Become a YMCA Lifeguard

Dear Lifeguard Candidate,

Thank you for enrolling in the YMCA Lifeguard course.  The Y believes that preventing an accident and saving a life is worth the hours of training and dedication essential to becoming a competent lifeguard.  YMCA-certified lifeguards have a serious responsibility to prevent accidents and handle emergencies properly.  It is imperative that lifeguards are physically trained, mentally alert, and have the maturity to safely guard an aquatic area.

Agenda

*Days and times subject to change

Note: Each class is X hours long, times are subject to change. This includes time for changing into swimsuits and breaks.  (Please review the registration class dates for more information)

We expect you to demonstrate your maturity at all times during classroom and pool instruction by:

• Participating in ALL class, pool and practice sessions
• Arriving promptly and prepared with a picture ID or other proof of age
• Presenting a positive attitude and courteous class conduct
• Making an appointment with the instructor when you have difficulty understanding the material presented or if you have specific testing needs

To participate in the YMCA lifeguard course, you must meet the following prerequisites:

• Be at least 16 years old by the last day of the scheduled course.
• Pass the following Physical Competency Requirements (conducted in class on the first day):
  • Phase 1
    • Tread water for 2 minutes (legs only)
    • Swim 100 yards of front crawl
  • Phase 2
    • Swim 50 Meters of each:
      • Front crawl with the head up
      • Sidestroke
      • Breaststroke
      • Breaststroke with the head up
      • Elementary backstroke kick with hands on the chest
    • Phase 3
      • Participants will start in the water at the shallow end and perform the following:
        • Sprint for a distance of approximately 60 feet and then perform an arm-over-arm surface dive in 12 feet of water.
        • Pick up an object (dive ring) from the bottom of the pool, surface and tread water for at least 1 minute with legs only, and then replace the object back on the bottom of the pool where it was found.
        • Surface and swim the remaining length to the end of the pool and hoist yourself out of the water without using a ladder or other assistance.
        • Immediately begin compressions on an adult manikin for 1 minute or 100 compressions; stand and listen to directions from instructor.

To complete the course successfully, you will be required to perform the following:

• Demonstrate competency in each critical skill taught in the course; competency is defined as being able to perform each critical skill correctly and without guidance
• Successfully complete CPR Pro for the Professional Rescuer (including AED), First Aid for the Community, and Emergency Oxygen Administration certifications
• Complete all eLearning assignments according to the schedule set by your instructor. The total eLearning time is 8 ½ hours.
• Successfully complete water tests and all scenarios
• Pass all written exams with at least an 80% score or better on each section of the exam to pass.

The Y looks forward to teaching the knowledge and skills needed to be a YMCA lifeguard.

For more information regarding the class schedule please as for the aquatics director at the main Valdosta YMCA.