Platypus Training Services

Platypus Aquatic Training Services is excited to be a platypus in a world of ducks. Meaning, we are taking a unique approach to how the training service will operate. We would like to bring our training services to your facility at a specific price point. On average, a lifeguard class can cost between $200 to 350 per student, not including deposit, qualifying pre-rec tests, and so forth. The Water Safety Instructor Course averages $250-$450, which does not always include books. My goal is to make these classes obtainable to facilities. To do so, I have structured my pricing to include travel, books, supplies, certification fees, and so forth. The prices do vary for in-person versus blended learning, but both are options. By doing this, we can work together to find ways to make these classes fit into your budgets, affordable for potential employees and staff. Please email me for pricing and set up a meeting to discuss how I can help you build your swim lesson programs, train your lifeguards, set up quarterly in-services and audits if requested.

Water Safety Instructor Course

This course also known as WSI™ trains American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor candidates to teach courses and presentations in the Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program by developing their understanding of how to use the course materials how to conduct training sessions and how to evaluate participants’ progress. The courses and presentations include Parent and Child Aquatics Levels 1 and 2 Preschool Aquatics Levels 1 - 3 Learn-to-Swim Levels 1 - 6 three adult courses as well as the Basic Water Rescue and Personal Water Safety courses and more. To enroll instructor candidates must be at least 15 years of age on or before the last day of the instructor course and successfully complete the pre-course session which includes demonstration of swimming skill at Learn-to-Swim Level 4.

In order to qualify for this course:

Age Prerequisite – Participant must be 16 years of age on or before the final scheduled class. A copy of age verification must be sent in with your registration.
Swimming Prerequisites – Strokes will not be swum continuously. Proficiency must be consistent with Stroke Performance Level 4 of the American Red Cross Learn to Swim Program.
Front Crawl, Back Crawl, Sidestroke, Breaststroke, Elementary Backstroke – 25 yards each.
Butterfly – 15 yards
Maintain position while floating or sculling on back in deep water for 1 minute.
Tread water for 1 minute.

Lifeguard Course

The American Red Cross r.24 lifeguard program purpose is to train lifeguards to act with speed and confidence in emergency situations both in and out of the water. Topics include water rescue skills, surveillance and recognition, first aid, breathing and cardiac emergencies, CPR, AED and more. The new program reflects the latest Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) science. The certification validity period is 2 years. This is a blended learning course with significantly reduced classroom time augmented by online learning.

In order to qualify for this course:

Participant must be at least 15 years old.
Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:
Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed)
Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs
Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both
Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed).
Submerge to a depth of 7 – 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both
hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

In-Service Trainings

Platypus Aquatic Training service believes it is important to provide professional development to employees while they are currently to enhance their skills, knowledge, and efficiency. Whether the in-service is directed towards lifeguards or WSIs these skill sessions should be conducted on a regular basis. For lifeguards, between 1 and 4 hours a month. WSI’s normally should participate in quarterly in-service. Lifeguard in-services concentrate on a variety of different rescue skills, surveillance activities, putting the EAP into play, and CPR. The WSI in-services concentrate on lesson planning, class management, using tools and equipment on hand, and customer service. My in-services not only take into consideration what you would like to have covered, but also the experience of someone who has taught over 300 group swim classes, of all ages. As well as, 30 years of experience as a lifeguard, swimming pool manager & supervisor, and Aquatics Coordinator for large aquatic organizations throughout the DMV.

Other services offered: AED/ First Aid/CPR, Lifeguard Courses, First AID Safety Training for a Swimteam Coach, Lifeguard Renewal Certification, Personal Water Safety

Please email for more information : platypusswimlessons@gmail.com

Costs

Water Safety Instructor Course (WSI)

Blended Learning for a class of 6 costs

$2300

This includes:

2 weeks prior to the start date, 1-2 hour pre-course session.
Water Safety Instructor Training Kit and binder (required)
Certification cost for ARC
hand outs, ect...
Free inservice when updates to WSI program are released.
vast majority of travel expenses**

Lifeguard Course

Blended Learning for a class of 8

$3000

This includes

2 weeks to prior start date 1-2 hour pre-course
Masks- Easy Masks
Certification Cost
Access to e-book
hand outs
extra time with-in reason if needed, some students need extra time, learning skills
vast majority of travel expenses**

In-Service Trainings

Lifeguard Inservice per 2 hours session $100*

Seasonal Packages available by contract only:

6 hours: $ 425
12 hours: $ 775
24 hours: $ 1250
36 hours: $ 1800

WSI Inservice 2 hour session $100*

These cost are based on the minimum number of students per one instructor; prices can vary depending on the number of instructors needed, the facility's willingness to purchase their own books, masks.... (WSI BOOKS ARE REQUIRED)
** Travel expense is kept at majority based on no over night stays needed
*Any in-service that runs over 2 1/2 hours, due to student behavior, an addition $25 per half hour will be added. Being a professional means being on time, serious, and ready to work
During all classes and in-service, a lifeguard must be provided.

For our Community

Giving back to the community is an essential part of Platypus Aquatics general purpose. Having the true belief in the American Red Cross Aquatic Mission statement : “to prevent drowning and reduce aquatic-related injuries by teaching people of all ages to be competent in the water, and by educating them on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies,” it is important that aquatic professionals do so. One of my goals is to be able to reach out into our community hubs, whether it is a HOA, church group, scout groups, or schools, and share information for free, using the American Red Cross, using ARC materials, and dry land lesson plans. These include the General Water Safety microcourses: Safety for Home Swimming Pools, Riptide Safety, Sun Safety, and Recognizing Water Emergencies. Of course, WHALE TALE, a program designed for children between the ages of 5-12 (really, you're never too young, Longfellow). So please feel free to reach out, and we can set up a presentation free of charge. Platypusswimlessons@gmail.com