COURSE: Water Safety Instructor

 Purpose

Train instructor candidates to teach water safety, including the Basic Water Rescue course, six levels of the Learn to Swim and Parent and Child Aquatics

*  Possess a Fundamentals of Instructor Training (FIT) certificate issued within the past 12 months or have a current Health and Safety Services Instructor Authorization (F5736 or C3005); and

*  Successfully complete the pre-course session

Learning Objectives

*  Expand on information on the American Red Cross Fundamentals of Instructor Training (FIT) course;

*  Identify key elements and strategies for planning and preparing effective and safe swim lessons;

*  Identify key class management principles, elements and strategies for planning, preparing and conducting safe swim lessons;

*  Describe the importance of effective observation for teaching and how to develop it; and

*  Observe swimming skills and accurately classify them and suggest appropriate interventions to improve them.

Certification Requirements

Complete all reading assignments; Attend all class sessions; Participate in all activities;

Successfully complete all practice-teaching assignments; Pass the final written exam with a minimum grade of 80 percent (40 correct answers out of 50 questions); and Demonstrate maturity and responsibility throughout the course.  

Certificate Issued and Validity Period

Water Safety Instructor (r .04)–Authorization is for 2 calendar years. All authorizations expire on December 31. Initial authorization may be less or more depending on when training is completed.

Length 30 hours (including the pre-course session)