There has been a recent shortage in lifeguards and water safety instructors in Broward County. To mitigate the shortage and further promote water safety, the 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.
This scholarship helps to alleviate the cost for Broward County high school students and recent high school graduates to become certified aquatics professionals. After applying and getting approved, the scholarship will only be valid at partnering licensed training providers. 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?
- An opportunity for you to learn the importance of water safety.
- Earn certification for rewarding career/ job opportunities.
- Become equipped with the skills and knowledge to save lives
- Educate parents and children on basic water safety practices.
- Become eligible for future job opportunities.
- Help the public gain water competency through basic safety, survival, and swimming skills.
Eligibility and How to Apply
Lifeguard Prerequisites:
- Minimum age: 15 years
- Swim 300 yards continuously
- Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs
- Complete a timed event within 1 minute 40 seconds by starting in the water swimming 20 yards surface dive to a depth of 7 to 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 exit the water without using steps or a ladder
Water Safety Instructor Prerequisites:
- Minimum age: 16 years
- Swim at a 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