Certification Information

Lifeguard Certification:

  • Staff members hired to work at the waterfront, sailing, or backpacking must be lifeguard certified.
  • There are three components to a lifeguard certification: 1) lifeguard training, 2) CPR for the professional rescuer, and 3) First Aid. All three components need to be current in order for the lifeguard certification to be valid.
  • Since these program areas will be working on an open waterfront and not a pool, we recommend finding a course that includes an open water or waterfront component. These skills will be reviewed during staff training week.
  • Staff are also welcome to be certified at Gold Arrow Camp (which is already included in your hired dates if we were not provided with a valid lifeguard certification prior to hiring).
  • Acceptable certifying bodies include:
    • Ellis and Associates
    • American Red Cross
    • YMCA
    • Boy Scouts of America (BSA)
    • RLSS – Royal Lifesaving Society (UK, Australia)
    • RLSS – Royal Lifesaving, New Zealand
    • Skills Active/New Zealand Recreation Association
    • Surf Lifesaving New Zealand
    • URSUS Aquatics
    • UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification
    • Surf Life Saving Australia
    • Starfish Aquatics Institute
    • H20 Pro
    • US Coast Guard
    • Lifeguard-Pro
    • National Lifesaving and Aquatics

American Camp Association Guidelines for Lifeguard Certification

Wilderness First Aid Certification:

  • Backpacking staff need to have a current Wilderness First Aid certification.
  • Acceptable certifying bodies include:
    • Emergency Care and Safety Institute (ECSI)
    • American Safety and Health Institute
    • American Red Cross
    • Canadian Red Cross
    • National Safety Council
    • National Ski Patrol
    • NOLS Wilderness Medicine
    • Sierra Rescue
    • SOLO
    • The Mountaineers
    • University of Colorado Department of Emergency Medicine
    • Wilderness Medical Associates
    • Wilderness Medical Training Center
    • Wilderness Medicine Outfitters
    • Wilderness Safety Council
    • Wilderness Safety & Emergency Response
    • St. John’s Ambulance

American Camp Association Guidelines for Wilderness First Aid Certification

Getting Certified at Camp:

It is important for you to obtain the required certifications prior to your arrival at camp. If you are unable to do so or arrive at camp with incorrect certifications, we will certify you at camp.