Aquatic Certifications &
Professional Training
Nationally recognized courses in lifeguarding, CPR, swim instruction, and pool operations designed to equip you with real-world skills and industry-respected credentials.
Lifeguard Certification
This American Red Cross blended learning and in-person class trains participants on how to respond to and prepare for emergencies, both in and out of the water. This certification also opens career opportunities in the Aquatics Industry.
Pikes Peak Athletics Training Center (PPATC)
Lifeguard/First Aid/AED/CPR Certification | $325
Must be 15 years old to register.
Prerequisite Requirements for Lifeguard Certification R.24
American Red Cross requires participants to successfully complete the following prerequisites, to receive a certification. Refunds will not be issued to participants who do not successfully complete all course prerequisites and course completion requirements, according to the American Red Cross standards. Please make sure you can complete the following course prerequisites and course completion requirements before you attend class.
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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/side is not permitted)
Maintain position at the surface for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs.
Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination.
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Complete the following within 100 seconds:
Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Surface dive 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.
Exit without steps or ladder.
Certified Pool & Spa Operator
CPO® CERTIFICATION
The Certified Pool & Spa Operator® (CPO®) certification program is the world’s leading education and certification program for keeping pools safer and keeping them open. Over 650,000 students have been trained since 1973. CPO® certification provides individuals with the knowledge, techniques, and skills required for proper pool operations. Certification is required in Colorado and 24 other states for professional pool operators, and it’s a great way for recreational pool owners to expand their knowledge!
Pikes Peak Athletics Training Center (PPATC)
Certified Pool & Spa Operator® (CPO®) | $400 In-person
Certified Pool & Spa Operator® (CPO®) | $450 Virtual* not intended for operators in Florida or South Carolina.
Must be 16 years old to register.
You will learn to:
Reduce risks in and around the water.
Prevent drowning, recreational water illness, suction entrapment, evisceration, diving accidents, electrocutions, chemical hazards, and slips and falls.
Address regulatory guidelines.
Maintain disinfection and water balance.
Manage water problems.
Perform troubleshooting, chemical testing, and record keeping.
Manage chemical feed.
Utilize automation and technology.
As a Certified CPO®, you will:
Receive a 5-year CPO® Certification.
Receive an electronic CPO® Certificate and wallet card plus hard copy.
Receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Have access to supportive career growth with additional service and maintenance certifications.
Receive a CPO® Badge you can add to your social media and email signature that allows the industry to verify you are current and certified with PHTA.
Join communities online to better support your efforts in the industry.
Certified Pool & Spa Inspector
CPI® CERTIFICATION
The Certified Pool & Spa Inspector® (CPI®) certification program creates a foundation for health officials and pool operators to conduct pool and spa inspections to support the assurance of a sanitary, healthy, and safe environment for staff and patrons of public swimming pools and spas.
Pikes Peak Athletics Training Center (PPATC)
Certified Pool Inspector® (CPI®) | $300
Must be 16 years old to register. Two years of industry experience is recommended but not required.
*Must be registered by five days prior to the start of class*
Through the CPI® training course (certification requirement) and passing of the exam, the credential holder will have the ability to:
Understand the basis for code requirements and why a violation is a public health hazard.
Perform an inspection of the pool and spa area.
Evaluate swimming pool operation and maintenance.
Assess the circulation system and its components.
Evaluate a facility for VGB Act compliance.
Recognize the elements of spa inspections.
Understand recreational water illnesses.
Maintain supervision and operator records.
Recognize the elements of aquatic play features.
Understand swimming pool design standards and their impact on public health.
This is what other professionals have had to say about our CPO® classes:
“Great hands-on learning at a facility with a pool!” | Health Inspector of over 23 years
“Rory was very knowledgeable and had an answer for all of my questions. He is a great instructor!!!” | Hotel Maintenance Technician
“I thought Rory was friendly, well-spoken, professional, and answered questions perfectly.”| Head Lifeguard