A man and young girl swimming in the pool.

American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Program

The purpose of the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) course is to train instructor candidates to teach courses and presentations in the ARC Swimming and Water Safety program by developing their understanding of how to use the course materials, how to conduct training sessions and how to evaluate participants' progress. The blended learning delivery format combines in-person skill sessions (approximately 24 hours) with online simulation (approximately 7 hours) to enhance the instructor candidate's training experience. Additional work outside of class, including the online simulation, reading, and class preparation, are made available to the student within 24 hours of registration. The first assignment (approximately 3 hours online plus reading and preparation) is due on the first day of class. This class is intentionally scheduled over four days or more to allow the student time to complete the coursework.

Important Information

To be eligible to participate in the WSI course, candidates must:

  • Be at least 16 years of age on or before the last scheduled day of the course.
  • Successfully complete the pre-course session, including demonstrating competency in the pre-skills evaluation.

To be certified as a WSI, instructor candidates must:

  • Successfully complete the precourse session.
  • Complete the online Orientation to the Swimming and Water Safety Program, which includes the online Orientation to the American Red Cross.
  • Successfully completed class activities, including all assigned online content and the required practice-teaching assignments.
  • Achieve a minimum score of 80% on the WSI course final written exam.

Supplies Needed:

  • Swim cap, suits, towels, goggles
  • Proof of age for first class.

Complete printable form and mail in with check.

Mail-in Registration Form

Fees

$650.00

Location

Pace University
Goldstein Fitness Center
861 Bedford Road
Pleasantville, New York

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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