Get Your Lifeguard Certification

The J-1 Lifeguard Training and Certification Program is specifically designed to empower college and university students, offering a unique pathway to enhance their J-1 Summer Work & Travel and Camp Counselor experience. At its core, this program provides comprehensive support to help participants successfully complete rigorous training and earn a highly coveted American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification.

Why is this certification so valuable? Firstly, it equips J-1 participants with a critical, in-demand skill set that is universally recognized for its high standards in water safety and emergency response. This certification directly addresses the needs of U.S. employers, who are constantly seeking talented and reliably certified lifeguards to ensure the safety of their patrons at pools, water parks, and beaches across the country during the busy summer season.

By entering the J-1 program with an American Red Cross Lifeguard certification, participants gain a significant competitive edge. This not only increases their chances of securing a desirable placement but often leads to better-paying positions. Beyond the financial and practical benefits, becoming a certified lifeguard offers a unique opportunity for cultural immersion, allowing students to work closely with Americans, develop stronger English language skills, and truly integrate into local communities while contributing to a vital public safety role

To be eligible for the program you must meet the following requirements:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Currently a Part time or Full time student at Post Secondary Institution
• Must have basic swimming experience
• Must be available for swim training on Saturdays and Sundays in the area of Kingston  

• Swimming Competency Test $3,000JMD: All participants participating in the Lifeguard training and certification program will be required to sit a Swimming Competency Test. This Swim test involves 100 meter continuous swim using freestyle or breaststroke, treading water without hands for at least 1 minute and retrieving a ten pound diving brick from 10 feet. Participants who are successful will be scheduled for lifeguard certification training and those who are unsuccessful will be recommended for the Learn to Swim Program.
• Learn to Swim Program $2,500JMD per 90min Session (If applicable): The Learn to Swim Program is designed to help participants who cannot meet the swimming competency standards required to enroll the Lifeguard Certification Training. In the learn to swim program participants will learn how to tread water without hands, retrieve a ten pound diving brick from between 5 to 10 feet and use either freestyle or breaststroke to swim between 50 to 300 meters.
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification $300USD: This certification is conducted between the first week of September 2025 to the first week of May 2026. The training will run for 2 days in person plus online material to be completed.