The Red Cross Lifeguard Pretest is designed to test the prerequisite skills of participants over the age of 15. Passing this test qualifies you to enroll in the Lifeguard Course.

The test consists of:

Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:

- Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed.)
- Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs.
- Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.

Prerequisite 2: 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 – 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

For non-members: If the participant passes the test, the initial $25 payment will be discounted from the grand total of the Lifeguard class ($425)