Lifeguard Certification

Join Our Lifeguard Training Program

Thank you for your interest in the YMCA Lifeguard course! At the Y, we believe that accident prevention and lifesaving skills are invaluable. Our comprehensive training program is designed to equip you with the knowledge, physical endurance, and confidence needed to become a responsible and effective lifeguard. YMCA-Certified Lifeguards play a vital role in ensuring safety and responding to emergencies with skill and maturity.

This course is for Valdosta YMCA employee candidates only.

Sample Course Schedule

Schedule subject to change

Monday – 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday – 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday – No class
Thursday – No class
Friday – 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday (TBD) – Time to be announced

Each class includes scheduled breaks and time for changing into swim attire.

Course Expectations

To maintain a productive learning environment, all participants are expected to:

• Attend and actively participate in all class, pool, and practice sessions.
• Arrive on time, prepared, and with a valid photo ID or proof of age.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and respectful behavior.
• Seek instructor assistance when needed for better understanding or special testing accommodations.

Course Prerequisites

To enroll, participants must:

• Be at least 16 years old by the final day of the course.
• Pass the Physical Competency Test, which includes:Phase 1:
  • Tread water for 2 minutes using only legs.
  • Swim 100 yards of front crawl.

  Phase 2:

  • Swim 50 meters each of:
    • Front crawl with head up
    • Sidestroke
    • Breaststroke
    • Breaststroke with head up
    • Elementary backstroke kick with hands on chest

  Phase 3:

  • Sprint 60 feet in shallow water, then perform an arm-over-arm surface dive to retrieve an object from 12 feet deep.
  • Tread water for 1 minute using only legs, then return the object to the bottom.
  • Swim the remaining pool length, exit without assistance, and immediately begin 1 minute of chest compressions on an adult manikin.

Course Completion Requirements

To earn your YMCA Lifeguard certification, you must:

• Demonstrate competency in all critical skills.
• Successfully complete certifications in:
  • Basic Life Support
  • First Aid 
  • Emergency Oxygen Administration
• Complete 8.5 hours of eLearning assignments.
• Complete 20 Hours of Classroom instructor
• Pass all water tests and scenarios.
• Score at least 80% or higher on all written exams.

Training Cost & Refund Policy

Candidates who successfully complete the course and work at the Valdosta YMCA as a lifeguard will receive a full refund of their course fee.

Get Started Today!

The YMCA is committed to preparing you for the responsibility of lifeguarding. If you have any questions or need more details about class schedules, please contact the Aquatics Director at the Valdosta YMCA.