Available WASH Courses & Certification Programs

Pool Lifeguard

This is delivered either as a full in-person course or a blended format pool lifeguard certification course. Prepares successful participants to work as lifeguards in a traditional swimming pool setting.

The course will be delivered by one of WASH’s Authorized Training Centers (ATCs) or Authorized Instructors in your geographic area.

Shallow Pool Lifeguard

This is delivered either as a full in-person course or a blended format shallow pool lifeguard certification course.

The course will be delivered by one of WASH’s Authorized Training Centers (ATCs) or Authorized Instructors in your geographic area.

Waterfront Lifeguard

This is delivered either as a full in-person course or a blended format waterfront lifeguard certification course. Prepares successful participants to work as lifeguards in a waterfront (lake) or other non-tidal open water setting.

The course will be delivered by one of WASH’s Authorized Training Centers (ATCs) or Authorized Instructors in your geographic area.

Waterpark Lifeguard

This is delivered either as a full in-person course or a blended format waterpark lifeguard certification course. Prepares successful participants to work as lifeguards in a waterpark setting.

The course will be delivered by one of WASH’s Authorized Training Centers (ATCs) or Authorized Instructors in your geographic area.

Surf Rescue

This is delivered either as a full in-person course or a blended format surf rescue certification course. Prepares successful participants as open tidal water lifeguards.

The course will be delivered by one of WASH’s Authorized Training Centers (ATCs) or Authorized Instructors in your geographic area.

Lifeguard Supervisor Training

This course is designed to prepare successful participants to work as aquatic supervisors, deck managers and in other lifeguard supervisory roles.

Swim Lesson Programs

We offer internationally-recognized, skills-based instruction designed to build water confidence, swimming ability, and essential water-safety skills. Programs are designed for swimmers of varying ages and skill levels, with instruction focused on safe, progressive learning.

Lifeguard Instructor

This course prepares successful participants to deliver the WASH pool, waterpark, and waterfront lifeguard courses (additional training required to teach surf rescue and lifeguard supervisor courses).

Lifeguard Instructor Cross-Over

This course is designed for those instructors holding a current and valid lifeguard instructor authorization from another recognized certifying body. Requires verification of instructor authorization.

Swim Lesson Instructor (SLI)

This course prepares individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively teach swimming and essential water-safety skills. Participants learn instructional techniques, lesson planning, skill progression, safety practices, and methods for working with swimmers of varying ages and abilities.

Swim Lesson Instructor (SLI) Cross-Over

This course is designed for those instructors holding a current and valid instructor authorization from another recognized certifying body to deliver swim lessons. Requires verification of instructor authorization.

Rescue Swimmer

This course develops the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to respond effectively to aquatic emergencies and assist swimmers in distress. Participants learn rescue techniques, victim recognition, water-entry and approach skills, and essential safety practices for performing rescues safely and efficiently.

Delivery

This is delivered either as a full in-person course. Price includes all classroom, pool, open water, and/or swift water sessions as well as the certification PDF once the entirety of the course is successfully completed.

ATC

The course will be delivered by one of WASH International’s Authorized Training Centers (ATCs) or Authorized Instructors in your geographic area.

Design

This course is designed for rescue professionals who have significant experience in, on, or around swift moving non-tidal water and/or open water (tidal or non-tidal); technical rescue; and/or employment as an emergency responder. This course is geared toward search and rescue teams, military or para-military organizations, park rangers or forest service personnel, firefighters, ocean lifeguards.

Age Requirement

Minimum of 18 years of age

Required Equipment

Helmet, wet suit and/or dry suit, gloves

Certification

Participants who successfully complete this course receive a WASH International Rescue Swimmer certificate valid for two (2) years from date of completion.

Course Progression

Surf Rescue OR Swift Water Rescue Instructor course

Prerequisites

Minimum of 18 years of age; current BLS/AED/1st Aid certification; current Surf Rescue, Swift water Rescue (basic, intermediate, advanced), and PWC Rescue Operator certifications (or equivalents)

Course Length

This course takes approximately 18-22 hours of contact time.

Class Size

Minimum of 3 participants and a maximum of 15

THIS COURSE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO PROFESSIONAL AGENCIES WHO WILL HOST

Safety at Sea

This course provides essential knowledge and practical awareness for individuals who work, travel, or participate in activities aboard vessels. Participants learn key principles of maritime safety, emergency preparedness, hazard awareness, and safe practices while at sea.

STCW | Basic Safety Training (BST) & Train the Trainer

This course provides maritime professionals with essential knowledge and skills aligned with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) framework. Participants develop an understanding of maritime safety, emergency procedures, personal survival, and responsibilities while working aboard vessels

Delivery

This is delivered as a full in-person course. Price includes all classroom and in-water sessions as well as the certification PDF once the entirety of the course is successfully completed.

ATC

The course will be delivered by one of WASH International’s Authorized Training Centers (ATCs) or Authorized Instructors in your geographic area.

Design

This course is designed for any and all operators of small or large vessels. This includes but may not be limited to: commercial fishermen; ferry and water taxi operators; watersports operators; cruise ship operators; head boat operators; event and party boat operators; scuba and snorkeling boat operators; search and rescue boat operators; para-military and military boat operators; and all other commercial vessel operators.

Age Requirement

Minimum of 18 years of age

Certification

Participants who successfully complete this course receive a WASH International STCW certificate valid for five (5) years from date of completion.

Prerequisites

None

Course Length

This course takes approximately 4-5 days of contact time.

Flood & Swift Water Rescue

This course provides essential knowledge and skills for recognizing hazards and responding safely during flood and swiftwater emergencies. Participants learn rescue techniques, risk assessment, personal safety practices, and effective response strategies for challenging moving-water environments.

Delivery

This is delivered either as a blended format or a full in-person course. Price includes all classroom, pool, and swift water sessions as well as the certification PDF once the entirety of the course is successfully completed.

ATC

The course will be delivered by one of WASH International’s Authorized Training Centers (ATCs) or Authorized Instructors in your geographic area.

Design

This course is designed for rescue professionals who have significant experience in, on, or around swift moving non-tidal water; technical rescue; and/or employment as an emergency responder. This course is geared toward search and rescue teams, military or para-military organizations, park rangers or forest service personnel, firefighters.

Age Requirement

Minimum of 18 years of age

Certification

Participants who successfully complete this course receive a WASH International Swift Water Rescue Tech certificate along with an HSI (formerly known as ASHI) Basic Life Support (BLS)/AED/1st Aid certificate each valid for one year from date of completion.

Course Progression

Swift Water Rescue – Beginner; Swift Water Rescue – Intermediate; Swift Water Rescue – Advanced

Prerequisites

Minimum of 16 years of age; ability to tread water for two (2) minutes using only one’s legs; ability to swim 300 yards using front crawl; ability to back float for ten (10) minutes; ability to retrieve a ten (10) pound weight from a water depth of at least 6 feet, resurface, and swim 25 yards with the weight above the surface of the water; current WASH International Swift Water Rescue Tech Basic certificate

Course Length

This course takes approximately 12-18 hours of contact time plus the 2-3 hours for the online module.

Personal Watercraft (PWC) Operations

This course provides participants with the knowledge and skills needed to safely and confidently operate a personal watercraft (PWC). Training covers PWC handling, navigation, operational safety, hazard awareness, and best practices for responsible operation on the water.

Delivery

This is delivered as a full in-person course. Price includes all classroom and in-water sessions as well as the certification PDF once the entirety of the course is successfully completed.

ATC

The course will be delivered by one of WASH International’s Authorized Training Centers (ATCs) or Authorized Instructors in your geographic area.

Design

This course is designed for any operator (commercial or recreational) of any type of personal watercraft (PWC). No experience is needed.

Age Requirement

Minimum of 16 years of age

Required Equipment

PWC (1 per 3 participants), helmet, wet suit and/or dry suit (optional), gloves (optional)

Certification

Participants who successfully complete this course receive a WASH International PWC Operators certificate valid for two (2) years from date of completion.

Course Progression

PWC Rescue Swimmer; PWC Rescue Operators

Prerequisites

Minimum of 16 years of age

Course Length

This course takes approximately 12-18 hours of contact time.

Class Size

Minimum of 3 participants and a maximum of 15

THIS COURSE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO WILL HOST

Personal Watercraft (PWC) Rescue Operations

This course prepares participants to safely and effectively operate personal watercraft (PWC) during aquatic rescue operations. Participants learn PWC handling, rescue techniques, emergency response, hazard recognition, and operational safety in challenging water environments.

Delivery

This is delivered as a full in-person course. Price includes all classroom and in-water sessions as well as the certification PDF once the entirety of the course is successfully completed.

ATC

The course will be delivered by one of WASH International’s Authorized Training Centers (ATCs) or Authorized Instructors in your geographic area.

Design

This course is designed to train rescue professionals in the safe, effective, and efficient use of personal watercraft during water-based emergencies. This course covers essential topics such as PWC handling and maneuvering, victim approach and retrieval, equipment use, communication protocols, and operational safety in dynamic aquatic environments. Participants will learn both the technical and tactical aspects of PWC rescue, with an emphasis on minimizing risk to rescuers and victims while maximizing the speed and effectiveness of rescue efforts. By the end of the course, participants will be prepared to utilize PWCs as a vital tool in swiftwater, flood, surf, and open-water rescue operations.

Age Requirement

Minimum of 16 years of age

Required Equipment

PWC (1 per 3 participants), helmet, wet suit and/or dry suit (optional), gloves (optional)

Certification

Participants who successfully complete this course receive a WASH International PWC Operators certificate valid for two (2) years from date of completion.

Course Progression

PWC Rescue Swimmer; PWC Rescue Operators

Prerequisites

Minimum of 16 years of age

Course Length

This course takes approximately 12-18 hours of contact time.

Class Size

Minimum of 3 participants and a maximum of 15

THIS COURSE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO WILL HOST

Rescue Diver

This course prepares participants with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to underwater emergencies and assist divers in distress. Training focuses on rescue techniques, emergency response, victim recovery, situational awareness, and safe diving practices.

Vessel/Boat Rescue

This course prepares participants with the knowledge and skills needed to support safe and effective waterborne rescue operations. Training covers vessel and boat rescue techniques, hazard recognition, emergency response, equipment use, and safe operating practices.

Defense Maneuvers in the Water

This course is designed for professional lifeguards, military personnel, and other water rescue professionals (and first responders) and prepares successful participants to defend themselves from panicked victims executing a water rescue.

Emergency Vehicle Operations

This course prepares drivers with the knowledge and skills needed to safely operate emergency vehicles in demanding conditions. Participants learn defensive driving, vehicle control, hazard recognition, emergency response procedures, and techniques for reducing operational risk.