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What to Bring to a Lifeguard Class
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What to bring to a lifeguard class is a short list, and getting it right removes most of the friction from a long first day.
What to Bring to a Lifeguard Class on Day One
A swimsuit you can work in. Something that stays put during a surface dive and a brick carry. This is not the day for anything you have to adjust.
Two towels. One for the water sessions and one that is still dry in the afternoon.
Goggles. Permitted for the 300 yard swim. Not for the brick retrieval, so do not plan around them.
Water and food. Sessions run several hours with water work throughout. Dehydration degrades everything, including the concentration you need for the written material.
A change of warm, dry clothes. Classroom sessions in a wet swimsuit are miserable and you will not absorb much.
Something to write with and something to write on. There is real content, and there is a written exam.
Photo ID. For certification issue.
Flip flops or pool shoes. Decks are cold, wet and rough.
What not to bring
Fins, flotation aids or any swimming aid, none of which are permitted for the screen. Jewellery, which comes off for water work anyway. And a plan that depends on your phone, which will spend the day in a locker.
Bring the paperwork you were asked for
Check your confirmation email for anything specific: a signed waiver, a medical form, or proof of age. Turning up without a required form can mean not being assessed.
The thing worth bringing most
Preparation. Knowing what to bring to a lifeguard class matters far less than having swum in the preceding fortnight. The screen runs before any teaching, and the candidates who struggle are the ones who have not been in a pool for months.
What to bring to a lifeguard class: frequently asked questions
What should you bring to a lifeguard class?
Bring a swimsuit you can work in, two towels, goggles for the swim portion, water and food, a change of warm dry clothes, something to write with, photo ID and pool shoes.
Are goggles allowed?
Goggles are permitted for the 300 yard swim but not for the brick retrieval, so do not build your plan around wearing them throughout.
What is not permitted?
Fins, flotation aids and any other swimming aid are not allowed for the prerequisite screen. Jewellery comes off for water sessions.
Reviewed by Jackie Stern, Lifeguard Instructor, Firefighter and EMT. Jackie Stern has taught lifeguarding for more than 20 years and works as a firefighter, EMT and swim instructor. She reviews course content, prerequisites and rescue standards against current certification requirements.
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