Upon signing up for lifeguard certification, please contact the Y at (601) 664-1955 and ask to schedule your physical water fitness test

If you’re 15 or older and looking for a great summer or year-round job that’s in high demand, the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training that the YMCA offers is the best place to start. Lifeguarding lets you work as part of a team to help people safely enjoy the water. 

We are excited to offer you the latest ECC 2024 American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course. This includes a two-year certification for lifeguard/first aid/CPR/AED. This utilizes the new "blended learning" format: a 7-hour online training provided by a YMCA instructor through the American Red Cross after registering for a class.

Must attend all classes in one session to receive certification. Must fill out lifeguard certification form before attending classes.

For all training sessions, the cost is $225 for members and $300 for community members. All classes must be attended, no exceptions. 

The physical face-to-face class schedule is 4 days. The online portion of training must be completed and proof shown to instructor of completion prior to first class.

For more information contact Paula Davis, Director of Aquatics, by emailing aquatic@metroymcams.org

Lifeguard Certification Registration Form

 American Red Class R24 Prerequisites

• The following skills must be demonstrated on the first day of class:

  • From a deck start, submerging your full body underwater, complete 6 consecutive lengths (150 yards) - Using breaststroke & freestyle/front crawl (goggles can be worn)

  • 2-minute Leg Tread - No Arms while maintaining head above the water and a stationary position at the surface.

  • 2 more consecutive lengths (50 yards)

  • From a water start, the candidate will swim on the surface for 27 yards, retrieve a 10-pound weight from a depth of seven feet, return to the surface, and swim on their back, holding the weight at the surface with both hands a further 13 yards. Upon reaching the starting point, the candidate will place the weight and themselves on the deck without using a ladder. This must be accomplished within 1 minute and 40 seconds. Goggles are not allowed during this exercise.

  • Note that the first three skills are to be accomplished without stopping-in one continuous stream- called swim-tread-swim. There is no time limit for this activity but stopping before finishing all three segments will count as a fail.

  • Each student will be allowed 2 attempts to pass these skills.

To receive a lifeguard certification, a candidate must:

• Attend 100% of all classes
• Arrive on time for all classes
• Participate 100% in all classes
• Pass written and skills test
• Demonstrate maturity, respect, and responsibility regardless of passing written and skill test
• Candidates unable to perform all the skills necessary to receive certification by the last day of the class will be granted 48 hours to schedule a retest with the instructor

What should you bring to the training?

• Towel
• Change of clothes
• Bring your own lunch and water

Recertification Process

If you want to recertify before your certification expires, you will be required to attend all classes and test out on paper and times scenario.

Contact the aquatics director for more information by emailing aquatic@metroymcams.org, 

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