The Territory Specialist from our areas American Red Cross Training Services would like to pass along the following message to those of us with Aquatics programs.
Hello Everyone,
I wanted to be sure to reach out during this unprecedented time as I know there are many questions about how we’re going to be able to get our staff trained and ready for the upcoming summer season. Please share this information with anyone you see fit!
We have put out a significant amount of information on how to conduct classes during this pandemic. I would suggest that you take some time to review those documents on the Red Cross Learning Center https://www.redcrosslearningcenter.org/s/american-red-cross-covid-19-guidance [redcrosslearningcenter.org]
(“American Red Cross COVID-19 Guidance)- before teaching any classes (if local regulations allow).
We realize that it may be time for your staff to participate in their bi-annual Lifeguard Review, and it is obviously impossible for some of us, depending on local restrictions. With that said, we have created a 90 day extension for Lifeguarding and CPRO certification holders. This 90 day extension is NOT automatic. One must enroll online, OR as their supervisor you can process a course record which will extend their certification. I have attached this specific document to this email for your convenience.
The link below is what you can share with external individuals signed up to take a review (in which you may not know their expiration information). This link can also be used for anyone not associated with an AP/LTP.
https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/classes/90-day-certification-extension-for-existing-cpro-and-lifeguarding-enrollees/a6R3o0000013tGb.html?cgid=online-safety-classes&isCourse=true&storedistance=undefined#cgid=online-safety-classes&zip=cotati%2C%2Bca&latitude=38.3293416&longitude=-122.7096666&zipcode=&searchtype=class&start=6 [redcross.org]
Secondly, we have created some Provisional certification courses for First Aid/CPR/AED and BLS, which you can find information attached and in the COVID-19 Guidance page in the Learning Center as well.
I personally recommend using Blended Learning to make sure your “new” lifeguards are able to get a head start on any training that you would have started during this time period. The Direct Links are still live (resource guide attached), and I would use those before using the new voucher system in the learning center, as it gives you a bit more flexibility.
This is just a snap shot of the information available to you, but I wanted to be sure to bring it to your attention.
Please email Jolie Telios for more information jolie.telios@redcross.org