Lifeguard Certification
Information 2010
Individuals interested in working as a lifeguard in the State of
Rhode Island must become certified by the RI Division of Parks and
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:
1)
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.
2)
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.
3)
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, 2010.
Card Notes
A) 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.
B)
Only original, valid up to date cards from nationally
accredited organizations, such as the Red Cross, YMCA, National
Safety Council, American Heart Association, Ellis & Associates
and the Starfish Aquatics Starguard lifeguard course will be accepted.
For the Starfish Aquatics Starguard program the Waterfront
Module training is also required towards surf and non-surf certification. No Photostats, altered, defaced or damaged cards
will be honored. Also no letters from Instructors, class rosters, or
other documents will be accepted in lieu of original training cards
from accredited organizations. If considering any online courses
individuals must contact the Division of Parks and Recreation prior
to registration to verify if any such courses will be accepted for
lifeguard certification. Candidates should contact the
Division of Parks and Recreation with any questions pertaining to
their training cards well in advance of scheduled test dates.
C)
No candidate will be certified if any of their cards are due to
expire within 30 days. They will not be certified until they have
renewed and replaced the expiring card.
D)
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.
E)
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.
4)
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 2010 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, (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 6th, 2010 ).
May 27th and June
17th, 2010.
9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Scarborough
State
Beach
CONDITIONAL SURF TEST CONSISTS OF:
Rescue:
Torp and reel save, three
person team
*Boat: One dory into surf, demonstrate
proficiency, land the craft.
*Board: Board rescue 100 yards out,
flip board, secure victim on board, paddle board and victim to
shore.
*CANDIDATES CHOICE
Conditional
Non-Surf Test
(valid until August 13, 2010).
May 26th, June
16th, June 30th, 2010.
9:00 a.m.-2:00p.m.
Burlingame
State Park
-
Prosser Grove Picnic Area
CONDITIONAL Non-SURF TEST CONSISTS OF:
Rescue:
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.
__________________________________________________
2011 Lifeguard Certification Examinations:
(Cards valid
until September 30, 2011 ).
Surf
Test:
August 2nd through August 6th, 2010.
9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Scarborough
State
Beach
SURF TEST CONSISTS OF:
Endurance:
Swim 440 yards in
ten minutes or less using only front swimming
strokes.
Rescue:
Torp and reel save, three
person team
*Boat: One dory into surf, demonstrate
proficiency, land the craft.
*Board: Board rescue 100 yards out,
flip board, secure victim on board, paddle board and victim to
shore.
*CANDIDATES CHOICE
Non-Surf Test:
August 10th
through August 13th, 2010
9:00 a.m.-2:00p.m.
Burlingame
State Park
-
Prosser Grove Picnic Area
Non-SURF TEST CONSISTS OF:
Endurance: Swim 440 yards in
ten minutes or less using only front swimming
strokes.
Rescue:
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.
The will only be certified when they are able to take and pass a
full and complete test.
__________________________________________________
Information On State Employment As A Lifeguard
1) All applicants must be at
least 16 years of age.
2) All applicants must be
properly State Certified as either a Surf or
a Non-Surf lifeguard, depending on the location at which they are
applying to work.
3)
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 from the DEM
website at WWW.DEM.RI.GOV under
the jobs section. This form must be
submitted to the DEM Office of Human Resources, Room 350 in the
Foundry Building at 235 Promenade Street in Providence, Telephone #
(401) 222 2774.
4)
When an applicant is
hired, he/she must fill out
other necessary paperwork and a CS-60 Physical Form before being
eligible to start work. This paperwork is completed at the DEM
Office of Human Resources.
5) Candidates interested in
being considered for a Lifeguard Supervisor
Position shall hold active Instructors cards in Lifeguard Training,
First Aid and CPR from an accredited agency. Anyone interested in
being a Lifeguard Supervisor and holding valid instructor cards
should contact the Division of Parks and Recreation so your name may
be placed on file for future consideration.
6)
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: DEM - Division of Parks and Recreation,2321
Hartford Avenue, Johnston, RI, 02919. Telephone Number: [401]
222-2632 ; Fax: [401] 934-0610 or visiting
http://www.dem.ri.gov/jobs/seasonal.htm
.