Resilience First Aid Courses
Resilience First Aid is about being proactive – a preventative approach to mental health. Learn how to build mental fitness through a practical strength-based approach.
Learn critical skills to proactively support mental health in others.
Frequently asked questions
Upcoming Courses
April
Opening Session: April 2, 2026, 1:00–4:00 PM Eastern
Computer Based Training: 10 hours of computer-based training may be completed on your schedule, but must be completed by the Closing Session.
Closing Session: April 30, 2026, 1:00–4:00 PM Eastern
May
Opening Session: April 29, 2026, 1:00–4:00 PM Eastern
Computer Based Training: 10 hours of computer-based training may be completed on your schedule, but must be completed by the Closing Session.
Closing Session: May 19, 2026, 1:00–4:00 PM Eastern
June
Opening Session: June 2, 2026, 1:00–4:00 PM Eastern
Computer Based Training: 10 hours of computer-based training may be completed on your schedule, but must be completed by the Closing Session.
Closing Session: June 25, 2026, 1:00–4:00 PM Eastern
August
Opening Session: Aug 4, 2026, 1:00–4:00 PM Eastern
Computer Based Training: 10 hours of computer-based training may be completed on your schedule, but must be completed by the Closing Session.
Closing Session: Aug 25, 2026, 1:00–4:00 PM Eastern
September
Opening Session: Sept 1, 2026, 1:00–4:00 PM Eastern
Computer Based Training: 10 hours of computer-based training may be completed on your schedule, but must be completed by the Closing Session.
Closing Session: Sept 24, 2026, 1:00–4:00 PM Eastern
October
Opening Session: Oct 1, 2026, 1:00–4:00 PM Eastern
Computer Based Training: 10 hours of computer-based training may be completed on your schedule, but must be completed by the Closing Session.
Closing Session: Oct 22, 2026, 1:00–4:00 PM Eastern
What You'll Receive
Participant Kit (mailed to you within 3–4 weeks):
-
Resilience First Aid Manual – Your comprehensive guide to the RFA framework.
-
Resilience First Aid Responder Kit – Practical tools to support resilience in others.
Immediate Online Access
Participant Kit (mailed to you within 3–4 weeks):
-
Resilience First Aid Manual – Your comprehensive guide to the RFA framework.
-
Resilience First Aid Responder Kit – Practical tools to support resilience in others.
Certification
-
3-Year Certification as a Resilience First Aid Responder, empowering you to make a meaningful impact in your community or workplace.
AOAP Member Discount
Discounts Available for AOAP Members! Log into the AOAP Member Portal and click Member Only Resources for your discount code!
Questions ?
Registration Support or Questions? Contact enrollments@ilcira.org for assistance.
Important Notes for All Courses
-
Blended Learning – You will be required to complete 10 hours of computer-based training between the Opening Session and the Closing Session. In order to receive certification to provide peer support, this training must be completed prior to the start of the Closing Session.
-
This course teaches resiliency and peer support skills that require time to learn effectively. We highly recommend dedicating a few hours each day to computer-based training rather than attempting to “cram” the training into just a few days. Previous participants have shared how valuable it is to take your time to learn the skills as you progress through the program. In other words, you will get out of this course what you put into it.
-
Participants must be at least 18 years of age (or have reached the age of majority in their country/jurisdiction).
-
RFA Course Manual & Responder Kit ship from Sydney, Australia. Shipping takes aproximately 3-4 weeks. We recommend registering as early as possible for the course, but participants do not need the RFA manual and responder kit to participate in the course. These tools are designed to be a reference after the course. During the course, you will have access to the learning management system and a phone app for reference.
-
RFA does not provide the training necessary to support teams following a critical incident. ILCIRA’s Aquatic Critical Incident Response Team offers support to lifeguards, aquatic leaders and allied aquatic professionals after a critical incident. Contact us at info@ilcira.org to learn more about how your facility can access these services.
AOAP & ILCIRA Partnership
The Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP) and the International Lifeguard Critical Incident Response Alliance (ILCIRA) are proud to announce a new strategic alliance focused on strengthening mental health and critical incident support for lifeguards and allied aquatic professionals while addressing an often-overlooked aspect of aquatic safety: the psychological impact of potentially traumatic events.
This alliance combines AOAP’s national leadership in aquatic education, operations, and professional development with ILCIRA’s specialized expertise in critical incident stress management, peer support, and responder mental health. Together, the organizations will collaborate to expand access to training, resources, and best practices that help aquatic professionals prepare for, respond to, and recover from high-impact incidents while advancing professional standards that prioritize responder wellness.
One of our key initiatives is bringing Resilience First Aid Certification courses to you through a unique blended learning option with other aquatic professionals.