Tests & Certifications

GREEN WRIST BAND TEST & INFORMATION

To receive a green wristband, the swimmer must complete
1. 50 yards of front crawl with good mechanics and rhythmic breathing (no doggie paddle)  
2. Jump into water above their head and fully submerge
3. 60 seconds of constant treading water - no resting 

If the swimmer completes this test, they will be allowed in any of the four pools without a parent in the water with them, although a parent is required to be in the spectator area or poolside benches.

If the swimmer cannot complete the test, a parent must be in the water within an arms-length reach of the swimmer at all times for their own safety.

OUTSIDE GROUP AND/OR PROGRAM SWIM TESTS

Looking to have your child swim tested for other programs outside of Beede, like Boy Scouts and Crew/Rowing Teams?
Tests are $25 and can be conducted by a head guard any time during our open hours.

Please call the front desk at 978-287-1000 ahead of your visit to ensure there are adequate staff available for the test, and bring your specific required forms with you for the lifeguard to fill out.

WATERFRONT LIFEGUARD TRAINING COURSE

The purpose of the Waterfront Skills module is to teach lifeguards the skills and knowledge needed to prevent and respond to emergencies in non-surf, open water areas found at public parks, resorts, summer camps, and campgrounds.

Pre-test Requirements

  1. Swim 550 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing.  Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both, but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
  2. Swim 5 yards, submerge and retrieve three dive rings placed 5 yards apart in 4 to 7 feet of water, resurface and continue to swim another 5 yards to complete the skill sequence.
  3. Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs, with hands positioned under the armpits.
  4. Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds: Starting in the water, swim 20 yards, surface dive and retrieve a 10 pound brick in 7-10 feet of water and return to starting point holding the brick with both hands while keeping your face above the water and exit the water without using a ladder or steps. Swim goggles are not allowed. 

LIFEGUARD REVIEW COURSE

The purpose of the review course is to give individuals with a current Lifeguarding/FirstAid/ CPR/AED certificate the opportunity to recertify. Proof of certification is required. Must submit photocopy of current certifications when registering for this course.

 Pre-test Requirements

  1. Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
  2. Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs with hands positioned under the armpits.
  3. Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds: Starting in the water, swim 20 yards, surface dive and retrieve a 10 pound brick in 7-10 feet of water and return to starting point holding the brick with both hands while keeping your face above the water and exit the water without using a ladder or steps. Swim goggles are not allowed.

Students who do not pass the pre-test will not be permitted to attend the course.  Course materials may be downloaded at www.redcross.org if you are not in possession of the current material. Participants are required to bring course material with them to the course.

WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR COURSE

The purpose of this course is to train instructor candidates to teach courses in the American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program. Candidates must be 16 years of age on or before the final scheduled session (proof of age is required).

 Pre-test Requirements

  1. Students must swim 25 yards of each of the following strokes: Front Crawl, Back Crawl, Elementary Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Sidestroke. 
  2. Swim 15 yards Butterfly. 
  3. Maintain position on back for 1 minute in deep water (floating or sculling) and tread water for 1 minute.

 All of these skills must be performed at a Red Cross Level 4 or higher.

Fees include all materials for the course, Red Cross fees and must be paid in full at registration.

FIRST AID/CPR/AED

The purpose of this American Red Cross certification course is to train individuals in the skills necessary to recognize and provide basic care for victims of illness and sudden injuries and to provide basic care for life threatening or cardiac emergencies in adults and children. THERE WILL BE AN ONLINE COMPONENT TO THIS COURSE WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO THE START DATE. Certification is valid for 2 years.

Registration is required.