American Red Cross Training at the JCC Indianapolis
The JCC Indianapolis is certified by the American Red Cross to offer classes and certifications in life-saving skills. Our water safety and lifeguarding courses are designed and taught by industry-leading professionals who will train you to help others stay safe in, on, and around the water. They will help you learn the latest safety and rescue techniques and deliver critical care like CPR, first aid, and AED administration. The JCC also offers American Red Cross CPR classes and Red Cross first aid training.
Lifeguard Employment at the JCC
For those completing lifeguard training, the JCC offers employment opportunities year-round. The J recruits and hires between 60–70 lifeguards, head lifeguards, slide attendants, and swim instructors at our Eskenazi Water Park in the summer alone. In addition to competitive hourly wages, we offer incentives to both new and returning summer seasonal staff.
The JCC’s aquatics program is a major focus for the J year-round. We have two indoor pools that require qualified lifeguards and instructors every day, seven days a week.
For open positions, visit our Careers page.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Courses
For review course, CPR/AED/first aid and instructor training, see below.
Ages 15+. Through this course, you’ll learn to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies and learn how to care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illness until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over.
Participants must pass a pre-course session that includes the following:
- Completion of online eLearnings. (There are approximately 16 hours of online eLearning modules that must be completed prior to the first day of class. Online coursework will be sent one week prior to class.)
- 300-yard swim.
- 20-yard swim to retrieve a 10-pound brick and return with it to the wall and exit the pool within 100 seconds.
- 2 minutes treading water without the use of hands.
Upon successful completion of the Lifeguard course, participants will receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid, CPR/AED. Attendance at all scheduled dates and times is required.
For more info, contact Sam at swebb@jccindy.org.
Benefits of Lifeguarding
Lifeguard training and lifeguarding teaches valuable life skills, like leadership and team building, that will translate to any career in any industry.
Who Benefits from the Class?
- Young men and women, ages 15-30, who are looking to acquire skills that will be great for their resumes.
- Young men and women, ages 15-30, who would love to get paid to work poolside.
- Retired individuals that are ready to give back to their community and support the JCC.
What to Expect
Lifeguard classes begin with online coursework prior to in-person class sessions that are usually two full days.
Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a swimsuit (women: one piece is recommended, men: trunks or jammers). The J has a locker room for changing. Please also bring a towel, goggles, pen or pencil, notebook for notes, water bottle, and a lunch/snack.
Visit our online registration tool for upcoming classes.
$265 for Lifeguard Certification ($275 in 2025). No refunds or transfers for no-show participants. No refunds or transfers for no shows or for people who fail the course.
American Red Cross Lifeguard REVIEW Courses
Current American Red Cross (ARC) Certified Only. This abbreviated course is for renewing your current American Red Cross Lifeguard certificate. Those who do not have a current American Red Cross Lifeguarding or Lifeguard/First Aid/ CPR/AED certificate may participate in the full course only.
Participants must pass a pre-course session that includes:
- 300-yard swim.
- 20-yard swim to retrieve a 10-pound brick and return with it to the wall and exit the pool within 100 seconds.
- 2 minutes treading water without the use of hands.
Upon successful completion of the Review course, participants will receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED. Attendance at all scheduled dates and times is required. For more info, contact Sam at swebb@jccindy.org.
Benefits of Lifeguarding
Lifeguard training and lifeguarding teaches valuable life skills, like leadership and team building, that will translate to any career in any industry.
Who Takes This Class?
- Young men and women, ages 15-30, who are looking to acquire skills that will be great for their resumes.
- Young men and women, ages 15-30, who would love to get paid to work poolside.
- Retired individuals that are ready to give back to their community and support the JCC.
What to Expect
In-person class sessions that are usually one full day.
Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a swimsuit (women: one piece is recommended, men: trunks or jammers). The J has a locker room for changing. Please also bring a towel, goggles, pen or pencil, notebook for notes, water bottle, and a lunch/snack.
Visit our online registration tool for upcoming classes.
$165 for Lifeguard Review Course ($170 in 2025). No refunds or transfers for no-show participants. No refunds or transfers for no shows or for people who fail the course.
American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED/First Aid Certification Training
Ages 14 and older. Through this course, you’ll learn how to recognize, respond to, and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illness until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over.
There are approximately three (3) hours of online eLearning modules that must be completed prior to the class.
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an American Red Cross certificate for CPR/AED/First Aid as well as a CPR mask. Attendance for the entire course is required. For more info, contact Sam at swebb@jccindy.org.
Benefits of CPR Training
Every person can benefit from CPR Training. On any given day, about 1,000 Americans experience sudden cardiac arrest. These medical emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time.
Knowing what to do in the event of an emergency provides peace of mind. In addition, you will learn a host of other vital techniques, including dealing with fractures, cuts, burns, allergic reactions, insect bites and stings, and strains and sprains. All these skills can be of great value at work, at home, or in public.
Who Takes This Class?
- Young men and women, ages 15-30, who are looking to acquire skills that will be great for their resumes.
- Health professionals and public safety professionals, men and women, ages 18-55, who need the knowledge and skills of how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in adult, child, and infant patients.
What to Expect
Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED and First Aid classes begin with online coursework prior to in-person class sessions that are usually 2.5 hours. Online coursework will be sent one week before class begins. Classes are in the J’s conference room and/or auditorium for reviewing videos and presentations and conducting small team hands-on practice.
Please wear comfortable clothing, bring a pen or pencil, notebook for notes, and water bottle.
Visit our online registration tool for upcoming classes.
$75 for Adult and Pediatric CRP/AED/First Aid ($80 in 2025). No refunds or transfers for no-show participants or people who fail the course.
Lifeguard Instructor Training
This course will train instructor candidates aged 16+ to teach basic level American Red Cross Lifeguard Courses. In order to participate in these courses, you must possess a current basic-level American Red Cross Lifeguard (or higher level) certification or equivalent and be at least 16 years of age. For more info, contact Sam at swebb@jccindy.org.
Benefits of Lifeguarding
Lifeguard training and lifeguarding teaches valuable life skills, like leadership and team building, that will translate to any career in any industry.
Who Takes This Class?
- Young men and women, ages 16-30, who are looking to acquire skills that will be great for their resumes.
- Young men and women, ages 16-30, who would love to get paid to work poolside.
- Individuals of any age (16+) who are passionate about passing on their life-saving skills
What to Expect
Lifeguard instruction classes begin with online coursework prior to in-person class sessions that are usually two full days. Attendance of the full course is required.
Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a swimsuit (women: one piece is recommended, men: trunks or jammers). The J has a locker room for changing. Please also bring a towel, goggles, pen or pencil, notebook for notes, water bottle, and a lunch/snack.
Visit our online registration tool for upcoming classes.
$345 for Lifeguard Instructor Certification ($355 in 2025). Refunds are not given to those that do not pass and/or do not show to all sessions
American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor REVIEW Courses
Current American Red Cross (ARC) Lifeguard Instructor Certified Only. This abbreviated course is for renewing your current American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certificate. Those who do not have a current American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certificate may participate in the full course only.
Upon successful completion of the Review course, participants will receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguard Instructor. Attendance at all scheduled dates and times is required. For more info, contact Sam at swebb@jccindy.org.
Benefits of Lifeguarding
Lifeguard training and lifeguarding teaches valuable life skills, like leadership and team building, that will translate to any career in any industry.
Who Takes This Class?
- Young men and women, ages 16-30, who are looking to acquire skills that will be great for their resumes.
- Young men and women, ages 16-30, who would love to get paid to work poolside.
- Individuals of any age (16+) who are passionate about passing on their life-saving skills
What to Expect
In-person class session that is usually one full day, with online material to be completed prior to in-person meeting.
Participants must pass a pre-course session that includes:
- 300-yard swim.
- 20-yard swim to retrieve a 10-pound brick and return with it to the wall and exit the pool within 100 seconds.
- 2 minutes treading water without the use of hands.
Attendance of the full course is required.
Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a swimsuit (women: one piece is recommended, men: trunks or jammers). The J has a locker room for changing. Please also bring a towel, goggles, pen or pencil, notebook for notes, water bottle, and a lunch/snack.
Visit our online registration tool for upcoming classes.
$165 for Lifeguard Instructor Review Certification ($170 in 2025). Refunds are not given to those that do not pass and/or do not show to all sessions.
First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Training
This course will train instructor candidates aged 16+ to teach basic level First Aid/CPR/AED Courses. In order to participate in these courses, you must possess a current basic-level American First Aid/CPR/AED (or higher level) certification or equivalent and be at least 16 years of age. For more info, contact Sam at swebb@jccindy.org.
Benefits of CPR Training
Every person can benefit from CPR Training. On any given day, about 1,000 Americans experience sudden cardiac arrest. These medical emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time.
Knowing what to do in the event of an emergency provides peace of mind. In addition, you will learn a host of other vital techniques, including dealing with fractures, cuts, burns, allergic reactions, insect bites and stings, and strains and sprains. All these skills can be of great value at work, at home, or in public.
Who Takes This Class?
- Young men and women, ages 16-30, who are looking to acquire skills that will be great for their resumes.
- Health professionals and public safety professionals, men and women, ages 18-55, who need the knowledge and skills of how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in adult, child, and infant patients.
- Individuals of any age (16+) who are passionate about passing on their life-saving skills.
What to Expect
This is a blended learning course consisting of online content, a skills session, and classroom segments. Online material must be completed before classroom activities. Attendance of the full course is required.
Please wear comfortable clothing, bring a pen or pencil, notebook for notes, and water bottle.
Visit our online registration tool for upcoming classes.
$195 for Adult and Pediatric CRP/AED/First Aid Instructor course. Refunds are not given to those that do not pass and/or do not show to all sessions.
Aquatics Are Central at the JCC
Aquatics and learning to swim are deeply rooted in Jewish values and culture. Our aquatics program is integral to our community center, and we have built and maintained an aquatics center consisting of indoor, outdoor, competition-sized, and therapeutic pools. Our love of aquatics and passion for aquatic exercise starts early with swim lessons offered to all ages beginning at 6 months with parent/baby classes, continuing with lessons for children and classes for adults, and we also offer arthritis and therapy classes for those well into their 90s.
Visit our Schedules page for the of hours and activities for our aquatics center.