and replaced the expiring card or certificates.
- An EMT license will be honored for the First Aid requirement, but an EMT must still present separate cards in Lifeguard Training and appropriate CPR.
- Lifeguard Training, First Aid, and CPR courses are offered throughout the year by accredited agencies. Candidates should check with accredited agencies for dates and times for these courses and all courses must be completed prior to the start of the State Certification Tests in May.
- There is a $10.00 fee for the State Certification Card which must be paid prior to the card being issued.
Pool Certification
Candidates seeking a 2012 pool lifeguard certification, as may be required by their facility operator, can simply apply at the Division's Main Office at 2321 Hartford Avenue in Johnston . The office is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and the phone number is (401) 222-2632. Pool certification candidates must show a photo I.D., verification of their date of birth, and valid safety cards. The cost is $10.00. If their credentials are in order, they will be issued a Pool Lifeguard Certification Card.
Surf and Non-Surf Certification
No appointment is necessary, but the required active training cards or certificates, (CPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Training) or equivalent must be presented at the examination along with a photo I.D. and verification of date of birth. Candidates under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to sign the waiver/application form.
Lifeguard Testing
| Conditional Surf
Test (valid until August 9th, 2013) |
Conditional Surf Test Consists of: |
|---|---|
| Date: May 23rd, and
June 13th, 2013 Time: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Location: Scarborough State Beach |
Rescue: Torp and reel save, three person team
Board: Board rescue 100 yards out, flip board, secure victim on board, paddle board and victim to shore. |
| Conditional Non-Surf Test (valid until August 16th, 2013) |
Conditional Non-Surf Test Consists of: |
|---|---|
| Date: May 22nd, June 12th, June 27th 2013 Time: 9:00 a.m.-2:00p.m. Location: Burlingame State Park - Prosser Grove Picnic Area |
One torpedo rescue, 25 yards out tow, victim to shore. One rescue tube rescue, 25 yards out, front approach, securely wrap the tube around the victim, and tow to shore. Board rescue 100 yards out, flip board, secure victim on board, paddle board and victim to shore. |
Note: All conditionally certified lifeguards must return to take and pass a full test in August. Failure to take and pass a full test precludes candidates from any future conditional tests.
2014 Lifeguard Certification Examinations: (Cards valid until September 30, 2014 )
| Surf Test | Surf Test consists of: |
|---|---|
| Date:
August 5th - August 9th, 2013 Time: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Location: Scarborough State Beach |
Endurance: Swim 440 yards in ten minutes or less using only front swimming
strokes.
Rescue: Torp and reel save, three person team Board: Board rescue 100 yards out, flip board, secure victim on board, paddle board and victim to shore. |
| Non-Surf Test | Non-Surf Test Consists of: |
|---|---|
| Date: August 13th
- August 16th, 2013 Time: 9:00 a.m.-2:00p.m. Location: Burlingame State Park (Prosser Grove Picnic Area) |
Endurance: Swim 440 yards in ten minutes or less using only front swimming
strokes. One torpedo rescue, 25 yards out tow, victim to shore. One rescue tube rescue, 25 yards out, front approach, securely wrap the tube around the victim, and tow to shore. Board rescue 100 yards out, flip board, secure victim on board, paddle board and victim to shore. |
Note: Candidates who fail a test in August will not be certified and cannot work as a lifeguard or apply to take a conditional lifeguard certification. They will only be certified when they are able to take and pass a full and complete test.
Training Course Opportunities:
Information on State Employment as a Lifeguard:
- All applicants must be at least sixteen (16) years of age.
- All applicants must be properly certified as either a Surf or Non – Surf Lifeguard depending on the location they are applying for work.
- Applicants for employment as Lifeguards with the Division of Parks and Recreation MUST FILL OUT A CS-14a APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT FORM. Applications can be printed out from the DEM Website (www.dem.ri.gov) under the jobs section. This form must be submitted to the D.E.M Office of Human Resources, room 350 in the Foundry Building at 235 Promenade Street in Providence, Telephone # (401) 222-2774.
When an applicant is hired, they must fill out other required paperwork and a CS-60 Physical Form before being eligible to start work. This paperwork is completed at the D.E.M Office of Human Resources, room 350 in the Foundry Building at 235 Promenade Street in Providence, Telephone # (401) 222-2774.
- Candidates interested in being considered for a Lifeguard Supervisors (Captains) position shall hold active Instructors cards in Lifeguard Training, First Aid and C.P.R. from an accredited agency. Anyone interested in being a Lifeguard Supervisor/captain and who has a valid instructor’s card should contact the Division of Parks & Recreation so your name may be placed on file for future consideration.
- Additional information on Seasonal Employment with DEM and the Division of Parks and Recreation, or lifeguard Certification can be obtained by contacting the Division at: D.E.M – Division of Parks and Recreation 2321 Hartford Avenue Johnston, RI 02919 Telephone Number: (401)-222-2632 Website: (www.riparks.com) DEM Website (www.dem.ri.gov) then click on jobs .
