A woman in red shorts holding a lifeguard float.

Waterfront Skills Module ─ Waterfront Lifeguard Training

The purpose of the Waterfront Skills module is to teach currently certified ARC lifeguards the skills and knowledge needed to prevent and respond to emergencies in non-surf, open-water areas found at public parks, resorts, summer camps, and campgrounds. Candidates MUST have a current 2 year American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED and provide a copy of that certification upon arrival to the course.

Skills Pre-Requisites

  • Must be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of this module.
  • Swim 550 yards continuously, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both, but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles are allowed for this portion of the pre-req skills assessment.
  • Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under their armpits.
  • 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 to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface, so they are able to get a breath. Candidates should not swim the distance underwater.
  • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
  • Swim 5 yards, submerge and retrieve 3 dive rings placed 5 yards apart in 4 to 7 feet of water, resurface and continue to swim another 5 yards to complete the skill sequence.

Refund Policy:

Those candidates who do not meet the pre-requisite skills requirements will be issued a refund, less a $75-course processing fee. There are no refunds for those candidates who do not successfully meet the requirements of the course.

Important Information

EACH participant needs to bring his/her own set of properly fitted mask and fins to the training.

This equipment will then become part of your essential waterfront gear used in underwater search and rescue.  The mask is made of soft, flexible material, with non-tinted, tempered safety glass and a head strap that is easily adjusted.  The mask fits over your eyes and nose and will have either a molded nose piece that can be squeezed to equalize pressure or a purge valve.  To check that a mask fits properly, place the mask against your face without the strap and inhale slightly through your nose to create a slight suction in the mask.  This suction should keep the mask in place without being held.

Fins come in different sizes and have either a molded heal or open heal with strap.  Blades also differ in size.  Fins with larger blades enable the person to swim faster but require more leg strength.  Select a properly sized pair of fins to match your strength and swimming ability. 

This course involves strenuous physical activity. If you have any questions about your physical ability to participate in the course, seek your health care provider's approval.

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Location

Carmel, New York

Gallery

Two girls in a pool with one of them diving.
A young boy is playing with some water balloons.
A group of people in the pool with floats.
A group of children wearing swim caps and goggles.
Two men in a pool with one holding onto the side of his head.
A man and girl in the pool with an inflatable raft.
A group of kids playing soccer on the grass.
A group of children standing around in the grass.
A group of children holding baseball bats in the grass.
Three children with paper masks on their heads.
A group of children standing in the grass.
Three young girls pose for a picture in front of other children.
A man standing in the pool with his arms raised.
A man and child in the water with yellow floats.
A man and boy in the pool jumping off of a diving board.
A group of children standing in front of an ambulance.
A group of children swimming in the pool.
Two young girls in swim caps and one is wearing a pink swimming cap.
A man and woman in swimming trunks are standing by the pool.
A group of people in the pool with water toys.
A group of girls sitting in the pool
A woman and child sitting on the floor in front of some toys.
A man sitting in the pool with his arm around another person.
A group of young swimmers in the water.
Two boys sitting on the floor with a lunch bag
A group of people swimming in the pool.
A group of people playing frisbee in the grass.

Testimonials

This camp is awesome! My kids have been coming for years. Well organized organization. Camp Director is great to work with. Your children will learn to swim and have fun doing other crafts guaranteed!

Melissa

Our son has attended Westchester & Fairfield Swimming and Lifeguarding camp for the past 2 summers and he loves it! The counselors and coaches are very attentive/caring while teaching skills and having fun. This camp is a great way for children to enjoy their summer. We will definitely be back.

Divya

This is an amazing place to be if you want to become a lifeguard, they will help you in any possible way they can. 10/10 recommend Westchester & Fairfield swimming and lifeguarding to anyone.

Jonathan

Westfair Swim Camp was terrific! We originally enrolled for just 3 weeks but ultimately decided to extend for the full 5 weeks. My 5 yo twins truly enjoyed the camp. It was well organized and had a good mix of swimming instruction and summer camp activities.

Gerald

My daughter, Jillian, has been attending swim camp for the past seven years, and we can't say enough to highly recommend Westfair Swim Camp!! This camp is well organized with a full day that includes activities, crafts and swim instruction. The dedication of the counselors under the direction of Kate Palladino is second to none with their utmost attention to swimming skills, as well as, safety in and around the water!! Many thanks to the entire staff at Westfair Swim Camp for a top notch experience year after year that always leaves us looking forward to each and every summer at swim camp!!

Jan

"Wilson took another lifeguarding course in NJ and he told he learned nothing compared to the training you gave him. He says "Kate's training was a real lifeguard training." Thank you so much, it really makes a difference."

Evelyn from Tuckahoe

"Casper has really improved and all thanks to your program! It's very cute but he tells me every day: "They really know what they are doing here! They give you tips while you're swimming. They're great!" He's a total kitty cat in the water so this is a GLOWING recommendation!"

Lisa from Larchmont

"Rarely to never has Rory called me and told me what an awesome experience he had. He told me that your lifeguard teaching style was to not move on until everyone was caught up. He learned so much and felt like he had a real work out! I only wish he had you for Chemistry!

Colleen from Westchester

My daughter completed your lifeguard program. She just completed her CPR training (again) for the ambulance corp. The instructor commented on her depth of training and knowledge with CPR that which she learned from you. Just thought you might like to know! Thanks."

Krista from Pleasantville

"My twins had different skill sets, interest and strengths. They tailored their instruction for each of my kids. We highly recommend this camp!"

Gerald from Armonk

"Just wanted to drop you a line and thank you for another great swim camp. My children had a blast. Your staff was great. Your swim camp is number one on their list between all the other camps they attended."

Shideh from Bronxville

" I wanted you to know you are a 'rock star' in the Lifeguard world. You are very respected by pool supervisors and so my certificate is holding weight and not just being looked at as from some fly by night school."

Maryann from Irvington

" I have found Kate to be a professional, going above and beyond the call of duty. Kate maintains a great program with very high standards for herself and staff members. After attending other swimming organizations and experiencing frustration and disappointment in the past, I can honestly say that the Westchester and Fairfield Program is outstanding!"

Carolyn from Chappaqua

"I wanted to let you know that we received the certifications today and to thank you so much for the course. My son has been telling us how beneficial it was for him. He seemed amazed that it could be so much better than the other courses he has taken. I was a lifeguard myself and a volunteer EMT so I appreciate the fact that you inspired my son."

Cindy from Somers

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