Basic Water Rescue
The American Red Cross Basic Water Rescue course provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent, recognize and respond to many types of aquatic emergencies. This course also prepares individuals for aquatic emergencies by teaching them how to protect themselves while assisting others. The Basic Water Rescue course does not provide participants with all the knowledge and skills needed to be certified as a lifeguard. For information on lifeguard training, please visit our lifeguarding course page.
Course Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites to be eligible for the Basic Water Rescue course. However, because there is an in-water skills session, it is recommended that participants are comfortable in chest- deep water.
Targeted Audiences
Basic Water Rescue course targeted audiences include:
- Public safety personnel, such as police officers, firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, who may be called on to handle emergencies in, on or around the water.Parents or other individuals who care for children.
- Camp personnel and trip leaders. n Daycare workers.
- Teachers.
- Clubs and organizations engaging in water activities, such as Girl Scouts of the USA, Boy Scouts of America and Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs of America.
- Water fitness instructors, aquatic therapists, aquatic rehabilitation specialists and anyone else involved in water activities for recreation and health.
- Individuals who work on or around the water, such as industrial workers, marina staff, concession staff and water-based ride attendants at amusement parks.
American Red Cross certification for Basic Water Rescue
