Programs

Note:

This class is a blended learning formatted course. Home internet access is required for this class to complete the course requirements.

All online blended learning assignments must be completed before the first in-person class.

Priority registration will be given to candidates committing to work for our department this summer. Reimbursement is available for the course, if employment commitment with the City of Watertown is made, including Summer 2025.

The cost is $200 for the course and link to the eBook will be provided following the prerequisite skills session at no additional cost. Printed copies of the textbook will be provided at no cost but must be returned upon completion of this course.

PARTICIPATION DOES NOT GUARANTEE CERTIFICATION.

Following are the American Red Cross prerequisites that each candidate needs to successfully complete before being admitted into this class. Should a candidate fail to complete these prerequisites, they will not be permitted to continue and must withdraw from the class.
1. Swim-Tread-Swim: Jump into water from side (totally submerged), recover to the surface and swim 150 yards. After swimming 150 yards, maintain position at the surface of the water without support for 2 (2:00) minutes by treading water. After maintaining position on the surface of the water for 2 minutes, swim 50 more yards.
a. Candidates may swim using front crawl, breaststroke or combination of both
b. Candidates must swim with face in water, demonstrating good breath control.
c. Candidates may use swim goggles for this portion.
d. Candidates are only allowed to use legs and hands must be placed in armpits.
2. Complete the following timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds: starting in water, swim 20 yards (face may be in or out of water) then surface dive (may be feet first or head first) to a depth of 12 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim on back to starting point holding object with both hands and keeping face at or near the surface of the water. Exit the water without using steps or ladder
a. Candidates may not swim distance under water.
b. Goggles are not allowed for this event.

Please note that this class is a pass/fail program; the department will not issue refunds should the student fail to complete all requirements (after passing the prerequisite skills testing and being admitted into the class).

You will need to come to each class session well-rested, ready to go, and prepared for hard work as this is a very challenging course. Be sure all homework assignments issued by the instructor are completed. Always bring extra towels, sweats, snacks, etc. for the duration as we will be in and out of the water.

Class Dates and Times at the Indoor Pool:
Saturday April 12 (3:00-4:30pm) - prerequisite skills session
Sunday May 18 (11:00am - 3:00pm)
Monday May 19 (4:30 - 9:00pm)
Tuesday May 20 (4:30 - 9:00pm)
Wednesday May 21 (4:00 - 9:00pm)
Thursday May 22 (4:30 - 9:00pm)
Friday May 23 (4:30 - 9:00pm)

MAKE UP SESSIONS ARE NOT POSSIBLE. CANDIDATES MUST ATTEND ALL HOURS OF ALL CLASSES IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR CERTIFICATION. THANK YOU FOR CLEARING YOUR SCHEDULE IN ADVANCE.