Lifeguard Scholarships and Workshops

About our scholarships

To support aspiring lifeguards in achieving their goals, we offer a range of scholarships that cover certification course fees.

Eligibility: Individuals who have applied to the City of Sacramento, Aquatics Division, for the Lifeguard position (4-month minimum working commitment). Apply here today!

Lifeguard training scholarship

For candidates who demonstrate strong swimming skills during a required in-water skills check. Applicants who meet or exceed swim standards, apply to work for the City of Sacramento for the coming summer, and submit a successful written application, may receive financial assistance toward a lifeguard certification course.

How To Apply:

  1. Complete the application form here.
  2. Register for a Lifeguard Scholarship In-Water Skills Check held at the North Natomas Aquatics Complex.
  3. Application will be processed within 5 business days
  4. If approved, applicants will receive a confirmation email with next steps to register for a Lifeguard Certification Course with no fee.

OR

Lifeguard Workshops

Tailored for individuals who may lack confidence in swimming skills but aspire to become proficient and pass the lifeguard water fitness test.

  • 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. 
  • 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.

How To Apply:

  1. Register for a free workshop day.
  2. Attend the workshop and receive hands-on experience practicing water skills needed to pass the American Red Cross Lifeguard pre-course test.
  3. If approved, attendees will receive a confirmation email with next steps to register for a Lifeguard Certification Course with no fee.

View available workshops

ON THIS PAGE