Lifeguard training courses provide the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies at pools, waterparks, and nonsurf beaches. 

“The American Red Cross offers a lifeguarding program, as well as first aid and CPR/AED (automated external defibrillator) training. Participants learn how to recognize and respond to cardiac, breathing, and first aid emergencies, including performing CPR,” says regional communications director Siara Campbell. The Red Cross has been conducting classes throughout the country for more than 100 years. Locally, the organization provides training at Florida Gulf Coast University. For other locations, and to find out more, visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. 

Lee County Parks and Recreation offers aquatic training courses, including the StarGuard lifeguard certification course. “This course is taught at multiple pools during the spring to train lifeguards for the summer,” says aquatic supervisor Paul Rapp. For information, contact one of the community pools at leeparks.org. Nearby facilities include the North Fort Myers and San Carlos community pools. 

Lifeguard training is also offered at the Fort Myers YMCA. 

Ann Marie O’Phelan is a Southwest Florida resident and regular contributor to TOTI Media. 

IF YOU GO 

FGCU Aquatics Center 

10501 FGCU Blvd. South, Fort Myers 

239-590-7700; fgcu.edu/studentlife/campusrec/aquatics/ 

Fort Myers YMCA 

1360 Royal Palm Square Blvd., Fort Myers 

239-275-9622; ymcaswfl.org 

North Fort Myers Community Pool 

5170 Orange Grove Blvd., North Fort Myers 

652-4520; leegov.com/parks/pools

San Carlos Community Pool 

8208 Sanibel Blvd., Fort Myers 

239-267-6002; leegov.com/parks/pools