J. Franklyn Bourne Memorial Pool
Amenities
| Kid’s Pool | Locker Room | Showers |
| Lap Lanes | Outdoor Pool | Vending Area |
| Water | Water Slide |
Fees
Prince George County aquatic facilities offer free and low-cost access to many premium recreational and fitness facilities and classes. View the current admissions and fees.
Pool Rules
The pool rules and regulations for the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation have been established for the benefit and protection of all aquatic facility users to ensure the safe operation of the swimming pools and to provide enjoyable recreation for all. View the current pool rules.
Summer Outdoor Pools Are Closed for the season. We hope to see you back when we reopen May 24, 2025. Please visit us at one of our indoor pools until then.
More Information
- Learn about our Pool Rules
- View the Department’s Aquatic Facilities
Patrons are encouraged to sign up to receive PGPARKS ALERTS/Nixle notifications for the latest updates on the status of pool operations, schedules, emergency closures, etc. To sign up for text and/ or email notices, please visit PGParks Alerts.
The outdoor pools are very popular and tend to reach capacity early in the day/sessions on weekends. To ensure patrons can be admitted to the pools, advanced reservations are encouraged during the weekends. Drop-in/day of admission will remain available until the pool’s operating capacity. Discounted admission fees for the outdoor pools are available for online reservations ONLY. Drop-in/Day-of admission fees are regular price. Make your online reservations for the weekends. Residents can make online reservations up to 10 days in advance and Non-Residents 7 days in advance. Online reservations close at 7 pm the night prior.
Please contact the indoor pools directly to inquire about additional general swim times and program offerings.
How to Prepare Before You Come to Swim
- If you made a reservation, please arrive at the pool on time for your swim session.
- Showers will be available for patron use before/after swim sessions. To further promote a safe environment for all, we ask patrons to minimize their time in the locker rooms and showers.
- Lockers will be available at some pool locations. However, it is recommended that patrons minimize items that you bring to the pools.
- Patrons may not bring in their own chairs. Pool furniture will be available for patron use.
- Patrons should arrive prepared to swim (i.e. swimwear already on)
- Patrons are permitted to bring a change of clothes, towels, water, individual exercise equipment (at staff discretion), and sunscreen.
What to Expect While at the Pools and Facility
- Chemically treated, well-balanced pools ready for your use (based on local/state health department guidelines)
- Our facilities will be regularly cleaned and disinfected per the local/state health department and CDC guidelines.
- Non-pool users and non-participants are discouraged from entering or remaining in the facility.
- Please do not touch other patrons’ belongings or equipment.
- Patrons are encouraged to bring their own water and to limit shared use of the facility’s water fountains.
- Pool furniture will be placed on the deck and grassy areas.
- Patrons are encouraged to bring bottled water with them to assist with staying hydrated.
- Please have FUN while enjoying the pools!
What to Expect After You Swim
- Please clear the facility of all personal items brought with you to the facility.
- We look forward to your return visit to our pools! Please remember to book your next visit via Parks Direct.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County has immediate openings for Lifeguards.
Looking for a fun and exciting job? Consider a position with the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation Aquatics team.
Get Certified
M-NCPPC offers FREE* Lifeguard Training to prospective employees. Sign up for a Lifeguard Pre-Test today for only $10. M-NCPPC even offers Lifeguard Prep Swim Lessons for those who need to improve their swimming skills to help pass the Lifeguarding Pre-Test.
*If a participant takes a Department Lifeguarding class, does not pass, does not apply and/or get hired by M-NCPPC, they will have to pay the course fees.
Apply
Applicants must be 15 years of age to work for M-NCPPC. All you need to get started is a great work attitude and a completed Aquatics Employment Application. Search online for the positions listed below for which you are qualified. Please note that not all positions are advertised year-round.
Positions
- Assistant Pool Manager (Must be at least 18 years of age) – Earn up to $23.15 per hour
- Lifeguard – Earn up to $20.26 per hour
- Pool Manager (Must be at least 21 years of age) – Earn up to $25.47 per hour
- Shallow Water Lifeguard (Glenn Dale Splash Park/summer only) – Earn up to $18.75 per hour
- Swim Coach – Earn up to $26.00 per hour
- Swim Lesson Aide – Earn up to $21.42 per hour
- Swim Lesson Instructor – Earn up to $25.47 per hour
- Water Fitness Instructor (salary will depend on certification and experience)
Benefits
M-NCPPC offers great benefits including:
- Flexible schedules
- Free uniforms
- On-site supervisors
- Paid training
- Year-round jobs and promotions
Certified Pool Operator Training
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance® Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) Certification program provides individuals with the basic knowledge, techniques, and skills of pool and spa operations. Participants must be 16 years of age in order to participate in this course, attend all course sessions and pass the final exam to be issued a CPO Certification. To view class offerings and to register, visit PARKS DIRECT.
Blended Learning Format
Part 1: Pool Operator Primer Prerequisite
- This is the first step to earning the CPO Certification, and prerequisite for the Pool Operator Fusion training, using the blended format training course.
- The online curriculum consists of 8 lessons that cover all 18 chapters in the included Pool & Spa Operator Handbook.
- The online Pool Operator Primer takes between 8-14 hours to complete.
Part 2: Pool Operator Fusion
- Once you have completed the Pool Operator Primer, you will attend an 8-hour (two, 4 hour) Virtual Classroom Sessions led by a PHTA Certified Pool & Spa Operator Instructor online in Microsoft Teams.
- Minimum 37 points (74%) on the CPO certification online exam.
Additional Information
Candidates must be visible on webcam the entire time while taking the exam. Phones are not recommended for taking the exam because the small screen size may make it difficult to read the text questions. If necessary, the candidate may use one device for providing webcam capability (phone, tablet) while using another device to take the exam. Candidates will need to show or send the Instructor a photo identification at the beginning of the virtual classroom session. To view class offerings and to register, visit PARKS DIRECT. Please call 301-446-6896 or click here to email us if you have questions.
Header text
Lifeguard Training
FREE Lifeguard Training is available for candidates who successfully complete/meet the following pre-employment requirements:
- Candidates must be at least 15 years of age to work for the Department.
- Complete an online application via this job posting. Apply for a Lifeguard position.
- Candidates can interview with a Facility Manager at one of the hiring facilities listed above.
- Complete the required American Red Cross Precourse Skills assessment which includes successfully demonstrating the below skills:
- Swim 300 yards continuously, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing.
- Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs (hands placed across chest under armpits)
- Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds.
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards then surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Surface and swim 20 yards on back, with both hands holding the object.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
- Commit to working for the Department of Parks and Recreation at one of the hiring facilities listed above.
Once candidates complete/meet the pre-employment requirements, they will be assigned to an American Red Cross Lifeguarding course offered at one of our department aquatic facilities within 1-2 weeks of the interview.
The Department of Parks and Recreation is an American Red Cross Training Provider. To view class offerings and to register, visit the PARKS DIRECT.
Lifeguard Prep Swim Lessons (Ages 15 & Up)
Interested in taking the Lifeguarding Training course, but need more practice? Register for these swim prep swim lessons that focus on stroke development and endurance and help prepare swimmers for the Lifeguard Pre-Test. To view class offerings and to register, visit the PARKS DIRECT.
Requirements
- Participants must be comfortable in deep water and be able to swim at least 100 yards of continuously using front crawl and/or breaststroke.
- Participants in the course must have an application on file with Facility Director prior to taking this course.
- Participants must also commit to working for a M-NCPPC pool for the upcoming pool season.
- Must be at least 15 years old.
Lifeguard Training (Ages 15 & Up)
The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel take over. This course is offering as an blended learning course with interactive eLearning modules and instructor led sessions. Register for the Lifeguard Pre-Test first, once you pass the pre-test then you would register for the Lifeguard Training course. To view class offerings and to register, visit the PARKS DIRECT.
Requirements
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Participants must have previously passed the Lifeguard Pre-test that is listed below (both pre-test and course must be taken at the same facility).
Lifeguard Pre-Test (Ages 15 & Up)
This pre-test is necessary for the Lifeguard Training course (both pre-test and course must be taken at the same facility). Register for the pre-test prior to registering for Lifeguard Training, to view class offerings and to register, visit the PARKS DIRECT.
Participants must be at least 16 years old and demonstrate the following:
- Swim 300 yards continuously, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing
- Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs (hand placed across chest under armpits)
- Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards then surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Surface and swim 20 yards on back, with both hands holding the object.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Lifeguard Instructor Training (Ages 17 & Up)
Become certified as an American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor. This course teaches students to train and certify participants in Lifeguarding and CPR/AED. Participants must be currently certified in basic-level Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED.
Course Completion Requirements
- Successfully complete the Online Session prior to the Pre-course session
- Successfully complete the Pre-course session
- Attend and actively participate in all course sessions
- Successfully complete class activities, including the required practice-teaching assignments. Pass the Bloodborne Pathogens Training Instructor Self-Study Test
- Pass the basic-level Administering Emergency Oxygen final written exam
- Pass the Lifeguarding Instructor course final written exam
Swimming Skills Evaluation
During the Pre-course Session, you must successfully demonstrate competency in the following swimming skills evaluation and four rescue skill scenarios:
- Swim 300 yards continuously, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing
- Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs (hand placed across chest under armpits)
- Must complete a timed event within 1 minute and 40 seconds
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards then surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Surface and swim 20 yards on back, with both hands holding the object.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
- Primary Assessment and Infant CPR scenario
- Suspected head injury rescue
- Active victim rescue scenario
- Submerged victim in 7 to 10 feet of water and perform one-rescuer adult CPR scenario for 3 minutes.
Pre-test and training courses must be taken at the same facility.
Shallow Water Lifeguard Training (Ages 15 & Up)
Become an American Red Cross Shallow Water Lifeguard. The primary purpose of this course is to learn the knowledge and skills needed to prevent and to respond to aquatic emergencies in shallow water up to 5 feet deep. Participants must have previously passed the Shallow Water Lifeguard Pre-test (both pre-test and course must be taken at the same facility). This course is for those who are interested in working at M-NCPPC’s Glenn Dale Splash Park during the summer season only.
Shallow Water Lifeguard Pre-Test
Pre-test for Water Attendant training course-both courses must be taken at the same facility. Participants must show proof of age and demonstrate the following:
- Swim continuously for 100 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both.
- Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs (hand placed across chest under armpits)
- Must complete a timed event within 50 seconds
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke then submerge to a depth of 4 to 5 feet to retrieve a 10 pound object.
- Return to surface and walk or swim 20 yards to the starting point with both hands holding the object at the surface of the water.
- Exit the pool without using a ladder or steps.
Individual Reservations
Patrons are encouraged to sign up to receive PGPARKS ALERTS/Nixle notifications for the latest updates on the status of pool operations, schedules, emergency closures, etc. To sign up for text and/ or email notices, please visit PGParks Alerts.
The outdoor pools are very popular and tend to reach capacity early in the day/sessions on weekends. To ensure patrons can be admitted to the pools, advanced reservations are encouraged during the weekends. Drop-in/day of admission will remain available until the pool’s operating capacity. Discounted admission fees for the outdoor pools are available for online reservations ONLY. Drop-in/Day-of admission fees are regular price. Make your online reservations for the weekends. Residents can make online reservations up to 10 days in advance and Non-Residents 7 days in advance. Online reservations close at 7 pm the night prior.
Please contact the indoor pools directly to inquire about additional general swim times and program offerings.
2023 Group/Camp Reservations
We welcome groups to M-NCPPC aquatic facilities during the summer. Parties of 10 or more visitors are considered groups; they require advance reservations at the facility of interest. Please use the 2023 Guidelines as a reference.
Guidelines
Please review the guidelines below to help ensure a smooth reservation process and a safe visit to our aquatic facilities:
- Group requests must be submitted using the 2023 Group/Camp Reservation Request Form (PDF) and returned to the hosting facility beginning April 24 and at least 48 hours prior to the date of the requested visit.
- Group requests are not confirmed until the hosting facility has provided the group with written confirmation via fax, mail, or email with a rental number.
- For summer reservations, group requests will be accepted April 24. Requests are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Summer group requests will not be accepted prior to April 24. Please do not fax/email your requests prior to April 24.
- Groups must have a PARKS DIRECT account. To open a PARKS DIRECT account, the group/organization name, address, telephone number, and group contact information must be provided at the time of reservation. This information must be submitted using the official Group/Camp Reservation Form or your company/organizational letterhead.
- All visiting groups making reservations must adhere to applicable Maryland state laws and regulations concerning supervisors and the ratio of supervisors-to-children. For example, Maryland state law generally defines a counselor as someone 18 years or older and sets forth supervisor-to-child ratios of:
- 1:10 – 1 Supervisor/Counselor for every 10 children for groups with children ages 6 and older.
- 1:8 – 1 Supervisor/Counselor for every 5 children for groups with children 5 years old or younger. The 1:8 supervision ratio applies if your entire group consists of children 5 years old or younger or if your group has any amount of 5 year old or younger participants.
- Groups meeting these supervision ratios will be offered discounted admission fees for their supervisors/counselors.
- Supervisors/counselors must remain with the children in the group at poolside or in the pool.
- Children must be supervised throughout the facility including lobby areas, locker rooms, grass/patio areas, snack bars and pool and deck areas.
- If pool management determines that any child within a visiting group is not being actively supervised, the group may be subject to removal from the facility and termination of future reservations. No refunds will be issued.
- Groups are responsible for providing adequate additional supervision for children with disabilities or special needs. Groups that have children with special needs are asked to notify the facility at the time of reservation or prior to arriving on scheduled date.
Reservation Fees
| Age | Resident | Non-Resident |
| Adult | $3 | $4 |
| Child | $4.50 | $6 |
Fee Requirements
- Resident and Non-Resident group fee determination is based on the location of the sponsoring group/organization, not individuals supervising or within the group.
- Groups meeting the above supervision ratios will be offered discounted admission fees for supervisors/counselors.
- Additional adults within the group are subject to the above admission fees.
Fee Examples
- A group of 30 children 6 years of age and older would receive 3 free supervisor/counselor admissions (1 to 10).
- A group of 16 with children ages 5 years old or younger would receive 2 free supervisor/counselor admissions (1 to 8).
- A group of 31 children 6 years of age and older would receive 4 free supervisor/counselor admissions (1 to 10).
- A group of 17 including children ages 5 years old or younger would receive 3 free supervisor/counselor admissions (1 to 8).
Free supervisor/counselor admissions will be rounded up to the nearest multiple of 10.
Individual Reservations
Patrons are encouraged to sign up to receive PGPARKS ALERTS/Nixle notifications for the latest updates on the status of pool operations, schedules, emergency closures, etc. To sign up for text and/ or email notices, please visit PGParks Alerts.
The outdoor pools are very popular and tend to reach capacity early in the day/sessions on weekends. To ensure patrons can be admitted to the pools, advanced reservations are encouraged during the weekends. Drop-in/day of admission will remain available until the pool’s operating capacity. Discounted admission fees for the outdoor pools are available for online reservations ONLY. Drop-in/Day-of admission fees are regular price. Make your online reservations for the weekends. Residents can make online reservations up to 10 days in advance and Non-Residents 7 days in advance. Online reservations close at 7 pm the night prior.
Please contact the indoor pools directly to inquire about additional general swim times and program offerings.
2023 Group/Camp Reservations
We welcome groups to M-NCPPC aquatic facilities during the summer. Parties of 10 or more visitors are considered groups; they require advance reservations at the facility of interest. Please use the 2023 Guidelines as a reference.
Guidelines
Please review the guidelines below to help ensure a smooth reservation process and a safe visit to our aquatic facilities:
- Group requests must be submitted using the 2023 Group/Camp Reservation Request Form (PDF) and returned to the hosting facility beginning April 24 and at least 48 hours prior to the date of the requested visit.
- Group requests are not confirmed until the hosting facility has provided the group with written confirmation via fax, mail, or email with a rental number.
- For summer reservations, group requests will be accepted April 24. Requests are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Summer group requests will not be accepted prior to April 24. Please do not fax/email your requests prior to April 24.
- Groups must have a PARKS DIRECT account. To open a PARKS DIRECT account, the group/organization name, address, telephone number, and group contact information must be provided at the time of reservation. This information must be submitted using the official Group/Camp Reservation Form or your company/organizational letterhead.
- All visiting groups making reservations must adhere to applicable Maryland state laws and regulations concerning supervisors and the ratio of supervisors-to-children. For example, Maryland state law generally defines a counselor as someone 18 years or older and sets forth supervisor-to-child ratios of:
- 1:10 – 1 Supervisor/Counselor for every 10 children for groups with children ages 6 and older.
- 1:8 – 1 Supervisor/Counselor for every 5 children for groups with children 5 years old or younger. The 1:8 supervision ratio applies if your entire group consists of children 5 years old or younger or if your group has any amount of 5 year old or younger participants.
- Groups meeting these supervision ratios will be offered discounted admission fees for their supervisors/counselors.
- Supervisors/counselors must remain with the children in the group at poolside or in the pool.
- Children must be supervised throughout the facility including lobby areas, locker rooms, grass/patio areas, snack bars and pool and deck areas.
- If pool management determines that any child within a visiting group is not being actively supervised, the group may be subject to removal from the facility and termination of future reservations. No refunds will be issued.
- Groups are responsible for providing adequate additional supervision for children with disabilities or special needs. Groups that have children with special needs are asked to notify the facility at the time of reservation or prior to arriving on scheduled date.
Reservation Fees
| Age | Resident | Non-Resident |
| Adult | $3 | $4 |
| Child | $4.50 | $6 |
Fee Requirements
- Resident and Non-Resident group fee determination is based on the location of the sponsoring group/organization, not individuals supervising or within the group.
- Groups meeting the above supervision ratios will be offered discounted admission fees for supervisors/counselors.
- Additional adults within the group are subject to the above admission fees.
Fee Examples
- A group of 30 children 6 years of age and older would receive 3 free supervisor/counselor admissions (1 to 10).
- A group of 16 with children ages 5 years old or younger would receive 2 free supervisor/counselor admissions (1 to 8).
- A group of 31 children 6 years of age and older would receive 4 free supervisor/counselor admissions (1 to 10).
- A group of 17 including children ages 5 years old or younger would receive 3 free supervisor/counselor admissions (1 to 8).
Free supervisor/counselor admissions will be rounded up to the nearest multiple of 10.
Adaptive Aquatics
Take advantage of the therapeutic benefits of our expanded adapted aquatic program offerings. Are you seeking to learn new skills, enhance your abilities, accomplish the seemingly impossible, or just have fun? Adapted Aquatic programs allow individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live more, play more with the use of adaptive equipment and specialized instruction.
Disability Programs
The following facilities offer aquatic programs for people with disabilities.
- C.E. Reig Regional Center
Mitchelville, MD - H. Winship Weatley Special Center
Capital Heights, MD - James E Duckworth Special Center
Beltsville, MD - Jessie B. Mason Regional Center
Temple Hills, MD - Theresa Banks Memorial Aquatic Center/Glenarden Complex
Glenarden, MD - Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Complex
Landover, MD
Individualized Swimming Lessons
Individualized Swimming Lessons are designed for children and adults with disabilities who require one-on-one instruction. The duration of each scheduled lesson is 30 minutes in length. Lessons are held at various locations throughout the county. Participants at all skill levels are welcome.
Water Fitness
The Department offers a variety of low and high-impact water fitness options for adults and seniors. Shallow and deep-water course options are available.
Some examples of the water fitness courses offered include:
Shallow Water Aerobics
A fast-paced and energy-packed exercise class aimed to improve cardiovascular function! You’ll get the added benefits of feeling refreshed, having a lighter mood, increased range of motion, sustained vitality, and building relationships with fellow exercise enthusiasts who love the water.
Deep Water Aerobics
Deep water is nature’s aquatic fitness machine making you feel pounds lighter and allowing you to achieve your health goals through a balanced workout routine. This class is perfect for those hoping to relieve stress on their joints. We’ll tone abs, thighs, glutes, and the upper body. Flotation belts may be used.
Aqua Spinning
Beat the temptation to be a couch potato with this challenging, aerobic, and anaerobic workout utilizing stationary bikes in the water with tension settings that allow you to work at your fitness level. This heart-healthy exercise strengthens and tones your hamstrings, buttocks, and inner thighs. Join our team-like, non-judgmental culture of diverse spinners while having fun moving to great tunes.
Aqua Zumba
This Latin-inspired aerobic workout is a fun, calorie-burning dance workout but done in low-impact water at the shallow end of the pool.
Aqua Fusion
Stir up your water routine by adding a mix of various aerobic fitness styles! Increase your strength level and bolster your mood through a blend of Water Aerobics, Aqua Sculpt, Aqua Tabata, and Boot Camp rolled into one class. In addition, you will use equipment designed to build your stamina and achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Aqua Arthritis
Enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle with increased flexibility, muscle strength, better posture, and balance. Whether arthritis, muscle fatigue, chronic pain, or surgery rehabilitation, you can join us for slow-moving, bounce-free exercise with lower impact on joints.
Aqua Boot Camp
Make a splash in this boot camp style approach to interval training that includes using water as a resistance tool while performing different exercises.
Aqua Sculpt
Use cardio and toning exercises to sculpt your body in a high-intensity, bounce-free workout. Held in the shallow end of the pool, there will be little to no impact on your joints using power and suspension moves for quick toning. Gain the self-confidence to look and feel your best!
Abs and Glutes
Splash your way to stronger abs and glutes! Discover how these muscle groups, when exercised properly, help you look your best while supporting your spine. You will use powerful techniques to tone and sculpt away inches. You will feel stronger, more self-confident, and be on your way to increased flexibility.
Hydro Pilates
This active course will take the pressure off your joints through the natural buoyancy of water. Build stamina as you tone and strengthen all your muscle groups. Enjoy a good, cardio workout and bond with others excited about maintaining great health.
**Please note: not all water fitness class types are offered at all the aquatic facilities. Please click here for specific course offerings, locations, and schedules.
Water Safety Training
The Department of Parks and Recreation is an American Red Cross Training Provider. To view class offerings and to register, visit PARKS DIRECT
Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Course
Blended Learning (Ages 16 & Up)
The American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Blended Learning course trains instructor candidates to teach swim lessons and other water safety programs through instructor lead sessions and interactive online homework assignments.
Requirements
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Participants must have previously passed the Pre-test for Water Safety Instructor Training course that is listed below (both pre-test and course must be taken at the same facility).
- Each homework assignment will require participants to have access to the Internet.
Water Safety Instructor Training Pre-Test (Ages 16 & Up)
This pre-test is necessary for both Water Safety Instructor Training courses (both pre-test and course must be taken at the same facility). Participates must be at least 16 years old and will need to demonstrate the ability to perform the following swimming skill at Youth 4/Adult 4 level proficiency:
- 15 yards Butterfly
- 25 yards Back Crawl
- 25 yards Breaststroke
- 25 yards Elementary Backstroke
- 25 yards Front Crawl
- 25 yards Sidestroke
- Maintain position on back for 1 minute in deep water (floating or sculling)
- Tread water for 1 minute
Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers
The free Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers Online Course focuses on developing an awareness of the risks of drowning and how to minimize those risks, especially for young children. This online course teaches parents and caregivers about the concepts of the circle of drowning prevention, water competency, and the chain of drowning survival. It also provides guidance for applying water safety to common environments and situations where children are most at risk for drowning.
This free program is accessible online in English and Spanish.
Becoming a Water Safety Ambassador
The free Becoming a Water Safety Ambassador course covers fundamentals of water safety, provides an orientation to Red Cross materials to teach water safety in dryland, classroom-based setting, and offers ideas on how to implement water safety education in your community. This online course is intended for teachers as well as adult and youth leaders in the community who are committed to sharing Red Cross resources to impact drowning rates, especially in places that are most at risk for drowning.
This free program is accessible online.
Safety Training for Swim Coaches
The American Red Cross Safety Training for Swim Coaches program, which was developed in partnership with USA Swimming, is designed to teach those involved in competitive swimming including coaches, officials, athletic trainers, and aquatic exercise trainers, how to help:
- Maintain a comfortable and safe environment for swimmers.
- Prevent accidents and emergencies.
- Respond to swimmers with illnesses or injuries in water or on land.
Course Requirements
The Safety Training for Swim Coaches certification requirement can be met through a two-step process:
- All individuals interested in taking Safety Training for Swim Coaches should start by registering for Safety Training for Swim Coaches Online Content Only on redcross.org.
- In Water Verification of Skills:
- Option 1: Coaches who hold a current certification in Lifeguarding, Shallow Water Lifeguarding, or Aquatic Attraction Lifeguarding have satisfied the requirements for Safety Training for Swim Coaches in-water skills and are not required to complete any additional in-water skills sessions.
- Option 2: Coaches who do not hold one of the above certifications can attend an in-water skills session delivered by a Water Safety Instructor or Lifeguarding Instructor. Email pg-aquatics@pgparks.com to connect with a Water Safety or Lifeguarding Instructor.
- Option 3: Print the generic STSC In-Water Skills Checklist and review the skills with an instructor certified by one of the organizations on the USA Swimming checklist. This form can be found on the Red Cross Learning Center.
Course Prerequisites
To participate in the Safety Training for Swim Coaches course, participants must be at least 15 years of age on or before the final scheduled session of the course. There are no skill prerequisites to enroll in the Safety Training for Swim Coaches course. However, because there is an in-water skills session, participants must be comfortable in chest-deep water.
Certification Requirements
To receive the course completion certificate, the participant must:
- Complete the online portion of the course, including achieving a minimum score of 80 percent on the online written exam.
- Meet the in-water skill verification requirement by either
- Completing the in-water skill session
- Maintaining a lifeguarding certification
- Having skills reviewed by an instructor certified by one of the organizations on the USA Swimming checklist
Upon successful completion of the Safety Training for Swim Coaches online content and meeting the in-water skill verification requirement, participants should provide the necessary certificates and documentation as proof of course completion to their national governing body, such as USA Swimming and Y-USA.
Swim Team
The Prince George’s Parks and Recreation (PGPR) Sharks Swim Team is an official USA Swimming Team (PGPR-PV) within the Potomac Valley Swimming LSC. The Club Season begins in the Fall and continues throughout the Winter and Spring. The Summer Season Team competes in the Prince-Mont Swim League. Club and Summer Season swim meet competitions locations will vary across the DMV area.
AQUATICS FOR ALL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Did you know African Americans are 1.5 times more likely to die from drowning than Whites? Did you know despite improvements in diversity efforts, African Americans still comprise less than 5% of competitive swimmers?
Legendary Marathon swimmer William “Bill” Shipp stepped up this year to raise funding, to ensure that Prince George’s County minorities learn how to swim and the barriers to competitive swimming are reduced.
A triple crown-winning swimmer, Bill has completed numerous open water swims. As a resident of Prince George’s County and advocate of competitive swimming for all, Mr. Shipp decided to dedicate his June 16th 20-mile DC Marathon Swim in the Potomac, from the Key Bridge to Mt. Vernon, to raising funds to support the Aquatics for All swim programs within the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County.
Swim Team Scholarship
This scholarship is geared toward improving the accessibility of competitive swimming for African American and Hispanic/Latino swimmers. Applications are not currently being accepted. Applications will start being accepted again in Fall 2024.
This is a one-year need-based scholarship to assist swimmers with team fees for Prince George’s Parks & Recreation (PGPR) Sharks swim team and is not guaranteed each year. Once completed applications are submitted, they will be reviewed, scholarship awards will be determined and families will be contacted regarding application status. All applicants must agree to fulfill all of the scholarship recipient expectations as listed below. This scholarship is available for PGPR Sharks school year and summer swim seasons as funding allows. Applicants must designate the season(s) they are applying for when submitting an application. This scholarship is not eligible for meet fees and equipment.
Scholarship Recipient Expectations:
- Commit to competing for the full season
- Make scheduled payments on time based on provided schedule
- Exhibit good sportsmanship throughout all PGPR activities
- Agree to participate in promotional material which may include photography
