The Carlsbad Parks & Recreation Department is a proud provider of American Red Cross training. Get a head start on a career in aquatics by training to become an authorized water safety instructor or lifeguard.

Courses include:

• Lifeguard Academy (train to be a lifeguard)
• Water Safety Instructor (train to be a swim instructor)

Upcoming Lifeguard Academies

The Lifeguard Academy is a three- to five-day program that provides the training, skills and American Red Cross certifications typically required for employment as a lifeguard at most public aquatic facilities. Register online for one of the following sessions:

March 2026
March 6, 7, 8, 14 and 15

• Friday, March 6: Prerequisite testing, 4 to 5 p.m.
• Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

April 2026
April 10, 11, 12, 18 and 19

• Friday, April 10: Prerequisite testing, 4 to 5 p.m.
• Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

May 2026
May 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17

• Friday, May 8: Prerequisite testing, 4 to 5 p.m.
• Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.