FA/CPR/AED Certification
We offer a blended learning course. This allows the participant to take the theory part of the course at their own pace in their own home. Depending on the participants prior knowledge the online theory course could take between 30 minutes and 3 hours.
- The online course completion email is to be sent to the Class Instructor before the class starts. No completion email means you are ineligible to participate in the practical side of the class.
- The practical side of the course consists of performing CPR on a manikin; utilizing an AED; and performing first aid techniques including splinting, bandaging, and tourniquet applications. The theory side of the course can take between 2.5 – 3.5 hours depending on the size of the class and the participants knowledge.
- This certification is good for 2 years.
- Minimum of 4 required; maximum of 12 per class
- Sign-up ends 1 week before the class starts.
- Cost: $52 per person, which includes the American Red Cross class registration fee.
- This class can be scheduled outside of the offered dates if there are enough participants (e.g. work requirements).
- All classes must be conducted on Hargrave property.
Lifeguard Certification
Lifeguard Certification Blended Learning Class
- Must be 15 years old on or by the end of the last day of class.
- ID will be required on the first day of class.
- This is a blended learning class, so the potential lifeguard is responsible for completing 6 hours of online coursework, and testing, BEFORE the first day of classes starting.
- $50 non-refundable deposit is required upon sign up, at which point you will be sent the link to start the online portion of the course.
- Must pass the pretest between 1-3 weeks before the start of the class. Contact the Aquatics Director to set up a date and time.
- Failure to complete the pretest and/or the online coursework one (1) week before the classes start will forfeit the $50 and your place on the course.
- Successful passing of the pretest and the online coursework, the remaining balance would be due.
- Potential lifeguards must be present for all the scheduled classes. No exceptions.
- Successful completion could lead to employment at the ODAC but it is not guaranteed. The applicant will need to follow all employment procedures. Successful applicants could have their lifeguard course fee reimbursed after being hired.
- Minimum of 5 required; maximum of 8 per session.
- Cost: $180 for HMA cadets and employees; $200 for public.
| LG Winter | January 11th – 12th, 2025 | 8:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| LG Spring | May 3rd – 4th, 2025 | 8:00 am – 6:00 pm |
Lifeguard Recertification Blended Learning Class
- This class is for qualified lifeguards only. If your lifeguard certification has expired, you will be required to take the “Lifeguard Blended Learning Certification Class”.
- You will be required to submit a copy of your lifeguard certificate.
- This is a blended learning class, so the certified lifeguard is responsible for completing 6 hours of online coursework, and testing, BEFORE the first day of classes starting.
- $50 non-refundable deposit is required upon sign up, at which point you will be sent the link to start the online portion of the course.
- Must pass the pretest between 1-3 weeks before the start of the class. Contact the Aquatics Director to set up a date and time.
- Failure to complete the pretest and/or the online coursework one (1) week before the classes start will forfeit the $50 and your place on the course.
- Successful passing of the pretest and the online coursework, the remaining balance would be due.
- Certified lifeguards must be present for all the scheduled classes. No exceptions.
- Successful completion could lead to employment at the ODAC but it is not guaranteed. The applicant will need to follow all employment procedures. Successful applicants could have their lifeguard course fee reimbursed after being hired.
- Minimum of 5 required; maximum of 12 per session.
- Cost: $60 for HMA cadets and employees; $100 for public.
| LG Winter | January 12th, 2025 | 8:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| LG Spring | May 4th, 2025 | 8:00 am – 6:00 pm |
Pretest Information
Contact the Aquatics Director to schedule the pretest. Must be successfully completed 1 (one) week before the start of class.
Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence (150/50 yards)
- Must complete the following sequence:
- Jump into the water from the side, totally submerge, recover to the surface and swim 150 yards.
- After swimming 150 yards, maintain position at the surface of the water without support for 2 minutes by treading.
- After maintaining position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes, swim 50 more yards.
- While swimming, you must swim continuously, keeping your face in the water and demonstrating good breath control.
- You may use the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted.
- Swim goggles are allowed.
- Participants:
- While treading, you can only use your legs.
- Place your hands under your armpits.
- Your head must remain above the surface of the water.
Timed Event
- Goggles are not allowed for the timed event.
- You have 1 minute, 40 seconds to complete the following sequence:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Your face may be in or out of the water.
- Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping your face at or near the surface. Swimming the distance underwater is not permitted.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or the steps.
Free Instruction to Pass Lifeguard Pretest and Course — A Savings of $300!
80% of people fail the Swimming Pretest. Become a successful lifeguard by receiving small group instruction on how to pass the practical lifeguard pretest with an instructor in the water with you. Potential lifeguards must already be comfortable in the water (can go underwater with eyes open; can swim 2 lengths of the pool; and can tread water for 30 seconds). Training is ongoing. In return for this free training, the newly qualified lifeguard will be required to work at the ODAC for 6 months after successful completion of their orientation. Failure to meet all obligations will result in the lifeguard having to pay back the $300.
For further information please ensure you can meet the following requirements/obligations before contacting the Aquatics Director:
- That you will be 15 years or older by the last day of the lifeguard class
- That if you are 15 years old at the time of employment, you must obtain a VA Work Permit
- That you can commit to at least 6 in-person instructor-led training sessions
- That you have access to a working computer and can complete the 6 hours of Online Theory Training
- That you can be present for both Lifeguard Course Dates
- That you are subject to a drug test, fingerprint test and background check before successful employment
- That you can work for 6 months after successful completion of your orientation phase of your training
- That while working for the ODAC you are required to work either 2 weekday shifts per week, or one weekday shift and one weekend shift per week, for the entire 6 months
- That you can sign a contract confirming all of the above
- That if employment is ended before full completion, that you must pay back the $300 within 30 days