DPR Customer Service: (202) 673-7647
DPR Media Contacts:
Michael Tucker Jr., (202) 717-4242, [email protected]
Gregory Jackson Jr., (202) 714-9550, [email protected]


(Washington, DC) - The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is excited to offer free lifeguard training certification courses for Summer 2018. Courses run from January 2018 through June 2018 and DPR has waived all fees until March 31, 2018. DC residents and residents from surrounding areas can register now.

DPR employs the International Lifeguard Training Program (ILTP) to train and certify lifeguards to work both indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities throughout the District. The ILTP is an objective driven program that produces lifeguards that perform at a higher level than those of other national/international training agencies. Lifeguard candidates must successfully pass written and practical (“hands-on”) tests. ILTP Course Completion Certificate can be used to gain employment at any aquatic facility in the world.

All candidates must pass the prerequisites screening on the first day of class which includes the following:

* 100 yard swim (continuous using an approach stroke, freestyle or breaststroke)

* Retrieve a 10 pound dive brick from the deepest part of the training facility

* Tread water without the use of your hands for 1 minute

* Exit the pool unassisted and without the use of steps or a ladder

DPR offers ILTP courses between December and June at multiple facilities across the District. Candidates must successfully pass the written exam with a minimum score of 80%, demonstrate skill competency to the instructor during practical scenarios, attend all scheduled class sessions and maintain a professional attitude at all times.

COURSE FEES

DC Residents – FREE – until March 31, 2018
Non-Residents – FREE – until March 31, 2018

Starting April 1, 2018, the courses will be available for a nominal fee.

For additional information on the International Lifeguard Training Program (ILTP), visit www.jellis.com.

Employment as a DPR Lifeguard

All lifeguards employed at must maintain a valid ILTP certification. Lifeguards are expected to maintain their skills at a “test-ready” level at all times and are subject to unannounced aquatic safety audits. Please note that DPR lifeguards are in a “safety-sensitive” position and are subject to suitability screening. Passing the ILTP course does not guarantee employment with DPR. The starting rate for DPR lifeguards is $13.95/hour.

• Register for an upcoming certification course – visit DPR.DC.GOV

For questions concerning lifeguard training, please contact Brandon Vahey at [email protected].

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About DPR

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) provides quality urban recreation and leisure services for residents and visitors to the District of Columbia. DPR supervises and maintains area parks, community facilities, swimming pools and spray parks, and neighborhood recreation centers. The agency also coordinates a wide variety of recreation and educational programs including sports leagues, youth development, therapeutic recreation, aquatic programming, outdoor adventure, camping, and senior citizen activities. Adaptive programs and facilities are available for persons with disabilities.