Credentials
A commercial lifeguard certification program administered by StarGuard ELITE / Jeff Ellis Management Inc. Widely accepted by Illinois IDPH for semi-public aquatic facilities.
StarGuard Elite is one of three lifeguard certifications Illinois accepts for semi-public pools (alongside American Red Cross and Ellis & Associates). The program emphasizes scanning technique, emergency-action plan drills, and documented in-service training. StarGuard-certified guards typically carry current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and bloodborne-pathogens training. Aqua-Guard's lifeguard staffing runs StarGuard Elite across most client facilities, with Red Cross as the alternate track for clients who request it.
StarGuard and Red Cross lifeguard certifications are interchangeable for IDPH purposes — they're not a compliance hierarchy.
StarGuard `Elite` is the commercial track; StarGuard also certifies at other levels.
Certification alone isn't enough — Illinois also requires documented in-service training.
Where this shows up at Aqua-Guard
Relevant services our team runs every week:
Related terms · Credentials
CPO (Certified Pool/Spa Operator)
An industry-standard certification issued by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) for the licensed operation of commercial and semi-public pools. Required by Illinois IDPH for every semi-public aquatic facility.
AFO (Aquatic Facility Operator)
An alternative to CPO certification, administered by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Satisfies the same Illinois IDPH operator requirement.
Aqua-Guard runs certified commercial pool operations for 200+ Chicagoland HOAs, condos, and clubs. We handle the credentials so your board doesn't have to.
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