Thank you for applying to the United States Lifesaving Association - Lifeguard Agency Certification Program.
USLA requires that each applying agency has written policies in place detailing such items as your required swim test, CPR certifications, and First Aid certifications. You must include copies of these policies with your application. Upload the policies/information that pertains only to each appropriate section – please do not upload your entire training manual. PDF format is required. PDFs which require a password to open are not compatible with our system.
USLA accepts the following documents:
Policy from your agency policy manual (preferred)
Official agency training manual
Official job description(s) issued by the employing agency
Current and official job announcement(s) published by the employing agency (not simply posted on the Internet)
Union contract(s)
Publicly issued policy on agency letterhead that is signed by the agency administrator and distributed to all agency employees.
Curriculum Checklist - Also included is the Curriculum Checklist. This checklist form is to be completed online with the application.
Advanced Level Certification - The Advanced Level Certification section is also included this application. If your agency is interested in an Advanced Level Certification, please complete the OPTIONAL advanced level questions and upload the supporting documentation.
Red Asterisk * - All fields marked with a red asterisk are required information. If you skip any required fields, an error message will show in red and must be corrected before proceeding.
Browser Back Button - Don't use your browser back button while completing the application - use the Back option at the bottom of each webpage.
Save Data - Each time you click "Next" to move to the next page, the data on that page will be saved.
Printing - You may choose to print a copy of your application for your records. Note you must print before clicking the submit button at the end of the application.
Fee - Application fee is $500. Note that USLA is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization recognized by the IRS (Federal Tax ID #23-7067234). Approved agencies are certified for a three-year period as long as they maintain or exceed the standards documented in the application.
The Lifeguard Agency Certification Program is under continual review by the USLA Board of Directors. Requirements are modified from time to time to reflect what are considered appropriate standards for professional open water lifeguard agencies.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact the Chair of the National Certification Committee at certification@usla.org or (866) 367-8752 x 41