Swim Instructor Certification Classes

Due to COVID-19, the LU Pool is closed and all Aquatics programs, including Learn to Swim, are cancelled until further notice.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Be an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor or Basic Swim Instructor!

In the WSI/BSI class, you'll learn:

  • swimming
  • teaching
  • observation techniques
  • and much more!

For more information, email megan.schneiter@lamar.edu

All students in the Water Safety Instructor class must pass a non-timed pre-test at a level 4 skill level:

  • swim 25 yards of front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, elementary backstroke, and sidestroke
  • swim 20 yards of butterfly
  • float one minute on your back
  • tread water for one minute

All students in the Basic Swim Instructor class must pass a non-timed pre-test at a level 3 skill level:

  • swim 25 yards of front crawl, breaststroke, elementary backstroke, and sidestroke
  • float one minute on your back
  • tread water for one minute
  • Step into water and totally submerge, float or tread water for 1 minute, rotate one full circle and orient to exit, swim 25 yards without stopping and exit the water

All participants must be 16 years old by the last class day. Bring a picture ID when completing your swim pre-test to verify your Date of Birth. 

WSI and BSI Classes

What do I do next?

  1. Choose the session that works best for you.  You will have to attend all four days for the entire class time.
    1. Classes are from 9am - 6pm each day
  2. See chart below to register and pay online before the deadline. Cost is $225.
  3. Come to the indoor pool on pre-test day to complete your swimming pre-test. Time can be adjusted for the pre-test. Must bring a picture ID with Date of Birth to verify age.
  4. After pre-test, you will stay to register online through the American Red Cross Website.
  5. Meet on your first class day in Health and Human Performance Complex Room 206.