Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs lifeguarding tests will be held at no cost to the participants for those wanting to work at State Park and Reservoirs properties, starting March 30. 

To participate, applicants must already be certified in both "Lifeguarding" and "CPR for the Professional Rescuer" prior to taking the test. This test serves as a hiring tool to allow applicants to display their knowledge and abilities, and to help the DNR assure that its lifeguards are of the highest quality.

This test is not a recertification. Lifeguards must recertify on their own through their local Red Cross or YMCA, when such a program is offered throughout the year, prior to the swim season. In order to take the State Parks and Reservoirs test, each person must turn in a copy of his or her Lifeguarding, CPR and any other certifications.

These tests will be held on the following Sundays. Registration at all sites starts at 8:30 a.m. The actual test starts at 9 a.m. The bloodborne pathogens workshop begins at 9 a.m; the written test begins at approximately 9:45 a.m.

The week after the tests, applicant scores will be sent to the property the applicant requests. At that time, the applicant may be hired.

March 30, Harrison County YMCA, Corydon: Take I-64 to Exit 105. Go South on Hwy. 135, turn left onto Hwy 337 South.  This will take you towards downtown Corydon. Follow Hwy. 337 South approximately 1 mile until you see "Shanghai Chinese Restaurant and
State Farm/Schuler Bauer on the left. The road (Foundation Way) to the YMCA is between these businesses.

April 6,  Bloomington High School North: Located off of S.R. 37. Sign in at cafeteria.
 
April 20, Ball State University, Muncie, Lewellen Aquatic Center:  Go down the main
road on campus, called McKinley. Enter by the pool and follow signs to room HP 100.

At all sites, at approximately 10:30-11 a.m., the applicants will continue with the water test. The water test consists of five stations. A score of 7-10 must be earned at each station in order to pass.  If an applicant scores below 7 on one station, they may be hired, but will need to practice and be retested on that skill only. The water test is usually completed no later than 2 p.m.

The stations are as follows: active drowning victim, passive drowning victim, spinal turn in deep water, backboarding, and rescue breathing/ CPR. The only station where the score is determined by the group is backboarding. All others are individual scores.

The written test is 50 questions, 25 of which are CPR/FA related; 25 are on lifeguard training knowledge. The applicant must score at least a 70 percent combined average
on the written test.