Lifeguard Readiness Program & Lifeguard Training Classes

The Lifeguard Readiness Program & Lifeguard Training Classes include a Lifeguard Readiness Program and Lifeguard Training & Classes that teach the basic skills and training to become a lifeguard for the American Red Cross. Participants practice swimming 300 yards continuously while demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing, treading water for 2 minutes using only the legs, and completing a timed event within 1 minute and 40 seconds. The Lifeguard Readiness Program is open to ages 12 years and older, and participants in the lifeguard training course must be 15 years of age on or before the last scheduled session of the course.

• Ages: 12–18 years old
• Schedule: Lifeguard Readiness Program sessions are offered on Monday and Wednesday evenings and on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
• Price: $24 for Residents; $30 for Non-Residents

The lifeguard training classes are blended learning lifeguard courses, and access to the internet is required to complete the online portions of the course. All online portions are required to be completed by the first day of class, and participants must attend every day of the registered lifeguard training class. Memorial Aquatic Center is the location for registration and more information for lifeguard training classes.

The City of El Paso Parks & Recreation Department’s mission is to provide indoor and outdoor leisure services to persons of all ages so they can develop skills, socialize, experience nature, relax, and live a healthier lifestyle. The department has been nationally accredited since 2018 and joins the ranks of elite park and recreation organizations across the country by earning accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies and the National Recreation and Park Association, placing it in the 1 percent of agencies nationwide and the 15th agency in the state to be nationally accredited. El Paso Parks & Recreation works to continuously meet 151 standards related to the management and administration of lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety, and services.

The department’s leadership team includes Director Pablo Caballero; Assistant Director Emigdio Gonzalez; Admin. Services Manager Claudia Cisneros; Recreation Manager Carlos Rodriguez; Media Specialist Raul Diaz; Parks Planning & Development Manager Karla Chavez; Strategic Initiatives Manager Diana Cepeda; Recreation Program Manager, Senior Division Enrique Valadez; Recreation Programs Manager, Aquatics Division Brenda Romero; and Recreation Programs Manager, Sports Division Monica Vargas. The Board of Parks and Recreation acts as an advisory committee to the Mayor and City Council in efforts to promote cooperation between the City and private citizens, institutions, and agencies interested in parks and recreation activities.

Last updated January 29, 2026.