Breakwater Aquatics

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions we hear most often from people taking an American Red Cross certification course with us. If your question isn't answered here, email lui@breakwateraquatics.com or call (949) 527-1814.

Changing or cancelling your class

How do I rebook or cancel?

Every confirmation and reminder email we send has a "Change or cancel my booking" link. It shows your exact options and any fee before you choose anything. If you can't find the email, go to breakwateraquatics.com/my-booking, enter the email address you registered with, and we'll send you the link.

You may rebook a registration once. A second change is not available online.

CPR (Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED)

  • Rebooking is free more than 24 hours before your class.
  • A $25 rebooking fee applies within 24 hours of your class.
  • CPR classes are non-refundable. You may transfer your spot to another person — email us with their name and email address before the class.

BLS (Basic Life Support)

  • Rebooking is free more than 24 hours before your class.
  • A $25 rebooking fee applies within 24 hours of your class.
  • Refunds for BLS are reviewed case by case. Send a refund request through your booking link and we will reply by email.

CPR and BLS — late changes and no-shows

  • Requests made less than 4 hours before class cannot be accepted.
  • If you do not attend, it is a no-show and the registration fee is forfeited.

Lifeguard Training and Lifeguard Recertification

  • Rebook or cancel for free more than 72 hours before your class.
  • Within 72 hours, a $75 fee applies to a rebook or a cancellation (your refund is the amount paid minus $75). This covers the preparation we take on for each student: materials, additional instructors and staff, and pool rental.
  • Requests made less than 12 hours before class cannot be accepted, and a no-show forfeits the registration fee.

Lifeguarding Instructor (LGI Course and LGI Review) and Water Safety Instructor (WSI)

  • Rebook or cancel for free more than 72 hours before your class.
  • Within 72 hours, a $100 fee applies to a rebook or a cancellation. Instructor courses are expensive to set up because of the level of instructor training needed to offer them.
  • Requests made less than 12 hours before class cannot be accepted, and a no-show forfeits the registration fee.

Registered less than 24 hours before your class?

Every class has an online portion that must be finished before you arrive, and a last-minute booking may not leave you enough time. If you registered less than 24 hours before the class starts, you may rebook for free or cancel for a full refund at any time before the class begins.

Online registration closes 4 hours before a class starts.

The online portion (blended learning)

Do I need to take an online class too?

Most of our classes are blended learning: part of the course is done online through the American Red Cross before you come to class. The online portion takes about 5 hours for CPR, BLS, Lifeguard Recertification, LGI Course and LGI Review, and about 10 hours for Lifeguard Training and WSI. Your confirmation email has the link and instructions.

You must bring proof that you completed the online portion. Without it you cannot attend that class and will need to rebook to a later date.

Lifeguard classes

Does the Lifeguard class include CPR and AED?

Yes. Every American Red Cross Lifeguarding course includes CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. Title 22, Bloodborne Pathogens and Emergency Oxygen are separate classes and are not included.

What if I don't pass the prerequisite swim test?

  • Lifeguarding: your registration fee is returned minus a $75 booking fee for securing your spot. If you're unsure of your skills, you can attend a free testing session during any of our scheduled lifeguard classes to see whether you're ready.
  • Lifeguarding Instructor: a $100 booking fee applies, because the expectations and preparation for this class are much higher. Please review your skills and be sharp on your CPR before enrolling, and call us ahead of time with any questions.

Will this class get me a job?

Requirements vary by employer. Lifeguard Training certification is the minimum, and many places also require Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification, which qualifies you to teach Red Cross swim lessons.

Fees and materials

Are there hidden fees?

No. Our class price is exactly what is advertised. When a class is blended, the Red Cross online fee is already included.

Lifeguard and Lifeguarding Instructor students need their own pocket mask. You can add one for $15 when you register, or buy one at breakwateraquatics.com/shop/pocket-mask.

Required manuals are your responsibility to purchase from the American Red Cross. (Lifeguard students receive digital manual access in their confirmation email.)

Why do other training providers charge more? Is it a different class?

It is the exact same material and the same certification. Red Cross Training Partners set their own prices based on their costs. Our operating costs are low and our priority is the training, so we keep our prices low. Our instructors include some of the most experienced guards and instructors from aquatics programs in Long Beach and the surrounding areas.

Certificates

I lost my certificate. Where can I get a copy?

Find your digital certificate on the Red Cross site: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/digital-certificate

For instructor-level certificates, sign in to your instructor profile at classes.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.