Penn State Hazleton's lifeguard certification courses provide entry-level lifeguards with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies. Clinics will be held for participants to become certified and for certified lifeguards to update their credentials. 

All clinics will be held in the swimming pool located in the lower level of the Physical Education Building at Penn State Hazleton. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

An American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification, valid for two years, will be issued upon successful completion of the course.

Swim Test

Date/Time: Program will be scheduled for March 2023 contingent on enrollment. If interested in attending, email Director of Continuing Education Debra Conway.

To enroll either in the lifeguarding certification or recertification course, participants must be at least 15 years old before the last scheduled class session and must successfully complete the following swim test:

  • Swim 300 yards continuously without stopping or touching the bottom of pool, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing using both the front crawl and/or breaststroke or a combination of the two and goggles are allowed. Swimming on your back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles are permitted.

  • Tread water for two minutes using only the legs. Participants will be asked to either place their hands under their armpits or out of the water.  

  • Without the use of goggles, complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:

    • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards using freestyle or breaststroke. The face may be in or out of the water.

    • Submerge to a depth of 7-to-10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.  

    • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object at the surface of the water.  

    • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps

Lifeguard Clinics

Lifeguard Certification Clinic

Clinic Dates/Times: Rescheduling for March 2023. If interested in attending, email Director of Continuing Education Debra Conway.

Prerequisites: To enroll, participants must be at least 15 years old before the last scheduled class session and successfully complete the swim test.

Fee: $325 (Note: A discounted rate of $260 is available for Penn State students. To receive the discount code, contact Penn State Hazleton Director of Continuing Education Debra Conway at 570-450-3136 or [email protected].)

Lifeguard Recertification Clinic

Dates/Times: Rescheduling for March 2023. If interested in attending, email Director of Continuing Education Debra Conway.

Prerequisites: Participants must provide proof of current American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification.

Fee: $250 (Note: A discounted rate of $200 is available for Penn State students. To receive the discount code, contact Penn State Hazleton Director of Continuing Education Debra Conway at 570-450-3136 or [email protected].)