Become a Certified Water Safety Instructor
Empower Yourself to Teach the Lifesaving Skills of Water Safety with Red Cross Certification
CLASS DESCRIPTION
Water Safety Instructor® Certification Course
Join our comprehensive Water Safety Instructor (WSI) training course, offered by the American Red Cross. Designed for aspiring instructors aged 16 and older, this program equips you with the knowledge and skills to teach a variety of water safety courses tailored to all age groups. As the gold standard in swim instructor training, the WSI certification not only enhances your professional credentials but empowers you to make a real difference in water safety education.
Through this program, you'll learn critical teaching methodologies and essential safety protocols to ensure that everyone, from toddlers to adults, enjoys their aquatic experiences while minimizing risks. Your training will encompass everything from hydrodynamics and stroke mechanics to essential water rescue practices. Whether you're a swim coach aiming to enhance your skills or someone passionate about teaching, this course will prepare you for an impactful career.
DATES, COST, & LOCATION
An Annapolis Area WSI Course
The Water Safety Instructor (WSI) training course will be offered in the Fall & Winter @ the Diyanet Center of America located @ 9610 Good Luck Rd, Lanham, MD 20706
Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Course Prerequisites:
Minimum age of 16.
Demonstrate swimming skills by swimming the following strokes:
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
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Course Dates
Friday, November 13: 7 - 9 PM
Saturday, November 14: 1 - 6 PM
Sunday, November 15: 1 - 6 PM
Friday, November 20: 7 - 9 PM
Saturday, November 21: 1 - 6 PM
Sunday, November 22: 1 - 6 PM
Friday, April 4: 6:30 - 9 PM
Saturday April 5: 8 AM - 5 PM
Cost: $550
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Friday, January 8: 7 - 9 PM
Saturday, January 9: 1 - 6 PM
Sunday, January 10: 1 - 6 PM
Friday, January 15: 7 - 9 PM
Saturday, January 16: 1 - 6 PM
Sunday, January 17: 1 - 6 PM
Cost: $550
Registration Coming Soon!
DATES, COST, & LOCATION
An Annapolis Area American Red Cross Waterfront Certification Course
The American Red Cross Lifeguarding—Waterfront course prepares participants to recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies in waterfront environments such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and other non-surf open-water settings. Participants develop the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to prevent injuries, identify distressed swimmers, perform rescues, provide emergency care, and respond effectively as part of a lifeguarding team.
Location: Course will be held in Riva, Maryland at the Sylvan Shores Community Beach.
Prerequisites: Participants must be at least 15 years old and carry an active deep water American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification
Successfully complete the three prerequisite swimming skills evaluations:
Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:
Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 350 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 200 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
Prerequisite 2: 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.
Prerequisite 3: Complete an underwater swim:
Swim 5 yards, submerge and retrieve three dive rings placed 5 yards apart in 4 – 7 feet of water.
Resurface and continue to swim another 5 yards.
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Course Dates
Saturday, September 26th, 2026
8 AM - 2 PM
Cost: $149
REGISTER NOW
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Dates TBD
Cost: $149
Coming Soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
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The WSI certification prepares candidates to teach a variety of American Red Cross swimming and water safety courses, emphasizing best practices in aquatic safety and instruction.
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This course is ideal for individuals aged 16 and older who aspire to become swim instructors, swim coaches, or lifeguards, and wish to enhance their skills in water safety education.
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Participants must be at least 16 years old and demonstrate basic swimming skills equivalent to Learn-to-Swim Level 4, including various swim strokes, back float and treading water.
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The Water Safety Instructor course requires approximately 32 hours of total training, including online coursework and in-person sessions.
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Certification is valid for 2 years.
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No. Participants will purchase or access digital learning materials separately from the American Red Cross Instructors Corner.
• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor’s Manual
• American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety
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No problem. Reach out and we'd be happy to answer it!
TAKE THE COURSE
Ready to Make a Splash in Water Safety?
Become a Certified Water Safety Instructor with the American Red Cross!