The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over. This program offers Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED courses to meet the various training needs of a diverse audience.

Prerequisites

Candidates must:

1. Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course.

2. Swim 300 yards, continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both, but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.

3. Tread water for 2 minutes, using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.

4. Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:

▪ Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Swim goggles are not allowed.

▪ Surface dive, feet-first or headfirst, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.

▪ Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath.

▪ Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Certification Requirements

Candidates must:

▪ Attend the entire course and participate in all class sessions.

▪ Actively participate in all course activities, including assuming various roles during scenarios.

▪ Demonstrate competency in all required skills.

▪ Pass the final skills scenarios.

▪ Successfully pass final written exams with a minimum grade of 80%. If a participant fails to reach the minimum 80% on the final written exam, a retest is allowed using the other version of the exam, provided that the participant has passed the practical assessment.

▪ Complete all eLearning modules.

The YMCA Lifeguard Training course is the most comprehensive program available, including certifications in CPR/AED, Basic Life Support, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration. Training in equipment-based rescues for aquatic environments, accident prevention, and decision-making skills prepare participants for employment.

Participants must be 16 years old by the last day of class. Attendance, full participation, and successful completion of written tests and performance of all water skills are required.

Participants will be certified in ASHI BLS, AED, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, and YMCA Lifeguarding

PARTICIPANTS MUST BE ABLE TO:

• Tread water for at least 2 minutes
• Swim 100 yards of front crawl
• Swim 50 yards each of front crawl with head up, sidestroke, breaststroke, breaststroke with head up, inverted breaststroke kick with hands-on stomach
• Perform a feet-first surface dive in 8 to 10 feet of water and then swim underwater for 15 feet
• Perform a series of tasks given by the instructor to demonstrate listening and scanning ability as well as stamina and endurance

ITEMS TO BRING TO CLASS:

• Swimsuit and Towel
• Pen
• Proof of Age
• A student under the age of 18 must bring a minor permission form sign by the parent and participant
• Change of clothes
• Open Mind

LENGTH

• Approximately 7 hours, 25 minutes for online learning
• Approximately 28 hours for in-class skills
• Course times may vary to include breaks

The YMCA Lifeguard Training course is the most comprehensive program available, including certifications in CPR/AED, Basic Life Support, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration. Training in equipment-based rescues for aquatic environments, accident prevention, and decision-making skills prepare participants for employment.

Participants must be 16 years old by the last day of class. Attendance, full participation, and successful completion of written tests and performance of all water skills are required.

Participants will be certified in ASHI BLS, AED, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, and YMCA Lifeguarding

PARTICIPANTS MUST BE ABLE TO:

• Tread water for at least 2 minutes
• Swim 100 yards of front crawl
• Swim 50 yards each of front crawl with head up, sidestroke, breaststroke, breaststroke with head up, inverted breaststroke kick with hands-on stomach
• Perform a feet-first surface dive in 8 to 10 feet of water and then swim underwater for 15 feet
• Perform a series of tasks given by the instructor to demonstrate listening and scanning ability as well as stamina and endurance

ITEMS TO BRING TO CLASS:

• Swimsuit and Towel
• Pen
• Proof of Age
• A student under the age of 18 must bring a minor permission form sign by the parent and participant
• Change of clothes
• Open Mind

LENGTH

Week 1: Class meets Sunday Noon-7:00 pm, Monday at 5:00-9:00 pm, Tuesday at 5:00-9:00 pm

Week 2: Class meets Sunday, Noon-5:00 pm, Monday at 5:00-9:00 pm, Tuesday at 5:00-9:00 pm

• Approximately 7 hours, 25 minutes for online learning
• Approximately 28 hours for in-class skills
• Course times may vary to include breaks

The YMCA Lifeguard Training course is the most comprehensive program available, including certifications in CPR/AED, Basic Life Support, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration. Training in equipment-based rescues for aquatic environments, accident prevention, and decision-making skills prepare participants for employment.

Participants must be 16 years old by the last day of class. Attendance, full participation, and successful completion of written tests and performance of all water skills are required.

Participants will be certified in ASHI BLS, AED, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, and YMCA Lifeguarding

PARTICIPANTS MUST BE ABLE TO:

• Tread water for at least 2 minutes
• Swim 100 yards of front crawl
• Swim 50 yards each of front crawl with head up, sidestroke, breaststroke, breaststroke with head up, inverted breaststroke kick with hands-on stomach
• Perform a feet-first surface dive in 8 to 10 feet of water and then swim underwater for 15 feet
• Perform a series of tasks given by the instructor to demonstrate listening and scanning ability as well as stamina and endurance

ITEMS TO BRING TO CLASS:

• Swimsuit and Towel
• Pen
• Proof of Age
• A student under the age of 18 must bring a minor permission form sign by the parent and participant
• Change of clothes
• Open Mind

LENGTH

• Approximately 7 hours, 25 minutes for online learning
• Approximately 28 hours for in-class skills
• Course times may vary to include breaks