Gladstone Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts
Certification offered at the Gladstone Community Center teaches the duties and responsibilities of lifeguards to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies and the procedures to carry them out in a professional manner. Certifications include: American Red Cross Water Park Lifeguard, First-Aid, and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. All certifications received are valid for 2 years.
Course Description and Format
Blended Learning combines online learning with in-person skill sessions conducted by an American Red Cross certified Instructor. All courses held at the Gladstone Community Center follow the blended learning format unless otherwise stated. Participants will need to complete the eLearning units before attending the first night of the course. Participants will get access to the American Red Cross eLearning shortly after completing the form linked at the top of the page. Important points on this format include:
Online sessions are self-paced and can be completed 24/7 from any location with internet access.
Online sessions teach the knowledge base needed for the in-person sessions, maximizing in-water time for rescue skills.
In-person skill sessions typically span 3 consecutive days and will require near 100% attendance time to complete certification.
Course Prerequisites
Must be a minimum of 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course.
Must have completed the online portion of the course as an introduction before the first day of the on-site course. Please fill out the online form and you will be contacted to receive the online course link.
Must swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both, but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
Tread water for 2-minutes using legs only. Candidates should place their hands under their armpits.
Swim 20-yards, surface dive to a minimum depth of 7 feet, retrieve a 10 pound object, return to surface, and swim back to starting point with object within one minute and forty seconds. Goggles not permitted.
Upcoming Certification Courses
(All courses are reserved for those interested in working for the Gladstone Community Center & Gladstone Municipal Pool)
We are always scheduling new American Red Cross Lifeguard certification courses. Before attending any of the classes listed below, please fill out our online form and we will contact you with course preparation information including the online portion of the certification requirements. If you are unavailable for all of the courses listed please still fill out the form and we will contact you when new courses are scheduled.
January Course Dates
Friday, January 10; 4:30pm-7:00pm
Saturday, January 11; 8:00am-6:00pm
Sunday, January 12; 9:30am-5:00pm
February Course Dates
Friday, January 31; 3:00pm-7:00pm
Saturday, February 1; 9:00am-5:00pm
Sunday, February 2; 9:30am-5:00pm
Gladstone Certification Incentive
Receive Certification Course for only $60! (Compared to full cost of $250)
Gladstone is offering an incentive for those participants that are hired and commit to the Gladstone Aquatics team and meet the below qualifications.
To qualify for the Gladstone Incentive participant must:
Work for the Gladstone Aquatics Team.
Agree to a minimum 6-month employment agreement.
Attend all mandatory meetings and in-services during 6 month introductory period.
Remain in good employment standing.
Show commitment and contribute to the overall team.
Work an average of 15 hours/week during school year and 25 hours/week when school is not in session.
Benefits to Joining Our Team
Year Round Facility! Not just a summer job!
Staff is supported by Head Guards, Outdoor Pool Managers, and Supervisors on-site.
Fun place to work!
Opportunity to take on leadership roles and develop new skills.
Freedom to grow and take on additional roles, such as teaching swim lessons or coaching summer swim team.
Continued training on safety and rescue skills through the in-service program.
Flexible hours using features like availability based scheduling and an online schedule system.
Space is limited in each course.
For more information about American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Courses call (816) 423-4200 or click here to contact us.