Lifeguard Certification

Lifeguard Certification 

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Become a certified lifeguard through the American Red Cross! 

Registration is available online for members and the community. Those who have visited the Y before may access their online account using an email the Y has on file or the phone number of the primary user on the account. If not already in our YMCA system, please join as a Non-Member on our "Join Online" page to register for programs. When registering someone 12 and under, a parent or guardian must register first as the Primary Adult. Please call or stop by the Y if you need assistance.

*In order to run a successful lifeguard course, at least 5 participants must be signed up. In addition, participants must have time to complete the blended learning.

Lifeguard Certification Course:  This course is for first-time lifeguards or those whose certification has expired. Participants will receive a handbook, CPR mask, whistle, and a certification valid for 2 years. Participants must be 15 years old by the completion of the course.

About one week before class begins, participants will receive a blended learning link from the American Red Cross. The online portion takes approximately 7 hours to complete and includes the CPR/AED exam. This must be completed before the first day of class. Course content will also be reviewed in person.

Prerequisite Skills Evaluation:

All participants must pass the following on the first day:

Prerequisite 1 – Swim-Tread-Swim (Goggles allowed)

• Swim 150 yards (front crawl, breaststroke, or combination — no back or side)

• Tread water for 2 minutes using only legs

• Swim 50 yards (front crawl, breaststroke, or combination)

Prerequisite 2 – Timed Event (No goggles — 1 minute, 40 seconds)

• Swim 20 yards

• Surface dive to 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-lb object

• Swim 20 yards on back while holding the object at the surface

• Exit the pool without using a ladder or steps

Course + Waterfront: The American Red Cross Waterfront Skills Module is required for lifeguards who want to work in non-surf, open water environments such as lakes and waterfront areas at public parks, resorts, summer camps, and campgrounds. Participants enrolled in the Lifeguard + Waterfront course must pass the following prerequisite skills evaluation on the first day of class.

Prerequisite Skills Evaluation:

All participants must successfully complete all three prerequisites:

Prerequisite 1 – Swim-Tread-Swim (Goggles allowed)

• Swim 350 yards (front crawl, breaststroke, or combination — no back or side)

• Tread water for 2 minutes using only legs

• Swim 200 yards (front crawl, breaststroke, or combination)

Prerequisite 2 – Timed Event (No goggles — 1 minute, 40 seconds)

• Swim 20 yards

• Surface dive to 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-lb object

• Swim 20 yards on back while holding the object at the surface

• Exit the pool without using a ladder or steps

Prerequisite 3 – Underwater Swim (No goggles)

• Swim 5 yards

• Submerge and retrieve three dive rings placed 5 yards apart in 4–7 feet of water

• Resurface and swim an additional 5 yards

Re-Certification: For any lifeguard whose certification is getting ready to expire.