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.

Please note: 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 after successfully completing the course.

Swim Test

Date/Time: Monday, March 25 from 5 to 7 p.m.

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 tests:

Prerequisite 1: Swim-tread-swim sequence:

  • Swim 150 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 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both

Prerequisite 2: Timed event

  • 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
  • Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 to 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 at or near the surface
  • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps

Lifeguard Clinics

Lifeguard Certification Clinic

Clinic Dates/Times: Thursday, April 4, and Friday, April 5, from 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

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

Registration: Registration for the spring 2024 clinics is closed.

Lifeguard Recertification Clinic

Dates/Times: Thursday, April 4, and Friday, April 5, from 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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, alumni, children of alumni and anyone who has already completed the certification clinic. To receive the discount code, contact Penn State Hazleton Director of Continuing Education Debra Conway at 570-450-3136 or [email protected].)

Registration: Registration for the spring 2024 clinics is closed.

More information: Contact Debra Conway, director of Continuing Education, at 570-450-3136 or [email protected].