Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor Scholarship

There has been a recent shortage of lifeguards and water safety instructors in Broward County. To help with the shortage and promote water safety, the Florida Department of Health in Broward County, Water SMART Broward, and the Children’s Services Council of Broward County have founded and sponsored the Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor Scholarship program.

This scholarship helps cover the cost for Broward County high school students and recent high school graduates to become a certified lifeguard and/or water safety instructor. After applying and once approved, the scholarship will be valid only at the participating licensed training providers listed below. Scroll down to see the providers.

If you are licensed training provider and are interested in partnering with us to accept this scholarship at your location(s), click here to apply and for a list of instructions.

Why Become a Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor?

A lifeguard talks to two girls at the edge of a swimming pool, with others swimming in the background.

An opportunity to learn the importance of water safety.
Earn certification for rewarding career/job opportunities.
Become equipped with the skills and knowledge to save lives.

A smiling lifeguard in a yellow shirt stands confidently with arms crossed by a swimming pool.

Educate parents and children on basic water safety practices.
Gain experience for future job opportunities.
Help the community gain water competency through basic safety, survival, and swimming skills.

Eligibility and How to Apply

Lifeguard Prerequisites:

Minimum age: 15 years
Continuously swim 300 yards
Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs
Complete a timed event in the water within 1 minute 40 seconds
- Swim 20 yards and surface dive to a depth of 7 to 10 feet and retrieve a 10-pound object and return it to surface
- Swim 20 yards on your back and return to the starting point
- Place the object on the side of the pool and then exit the water without using steps or a ladder

Water Safety Instructor Prerequisites:

Minimum age: 16 years
Swim at Level 4 ability or higher
Be able to swim all strokes outlined below:
- Front Crawl- 25 yards
- Back Crawl- 25 yards
- Breaststroke- 25 yards
- Elementary Backstroke- 25 yards
- Sidestroke- 25 yards
- Butterfly- 15 yards
- Maintain position on back for 1 minute in deep water (floating or sculling)
- Tread water for 1 minute

Click here to view the steps to follow in order to receive the scholarship

Scholarship Application Form

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Name

First

Last

Date of Birth

Name of School/Institution Currently Attending:

Year of Graduation

Broward County Resident?

Address

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Locations, Facilities, Organizations the applicant is hopeful to work for in Broward County, Florida

Email

Scholarship Requested: When selecting which scholarship requested make sure you meet the pre-test requirements in order to take each course that are outlined by the American Red Cross.