Online STSC Test

There is still confusion regarding the requirement for Safety Training for Swim Coaches (STSC). Coaches are required to successfully complete the 25-question online test ONLY WHEN their CURRENT lifeguard or STSC certification expires. Many seem to think that they must take the STSC online test each year in order to renew their coach membership but that is not the case.  If their STSC/lifeguard certification doesn’t expire this year, they don’t have to take the online test.

Another source of confusion: Some coaches think that all they have to submit to the MS Office is a copy of the email from USA Swimming which indicates they passed the online STSC test and that their STSC date will be updated. Again, this is not the case. The email the coach will receive once s/he has successfully passed the online test clearly states: “Your Safety Training certification will expire on whichever date is earlier - your lifeguard certification expiration date or 3 years from the date of this email.” This, therefore, requires that a copy of the email indicating that the coach has successfully passed the online STSC test AND a copy of both sides of the current Lifeguard Training card be delivered to the MS Office. It is preferred that these be sent at the same time.

How to Complete the STSC Requirement:

The STSC requirement may be met by completing a STSC course through a local Red Cross office or by obtaining a STSC card from one of the other accepted providers as per the Requirements and Equivalents List.

However, many of the MS coaches complete STSC by obtaining a Red Cross Lifeguard Training card and then completing the online test for STSC. A copy of the Red Cross card and the email from USA Swimming which indicates the coach has passed the online test can be sent to the MS Office to satisfy this requirement.