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Lifeguard Certification
Information 2008

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, 2008.

The following CPR cards will be accepted:

"CPR for the professional Rescuer" 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 and "Community CPR" from the Red Cross 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.

Card Notes:

A) 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, Lifeguard Corp [LgC], Public Safety Specialists [PSS] program from the University of Rhode Island will be accepted. 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. Candidates should contact the division of Parks and Recreation with any questions pertaining to their training cards prior to scheduled test dates.

B) 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.

C) 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.

D) For individuals taking Red Cross Lifeguard training, a Waterfront Module Card is recommended but not required.

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.

F) 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 2008 pool lifeguard certification 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.

Conditional Surf Test (valid until August 8, 2008 ).

Dates: May 23rd and June 20th, 2008.
Time: From 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Location: 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 15, 2008).

Dates: May 22nd, June 19th, June 27th, 2008.
Time: 9:00 a.m.-2:00p.m.
Location: Burlingame State Park - Prosser Grove Picnic Area Directions-Take Interstate Rte. 95 South to Rte. 4 South to Rte. 1 South into Charlestown . Turn at the Burlingame Picnic Area Sign

CONDITIONAL Non-SURF TEST CONSISTS OF:

Rescue: One torpedo rescue, 25 yards out tow, victim to shore. *One front surface approach rescue, using cross chest carry to tow victim to shore.. *One rescue tube rescue, 25 yards out, front approach, securely wrap the tube around the victim, and tow to shore.
*Boat: One boat and oar rescue, 100 yards out, rescue victim. Tow victim to shore.
*Board: Board rescue 100 yards out, flip board, secure victim on board, paddle board and victim to shore.
*CANDIDATES CHOICE: IN ADDITION TO A TORPEDO RESCUE EACH CANDIDATE MUST SELECT EITHER A CROSS CHEST CARRY or RESCUE TUBE RESCUE AND EITHER A BOAT OR BOARD RESCUE.

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.

2009 Lifeguard Certification Examinations: (Cards valid until September 30, 2009 ).

Surf Test:

Dates: August 4th through August 8th, 2008.
Time: From 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Location: Scarborough State Beach

SURF TEST CONSISTS OF:

Endurance: Swim 440 yards in ten minutes or less using only front swimming
strokes.

Non-Surf Test:

Dates: August 12th through August 15th, 2008
Time: 9:00 a.m.-2:00p.m.
Location: Burlingame State Park - Prosser Grove Picnic Area Directions-Take Interstate Rte. 95 South to Rte. 4 South to Rte. 1 South into Charlestown . Turn at the Burlingame Picnic Area Sign

Non-SURF TEST CONSISTS OF:

Endurance: Swim 440 yards in ten minutes or less using only front swimming
strokes.

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. 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 2632.

4) When an applicant is hired, he/she must fill out the 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