Become a certified lifeguard with Merritt Clubs Aquatics. Our comprehensive courses offer both full certification and recertification options, ensuring participants are equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond to aquatic emergencies.

Comprehensive Training for Lifeguards

Merritt Clubs’ lifeguard certification courses are designed to prepare individuals for real-world situations. From mastering rescue techniques to learning life-saving CPR, our program ensures you are fully equipped to handle emergencies with confidence. Our expert instructors provide hands-on training in a supportive and engaging environment, helping you build the skills needed to keep swimmers safe.

Key Certifications Include:

• American Red Cross Lifeguarding
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• First Aid

Pre-Course Testing Requirements

Before beginning the lifeguard certification program, participants must meet the following pre-course requirements to demonstrate basic swimming and rescue abilities:

Prerequisite 1:
Swim/Tread/Swim Sequence

• Jump into water, submerge, and swim 150 yards
• Maintain position at surface, and tread for 2 minutes without using arms
• Swim 50 yards

Prerequisite 2:
Timed Event 1:40 (goggles not allowed)

• Starting in water, swim 20 yards
• Surface dive to retrieve 10-pound object
• Return to surface
• Holding object with both hands, swim 20 yards on back to return to the starting point (face must remain at or near the surface)
• Exit water
• Shallow water

Prerequisite 1:
Swim/Tread/Swim Sequence

• Jump into water, submerge, and swim 50 yards
• Maintain position at surface for 2 minutes, and tread for 2 minutes without using arms
• Swim 50 yards

Prerequisite 2:
Timed Event :50 (goggles not allowed)

• Starting in water, swim 20 yards
• Submerge to retrieve 10-pound object
• Return to surface 
• Walk or swim 20 yards on back to return to starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping face at or near the surface.
• Exit water

Merritt Clubs’ lifeguard certification courses are led by experienced instructors who are committed to your success. Whether you’re pursuing your first certification or renewing an existing one, we provide flexible scheduling and expert guidance to make the process as seamless as possible.

Contact Us for More Information

Ready to start your lifeguard journey? Download our detailed course brochure or contact Andrew Barranco at abarranco@merrittclubs.com for more information about upcoming classes and registration.

At Merritt Clubs, we’re dedicated to helping swimmers and triathletes achieve their fitness and performance goals. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, stay competitive, or simply enjoy the camaraderie of group training, our Masters Swim Team and Tri Club are here to support you.

Masters Swim Team (18+)

Our Masters Swim Team is perfect for adults 18 and older who want to stay active in the pool. Whether you’re swimming for fitness, fun, or competition, this program allows you to swim at your own pace while improving your technique and endurance. With expert guidance from our coaches and a supportive group environment, the Masters Swim Team is a great way to stay motivated and make the most of your swim workouts.

Practice schedule

• Mondays: 7:00–8:00 PM
• Fridays: 6:00–7:30 AM
• Saturdays: 7:00–9:00 AM
  

Who should join?

• Swimmers looking for structured workouts to enhance fitness
• Adults wanting to refine their strokes or improve endurance
• Individuals seeking a friendly, community-focused swim team
  

Triathlon club

Our Triathlon Club is designed for athletes preparing for open-water swims or triathlon events. Whether you’re a first-time triathlete or a seasoned competitor, our program offers expert coaching, stroke technique improvement, and practical tips for open-water swimming.

Practice schedule

• Mondays: 7:00–8:00 PM
  

Tri Club sessions focus on developing the skills and confidence needed to excel in open-water environments while building the stamina required for competition.

• Receive expert advice on stroke mechanics for triathlon events
• Gain confidence in open-water swimming techniques
• Train with like-minded athletes in a motivating environment

Both programs are led by experienced coaches who are passionate about helping you reach your potential. For more details about the Masters Swim Team or Tri Club, contact Rachel Gracia at rgracia@merrittclubs.com.

Not quite ready to join the Swim Team or looking for a flexible program? Merritt Clubs’ Pre-Swim Team is the perfect solution and available at three of our locations across Baltimore. This group program is designed for swimmers who want to refine their skills and build confidence in preparation for competitive swimming. With a focus on technique and key skills, Pre-Team ensures swimmers are ready to take the next step in their aquatic journey.

Build skills for success

Pre-Swim Team sessions emphasize the development of all four competitive strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. In addition, participants will learn:

• Starts: Master strong and efficient starts for races.
• Flip Turns: Perfect flip turns to enhance speed and efficiency in the pool.
• Endurance: Build the stamina required for longer swim sessions and races.

Our sessions are designed to be engaging and supportive, helping swimmers develop both their technical skills and their confidence in the water.

Pre-Swim Team is perfect for:

• Swimmers looking to enhance their skills before joining a competitive team
• Those who can commit to one session per week
• Children eager to improve their strokes, starts, and turns in a structured and fun environment

Points of Contact

Our dedicated Aquatics Managers are here to provide information and answer your questions:

• Canton: Maureen Kogut – mkogut@merrittclubs.com
• Eldersburg: Deb Cass Jackson – dcassjackson@merrittclubs.com
• Towson: Rachel Gracia – rgracia@merrittclubs.com

Take the First Step Toward Competition

Merritt Clubs’ Pre-Swim Team is the ideal way to prepare for the Swim Team in a flexible and supportive environment. Develop your skills, gain confidence, and enjoy the water while setting the foundation for future success. Contact us today to learn more and join the Pre-Swim Team!

Merritt Swimming is a year-round swim team program offering five levels of competition for swimmers aged 5–18. Available seven days a week, practice times vary according to level, with a focus on improving stroke form, endurance, and speed.

Swimming provides a full-body workout, enhancing cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance. It’s an effective way for kids to stay active and healthy while improving coordination and balance. Merritt Swimming program allows children to develop even stronger aquatic skills, preparing them for competitive swimming with a focus on form and athleticism.

All new swimmers must try out. For more information, click here for try out dates or fill out this form for inquiries.

Merritt Clubs is proud to offer the Mid-Atlantic region’s ONLY Michael Phelps Swim School, providing expert instruction for swimmers of all ages and skill levels. Our mission is to help you develop physically and mentally, fostering confidence and comfort in the water. Whether you’re learning the basics, refining your stroke, or building water safety skills, our comprehensive program is designed to help you achieve your swimming goals.

Why Choose the michael phelps swim school?

Our program goes beyond teaching swim techniques—it focuses on holistic growth. Through classes on personal safety, stroke development, water sports, and rescue, we aim to help participants build strength, confidence, and a love for swimming. Our classes include:

• Safety: Learn essential water safety skills to stay protected in any aquatic environment.
• Stroke Development: Master the techniques for efficient and effective swimming.
• Water Sports & Games: Enjoy engaging activities that promote teamwork and fitness.
• Personal Growth: Build confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for swimming.
• Rescue Skills: Acquire basic rescue techniques to ensure you’re prepared to assist others.
  

Flexible Private Lessons

For those who prefer individualized instruction, our private lessons offer one-on-one attention to address specific goals and challenges. With sessions lasting approximately 30 minutes, these lessons are perfect for children, adults, and swimmers at any skill level—from beginners to advanced, offering:

• Flexible scheduling to fit your busy lifestyle
• Tailored instruction to focus on your unique needs
• One-on-one support to accelerate progress
• Qualified instructors dedicated to your success
  

Points of contact

Our experienced Aquatics Managers are here to help you get started:

• Canton – Maureen Kogut, Aquatics Managerr. Private Lesson brochure
• Eldersburg – Deb Cass Jackson, Aquatics Manager. Private lesson brochure
• Towson – Rachel Gracia, Aquatics Manager. Private lesson brochure
• White Marsh – Amy Mergerian, Aquatics Manager. Private lesson brochure
  

Ready to Dive In?

At the Michael Phelps Swim School, our goal is to ensure every participant feels comfortable, confident, and safe in the water. Whether you’re looking to learn the basics or fine-tune your skills, our instructors are ready to help you succeed.