Lifeguards
As of April 24, 2023, the Department of Public Health and Wellness no longer provides lifeguard certification.
Lifeguard certification is provided at these locations:
- Jewish Community Center
- Lakeside Swim Club
- Metro Parks
- YMCA's of Greater Louisville
- Kentuckiana Pool Management
- University of Louisville
2023 Important changes to Kentucky Swimming and Bathing Regulations
902 KAR 10:120 and Louisville and Jefferson County Board of Health Chapter 900 Swimming Pools and Bathing Beaches
- Minimum age requirement has changed from 16 to 15. However, if there is only one lifeguard at a pool, an adult aged 18 or older must be always present. The adult doesn’t have to be a lifeguard.
- The Qualified Attendant certification is no longer valid. Lifeguards who want to work in a pool 5 feet and under must obtain a shallow water lifeguard certification.
- Certifications that are completed entirely online with no rescue training in a pool are not accepted or allowed and are in violation of state and local regulations.
Kentucky Swimming Pool and Bathing Requirements for Lifeguards
- Must have a current lifesaving certificate. Current training as a lifesaver or water safety instructor by the American Red Cross or equivalent shall satisfy this requirement. The certificate of competency must be prominently posted.
- Must have current certification in First Aid and CPR. Copies of those certifications must be kept on site.
- Shall be dressed in swimming attire
- Lifeguards assigned to the supervision of the facility shall not be subject to duties that would: 1. Distract their attention from proper observation of persons in the facility area; or 2. Prevent immediate assistance to persons in distress in the water.
- Lifeguard classes, including Shallow Water Lifeguard certifications must include First Aid and CPR. All certifications must include rescue training in a pool.
Online certifications are not accepted.
For a complete listing of Lifeguard requirements, refer to the Kentucky Swimming and Bathing Regulations, section 12.
Requirements When No Lifeguard is on Duty
- There must be a self-closing, self-latching and self-locking door/gate to the pool.
- The following signage is required for a pool where there is no lifeguard:
- POOL CLOSED, NO SWIMMING, NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY: PERSONS FOUND IN VIOLATION SHALL BE SUBJECT TO A FINE OF UP TO $100
WARNING, NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY, NO ONE MAY BE ALONE AND NO MORE THAN 5 PERSONS MAY BE IN THE POOL AT ANY TIME. PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT: PERSONS FOUND IN VIOLATION SHALL BE SUBJECT TO A FINE UP TO $100
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