Penn State Hazleton will offer lifeguard certification and recertification clinics through the American Red Cross in March.

The lifeguard certification and recertification clinics will be held in the swimming pool in the Physical Education Building at Penn State Hazleton from 5 to 9 p.m. on March 23, and March 24, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 25.

Those seeking recertification are asked to bring proof of their previous American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification.

To enroll in either clinic, participants must be at least 15 years old before the last scheduled class session and must successfully complete a swim test before classes begin. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The swim test will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 13.

During the swim test, participants must swim 300 yards continuously without stopping or touching the bottom of pool, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing using both the front crawl and/or breaststroke, or a combination of the two. Swimming on the back or side is not allowed.

Participants must also tread water for two minutes using only the legs. They will be asked to either place their hands under their armpits or out of the water.

Additionally, participants must complete a timed activity within 1 minute, 40 seconds:

• Starting in the water, swim 20 yards using freestyle or breaststroke. (The face may be in or out of the water)

• Submerge to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.

• Return to the surface and swim 20 yards to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object at the surface of the water.

• Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

If a participant is unable to successfully complete the swim test, participants will receive a refund less a $25 administrative fee.

Participants are required to take part in all class sessions, including completing the American Red Cross blended learning portion of the course. A link for the online course component will be sent after successful competition of the swim test.

Upon successful completion of the course, an American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification, valid for two years, will be issued.

A 20% registration discount on the certification course is available to Penn State students, alumni and children of alumni. A 20% registration discount is also available for the recertification course to Penn State students, alumni, children of alumni and anyone who has already completed the certification clinic.

To receive the discount code, contact Penn State Hazleton Director of Continuing Education Debra Conway at 570-450-3136 or dxk40@psu.edu.

Register online or view pricing information at hazleton.psu.edu/lifeguard-certification. For more information, contact the Penn State Hazleton Continuing Education Office at 570-450-3110.