The City of St. Joseph and the American Red Cross is teaming up to provide Lifeguard Training Programs.

A pre-test will be held for free to individuals interested in participating in the lifeguard training program on May 13. The city said those interested in earning a two year life-guard certificate must first complete the pre-test. The pretest consists of a 300 yard continuous swim, treading water for 2 minutes using only the legs, and completing a timed event that includes starting in the water, swimming 20 yards, surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10 pound object, return to the surface, swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface for breathing, and exiting the water without using the ladder.

Participants must be 15 years old by May 19, 2016. This must be verified by an official birth certificate or state issued ID.

The Community Lifeguard Program will then meet from Monday, May 16 through Thursday, May 19 according to the City’s website from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost for that is $150.00.

For more information call the city at (816) 271-5519.