Safety Certifications
Save lives. Take our American Red Cross CPR, First Aid, and AED for the Professional Rescuer certification courses! Obtain life-saving knowledge and skills designed to keep you prepared in the event of an emergency, with all the latest health and safety training techniques and certification programs.
ODU is utilizing the Blended Learning format, which is the combination of online study and in-person practice. Each participant will be emailed a link with the American Red Cross learning modules. These modules will assist participants in learning the theories and information necessary to move forward with skill practice. The classroom sessions will not re-teach information learned through the module but focus on the physical skills of checking an ill or injured person; CPR; choking; using an AED; caring for wounds; and treating injuries to muscles, bones, and joints.
Refund Policy
Recreation & Wellness does not issue refunds unless for cancelled events/programs or extenuating circumstances approved by the department.
If you would like to transfer your lifeguard registration after registration of your class ends, you can transfer to a class within the next 30 days of your original registration for a fee of $50. If you would like to transfer your CPR/AED/First Aid registration after registration of your class ends, you can transfer to a class within 30 days of your original registration for a fee of $20. In both instances, the transfer must be requested at least 3 business days before the first class meeting. If there are not any courses or classes available within the next 30 days of your original course/class or if the request is submitted after the 3 business day deadline, you will not be able to transfer your registration.
Questions?
If you have any questions about these course offerings, please email aquatics@odu.edu for assistance.
ODU Student $80 | SRC Member $95 | Non-Member $105
The American Red Cross Blended Learning format combines online study with in-person practice.
Blended Learning requires completion of online learning modules followed by an in-person skills session. The e-learning modules (which will be received via email) will focus on learning the theories and information necessary to move forward with skill practice. The classroom sessions do not re-teach information learned through the e-module, which allows for shorter class times. You must pass final written test with 80% or better.
In blended learning, the online portion must be completed before the in-person class. if you do not have the completion certificate for the online portion, you will not be allowed to take the in-class portion.
Lifeguard Certifications
The American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course teaches the knowledge and skills needed to help prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. This includes land and water rescue skills as well as first aid and CPR/AED.
Prerequisites must be passed in order for candidates to take part in full class:
- Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is prohibited. Swim goggles may be used.
- Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs.
- Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Retrieve a 10-pound object from 10-15 feet, return to the surface, and swim 20 yards back to the starting point with the object within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Goggles cannot be used.
ODU Student $215 | SRC Member $225 | Non-Member $265
This Blended Learning course combines online learning modules followed by an in-person skills session.
The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course is to teach the knowledge and skills needed to help prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. This includes land and water rescue skills as well as first aid and CPR/AED. Blended learning must be complete before the first day of class. If you fail to complete the online modules first, you will not be permitted to attend the in-person portion.
ODU Student $225 | SRC Member $250 | Non-Member $300
The Lifeguard Instructor Course trains candidates to teach American Red Cross Lifeguarding, Lifeguard Blended Learning, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers. To be eligible for the instructor course, instructor candidates must be at least 17 years old on or before the last day of the instructor course. Candidates must also:
Possess one of the following:
- A current American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED
- A current American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid and either an American Red Cross certificate for CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer or an American Red Cross certificate for CPR/AED for Lifeguards.
- An equivalent certification from another organization.
- Successfully complete the Online Session for the Lifeguard Instructor course, which consists of the following:
- Orientation to the American Red Cross
- Orientation to the Lifeguard Instructor Course and Precourse Exam
- Successfully complete the Precourse Session (refer to the Lifeguard Training page for precourse swim requirement)
- Must pass written exam with 80 percent or better
Water Safety Instructor Certification
The American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Course trains candidates to teach water safety programs, including the Basic Water Rescue course, the six levels of the Learn to Swim program, and Parent and Child Aquatics.
ODU Student $225 | SRC Member $250 | Non-Member $300
The Water Safety Instructor Class trains candidates to teach water safety programs, including the Basic Water Rescue course, the six levels of the Learn to Swim program, and Parent and Child Aquatics. To be eligible for the instructor class, candidates must complete the prerequisites listed below.
- Be at least 16 years of age on or before the last day of the course
- Be able to Demonstrate the swim skills listed below
- Complete the online precourse before class
- Attend and actively participate in all course sessions (including any assigned online content)
- Successfully complete class activities, including the required practice-teaching assignments
- Score a minimum of 80 percent (40 correct answers out of 50 questions) on the instructor course final written exam
- Swim the following strokes consistent with American Red Cross level 4 stroke performance criteria:
- Front crawl(freestyle)- 25 yards
- Back crawl (backstroke)-25 yards
- Breaststroke- 25 yards
- Elementary backstroke- 25 yards
- Sidestroke-25 yards
- Butterfly- 15 yards
- Maintain position on back for 1 minute in deep water (floating or sculling)
- Tread Water 1 minute
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone age 16 and older is eligible, regardless of membership status. Please note for classes like LGI you need to be 17.
Visit recwellportal.odu.edu and sign in. If you're a student, faculty, or staff, use your MIDAS credentials. If you are a member of the SRC, sign in using your email on file and password. If you have trouble logging in, please contact us at 757-683-3384 or recwell@odu.edu.
The ODU Student Recreation Center JC Scrap Indoor Pool Wet Classroom. The SRC is located at 4700 Powhatan Avenue in Norfolk, Virginia. The wet classroom is off the pool deck, which can be accessed through the locker rooms.
Non-members and community members who will need to park at the SRC should see Community Membership page for more information.
If you are taking a blended learning class, please bring your certificate of completion for the online portion of the training (can be printed or digital).
If you are taking a lifeguarding class, you will need a towel and swim suit. If it's a full day class you may also bring a lunch or snack (must be left in a locker).
Recreation & Wellness does not issue refunds unless for cancelled events/programs or extenuating circumstances approved by the department.
If you would like to transfer your lifeguard registration after registration of your class ends, you can transfer to a class within the next 30 days of your original registration for a fee of $50. The transfer must be requested at least 3 business days before the first class meeting. If there are not any courses available within the next 30 days of your original course start date or if the request is submitted after the 3 business day deadline, you will not be able to transfer your registration. Please reach out to aquatics@odu.edu with questions.
If you would like to transfer your CPR/AED/First Aid registration after registration of your class ends, you can transfer to a class within 30 days of your original registration for a fee of $20. The transfer must be requested at least 3 business days before the first class meeting. If there are not any classes available within the next 30 days of your original class or if the request is submitted after the 3 business day deadline, you will not be able to transfer your registration. Please reach out to aquatics@odu.edu with questions.