Be A HERO, Save A LIFE!
Good news! The Red Cross program at UVAC is proud to announce that it is rolling out the newest Lifeguard and CPR updates!
The Red Cross has incorporated the latest in information, techniques, and science into their newest update, r.24. We are excited to teach you these updates in terminology, rescues, scanning procedures, and in-depth recognition skills. All our instructors are up to date with their certifications and ready to go. Thus, the course schedule has been updated to reflect the Red Cross standards.
The two most important and exciting changes are the Waterfront module and the Recertification course. The waterfront module is now a one day stand alone 6 hour course with a focus on skills practice. It is a completely instructor only course with no online portion. If you have a lifeguard certification already and want to get certified to guard ponds, lakes, and rivers, this course is for you. The Lifeguard Recertification is now 15 hours spanning the weekend. The prices have been updated as well to reflect the changes and instructor costs.
Red Cross Courses & Financial Aid
Water Safety Instructor
The Water Safety Instructor (WSI) program is designed to train candidates to teach American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety programs. This comprehensive certification equips instructors with the instructional method, mechanical knowledge, and leadership skills necessary to teach people of all ages and abilities how to swim and stay safe around water.
Core Objectives:
- Instructional Excellence: Learn to teach Parent and Child Aquatics, Preschool Aquatics, Learn-to-Swim (Levels 1–6), and Adult Swim courses.
- Stroke Mechanics: Master and break down the technical components of all major swimming strokes (Front Crawl, Back Crawl, Breaststroke, Sidestroke, Elementary Backstroke, and Butterfly).
- Safety & Rescue: Educate the community on water safety guidelines, accident prevention, and basic water rescue techniques.
Prerequisites:
- Age: Must be at least 16 years old by the final day of the course.
- Skill Assessment: Candidates must demonstrate proficiency (swimming 25 yards continuously) in all six basic strokes, tread water for 2 minutes using only legs, and maintain a back float for 1 minute.
Classroom portion of training will be held over a three day period.
**This is a blended learning class and requires access to a computer to enroll**
Certification Earned
Upon successful completion of the blended learning coursework, practice teaching assignments, and written exams, participants will receive a Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification, valid for 2 years.
Dates, Times & Pricing
February 6 & 7, 2027
9:00am-3:00pm Saturday, and 9:00am-3:00pm Sunday | $400
February 13 & 14, 2027
9:00am-3:00pm Saturday, and 9:00am-3:00pm Sunday | $400
February 20 & 21, 2027
9:00am-3:00pm Saturday, and 9:00am-3:00pm Sunday | $400
Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED/First Aid Certification
This CPR/AED First Aid Certification course is designed for regular people who want to learn how to save lives in an emergency. This course is also made for those looking to be re-certified to have the latest protocols on how to save a life.
Prerequisite: Complete the 2.5 hour online course that is sent out one week prior to the start of the course (online materials can be sent out earlier than one week upon request).
**This is a blended learning class and requires access to a computer to enroll**
Dates, Times & Pricing
Sunday, September 13, 2026
10:00am - 12:30pm | $135
Monday, September 14, 2026
10:00am - 12:30pm | $135
Tuesday October 13, 2026
5:00 pm - 7:30pm | $135
Sunday, November 15, 2026
10:00am - 12:30pm | $135
Tuesday December 15, 2026
5:00 pm - 7:30pm | $135
Sunday, January 24, 2027
10:00am - 12:30 | $135
Thursday, March 11, 2027
5:00 pm - 7:30pm | $135
Saturday, April 24, 2027
9:00am - 11:30am | $135
Sunday, May 23, 2027
10:00am - 12:30pm | $135
Sunday, June 27, 2027
10:00am - 12:30pm | $135
Sunday, July 18, 2027
10:00am - 12:30pm | $135
Tuesday, August 10, 2027
5:00 pm - 7:30pm | $135
Lifeguard Certification
Earn your Lifeguard Certification from Red Cross Certified Trainers at Upper Valley Aquatic Center. Our courses reflect the latest techniques based on science and best practices to ensure that you are properly trained and prepared for emergencies in and around the water. Learn essential lifeguard skills including CPR/AED/First Aid, with the most up-to-date protocols and be ready for a job as a Lifeguard.
You must complete the 9-hour online course that is sent out one week prior to the start of the course (online materials can be sent out earlier than one week upon request), and be 15 years or older.
Prerequisites: Ability to swim 150 yards straight into a 2 minute tread back into a 50 yard swim and complete a timed drill diving for a weighted brick.
Classroom portion of training will be held over a three day period.
**This is a blended learning class and requires access to a computer to enroll**
Get 3 Free Lap Swim Visits When You Sign Up for Lifeguard Certification at UVAC!
Are you training for the Red Cross Lifeguard Certification class at UVAC? We’ve got you covered. When you register for the course, you’ll receive 3 free visits for lap swimming only—perfect for practicing your skills before the in-water sessions begin.
Lifeguard Certification Dates, Times & Pricing
October 9, 10 & 11, 2026
4:00pm-7:30pm Friday, 8:00am-5:30pm Saturday, and 8:00am-4:30pm Sunday | $400
November 6, 7 & 8, 2026
4:00pm-7:30pm Friday, 8:00am-5:30pm Saturday, and 8:00am-4:30pm Sunday | $400
December 11, 12 & 13, 2026
4:00pm-7:30pm Friday, 8:00am-5:30pm Saturday, and 8:00am-4:30pm Sunday | $400
January 29, 30 & 31, 2027
4:00pm-7:30pm Friday, 8:00am-5:30pm Saturday, and 8:00am-4:30pm Sunday | $400
February 26, 27 & 28, 2027
4:00pm-7:30pm Friday, 8:00am-5:30pm Saturday, and 8:00am-4:30pm Sunday | $400
June 25, 26 & 27, 2027
4:00pm-7:30pm Friday, 8:00am-5:30pm Saturday, and 8:00am-4:30pm Sunday | $400
July 1, 2 & 3, 2027
4:00pm-7:30pm Friday, 8:00am-5:30pm Saturday, and 8:00am-4:30pm Sunday | $400
August 27, 28 & 29, 2027
4:00pm-7:30pm Friday, 8:00am-5:30pm Saturday, and 8:00am-4:30pm Sunday | $400
Lifeguard With Waterfront Certification Dates, Times & Pricing
Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest • Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 350 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed) • Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs • Swim 200 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both
Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed). • Submerge to a depth of 7 - 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface. • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Prerequisite 3: Complete an underwater swim • Swim 5 yards, submerge and retrieve three dive rings placed 5 yards apart in 4 – 7 feet of water • Resurface and continue to swim another 5 yards
March 12, 13 & 14, 2027
4:00pm-7:45pm Friday, 8:00am-6:00pm Saturday, and 8:00am-5:00pm Sunday | $550
April 2, 3 & 4, 2027
4:00pm-7:45pm Friday, 8:00am-6:00pm Saturday, and 8:00am-5:00pm Sunday | $550
May 14, 15 & 16, 2027
4:00pm-7:45pm Friday, 8:00am-6:00pm Saturday, and 8:00am-5:00pm Sunday | $550
May 28, 29 & 30, 2027
4:00pm-7:45pm Friday, 8:00am-6:00pm Saturday, and 8:00am-5:00pm Sunday | $550
June 11, 12 & 13, 2027
4:00pm-7:45pm Friday, 8:00am-6:00pm Saturday, and 8:00am-5:00pm Sunday | $550
Waterfront Certification Dates, Times & Pricing
Monday, June 28 2027
11:00am-5:00pm | $150
Lifeguard & Waterfront Recertifications
Refresh your lifeguard skills with the most up-to-date protocols. (Optional Waterfront)
Prerequisites: Ability to swim 150 yards straight into a 2 minute tread back into a 50 yard swim and complete a timed drill diving for a weighted brick.
Get 3 Free Lap Swim Visits When You Sign Up for Lifeguard Certification at UVAC!
Are you training for the Red Cross Lifeguard Certification class at UVAC? We’ve got you covered. When you register for the course, you’ll receive 3 free visits for lap swimming only—perfect for practicing your skills before the in-water sessions begin.
Lifeguard Recertification Dates, Times & Pricing
September 26 & 27, 2026
9:00am-3:00pm Saturday, and 9:00am-2:00pm Sunday | $275
October 24 & 25, 2026
9:00am-3:00pm Saturday, and 9:00am-2:00pm Sunday | $275
November 21 & 22, 2026
9:00am-3:00pm Saturday, and 9:00am-2:00pm Sunday | $275
January 9 & 10, 2027
9:00am-3:00pm Saturday, and 9:00am-2:00pm Sunday | $275
April 24 & 25, 2027
9:00am-3:00pm Saturday, and 9:00am-2:00pm Sunday | $275
May 1 & 2, 2027
9:00am-3:00pm Saturday, and 9:00am-2:00pm Sunday | $275
May 15 & 16, 2027
9:00am-3:00pm Saturday, and 9:00am-2:00pm Sunday | $275
June 5 & 6, 2027
9:00am-3:00pm Saturday, and 9:00am-2:00pm Sunday | $275
June 19 & 20, 2027
9:00am-3:00pm Saturday, and 9:00am-2:00pm Sunday | $275
July 10 & 11, 2027
9:00am-3:00pm Saturday, and 9:00am-2:00pm Sunday | $275
August 14 & 15, 2027
9:00am-3:00pm Saturday, and 9:00am-2:00pm Sunday | $275
Lifeguard With Waterfront Recertification Dates, Times & Pricing
March 6 & 7, 2027
9:00am-4:00pm Saturday, and 9:00am-4:00pm Sunday | $325
April 10 & 11, 2027
9:00am-4:00pm Saturday, and 9:00am-4:00pm Sunday | $325
Waterfront Recertifications Dates, Times & Pricing
Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest • Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 350 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed) • Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs • Swim 200 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both
Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed). • Submerge to a depth of 7 - 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface. • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Prerequisite 3: Complete an underwater swim • Swim 5 yards, submerge and retrieve three dive rings placed 5 yards apart in 4 – 7 feet of water • Resurface and continue to swim another 5 yards
Sunday, May 16, 2027
2:00pm-4:20pm | $100
Sunday, June 6, 2027
2:00pm-4:20pm | $100
Babysitting With CPR Certification
Babysit with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly provide care for children and infants. For adolescents who are planning to babysit with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly provide care for children and infants.
Prerequisites: None, but it should be noted that the course is designed for 11-16 year olds.
Dates, Times & Pricing
Sunday, October 18, 2026
9:00am-3:00pm | $165
Saturday, November 14, 2026
9:00am-3:00pm | $165
Sunday, December 20, 2026
9:00am-3:00pm | $165
Sunday, February 21, 2027
9:00am-3:00pm | $165
Sunday, July 25, 2027
9:00am-3:00pm | $165
Remote Wilderness First Aid
This Remote Wilderness First Aid course teaches advanced skills to be used in emergencies when help from professional first responders may be far away.
Prerequisites: Must be at least 14 years old and hold current adult CPR/AED certification.
Dates, Times & Pricing
October 10 & 11, 2026
8:00am-3:00pm Saturday, and 8:00am-3:00pm Sunday | $275
March 20 & 21, 2027
8:00am-3:00pm Saturday, and 8:00am-3:00pm Sunday | $275
August 21 & 22, 2027
8:00am-3:00pm Saturday, and 8:00am-3:00pm Sunday | $275
Also Offered to Large Groups by Request
Topics include:
- Primary and Secondary Assessments
- Head/Brain, Neck and Spinal Injuries
- Heat-Related Emergencies
- Hypothermia
- Altitude-Related Illnesses
- Allergies and Anaphylaxis
- Burns
- Bone and Joint Injuries
- Wounds and Wound Infection
Please contact Sophia Mark for more information: 802-296-2850 ext 109 or smark@uvacswim.org
Basic Life Support
This Basic Life Support course is designed to train professionals to respond to cardiac and breathing emergencies for adult, child, and infant victims.
Prerequisites: Complete the 3-hour online course that is sent out one week prior to the start of the course (online materials can be sent out earlier than one week upon request).
**This is a blended learning class and requires access to a computer to enroll**
Dates, Times & Pricing
Dates/Times
Stay tuned for future classes
Price
Members & Non-Members
Fee is $120
Become a UVAC Lifeguard — Get Red Cross Financial Aid
The Upper Valley Aquatic Center offers Red Cross Financial aid in the form of free tuition to participants interested in working as lifeguards for Upper Valley Aquatic Center. In order to be considered please follow these steps:
- Send in your job application to Lifeguard
- Satisfy all requirements for certification.
- If you are not certified, ask the Aquatics Director how you can get certified with the help of UVAC.
- Get a great job at Upper Valley Aquatic Center!
Please contact Sophia Mark for more information: 802-296-2850 ext 109 or smark@uvacswim.org
Refund Policy
A non-refundable payment reserves your spot in the course with the following exceptions:
- If UVAC or the Red Cross cancels the program (including for weather) we will issue a FULL refund
- If the enrolled student does not pass the swim test, they will be given a three-month grace period to take another course, but no money will be refunded
- If the student cancels with LESS THAN A TWO WEEK notice, only a 50% refund will be issued or the student may choose a full credit for the next class
- If the enrolled student does not pass the course upon completion of all sessions they will be given a 10% discount to take another course, but no money will be refunded
- A class can only be deferred one time. After one deferral the course must be completed or the student voids the registration.
FAQs
- American Red Cross courses will meet in the lobby of UVAC, at their designated time, unless otherwise directed.
- E-learning materials will be disseminated 7 days prior to the course. E-learning materials come from phsSALESFORCE and often end up in your spam folder. If you do not receive your e- learning materials, please contact Sophia Mark 802-296-2850 ext 109 or smark@uvacswim.org for assistance.
- Please utilize Google Chrome for your e-learning materials as other platforms do not interface well.
- E-learning materials take between 2-7 hours to complete depending on the course.
- You must show proof of e-learning completion in order to gain admittance into the class. The Red Cross system is designed to show instructors you progress, however, it is not always accurate. Please screenshot your completion certificate at the end of the course.
- As part of your class, you will receive a digital copy of the course handbook.
- You MUST attend the scheduled class in its entirety.
- Be prepared-bring a drink and a snack (or lunch if you are taking a lifeguard course). Glass containers are prohibited on UVAC premises.
- For the lifeguard course, specifically, a swimsuit is required. Please make sure that it is secure.
- Also for the lifeguard class, bring a few changes of clothes and a few towels. This will make you more comfortable.
UVAC Red Cross Instructors
For more information, contact Sophia Mark
802-296-2850 ext 109
