Become a certified lifeguard through the American Red Cross lifeguard training and certification program, including First Aid and CPR/AED training to how to conduct patron surveillance, water rescue, teamwork and communication skills. Throughout the course you will learn the knowledge and skills required to become a professional lifeguard.

Cost: $200
Special pricing in exchange for lifeguarding at the YMCA!
Instructor: Matt Anderegg

ABOUT THE COURSE

BLENDED LEARNING
Designed for those who need more flexibility, our blended learning option combines online learning with in-person sessions where you will practice skills and demonstrate competency.

WHAT TO EXPECT
1) Prior to the in-person classes you must complete a pre-certification that includes the following prerequisites:

PREREQUISITE 1

You must complete the following sequence:

  • Jump into the water from the side, totally submerge, recover to the surface then swim 150 yards
  • After the 155 yard swim, maintain your position at the surface of the water without support for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs, floating or a combination of both.
  • After maintaining position at the surface for 2 minutes, swim 50 yards
PREREQUISITE 2

Complete a timed event within 50 seconds:

  • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.)
  • Submerge to a depth of 4 to 7 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object
  • Return to the surface and walk or swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
  • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

* If you are unable to successfully perform any of the prerequisite skills, you will not be eligible to enter the Lifeguarding class. Contact your instructor or training provider for further development and training opportunities to prepare for a future lifeguarding class.

2) 7 hours of online training required prior to the in-person class sessions. Once enrolled the instructor will provide directions to access and complete your online session.

3) In-person class will be held the following dates:
No classes are currently scheduled. Click the ‘I’m interested in a future class’ button below to express interest!

Questions? CALL MATT AT 641-450-0932

For more information visit the American Red Cross Training Services website: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/lifeguarding/lifeguard-preparation

COURSE OVERVIEW
After successfully completing the prerequisite swimming skills evaluation you will alternate between the classroom and water as you learn and practice lifeguarding and First Aid/CPR/AED skills. The Lifeguarding (including Deep Water) is about 7 hours online, 21 hours and 30 minutes in-person minimum length required for an American Red Cross Lifeguarding course, not including breaks for transitions, rest and meals.

At the end of your final in-person session you will take a 50 question written exam and a 3 final skills assessment to evaluate your individual rescue skills, and your ability to perform a rescue as part of a team and your surveillance and rotation skills. The final skills assessment will include:

  1. An individual, timed response; you will perform a submerged rescue in followed by extrication, rapid assessment (with two ventilations) and 3 minutes of single-rescuer CPR.
  2. Surveillance skills: Rotate to the lifeguard station, conduct surveillance, and then rotate out of the station.
  3. Multiple Rescuer response; you will perform a submerged rescue, extricate the person followed by work with a team of other rescuers to demonstrate clear communication and critical thinking ability while providing care using BVM, CPR and AED. You will be evaluated on both individual performance, and overall team response performance.

If you have actively participated in all sessions, successfully demonstrated all skills in the course and successfully completed the lifeguarding written exams and final skills assessments you will be awarded a Lifeguarding certificate.

I’M INTERESTED IN A FUTURE CLASS

Our Aquatics Programs are generously sponsored by Champion Corporate Donor Cargill Protein. ★

QUESTIONS ABOUT CERTIFICATION CONTACT:
Matt Anderegg, Aquatics Director
manderegg@masoncityymca.org
641-450-0932