The American Red Cross Lifeguarding course teaches entry-level participants the skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies. Participants will learn how to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services personnel take over.

To participate in the course, you must be able to pass prerequisite skills evaluation on the first day of the course by completing the following:

Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:

- Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed.)
- Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs.
- Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.

Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:

- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.)
- Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 – 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 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.

Please bring a swimsuit and towel for the skills evaluation and for every class.

This is a BLENDED Learning - to successfully complete the course, you must complete the online coursework which will be provided upon registration, attend the entire course, participate in all skill sessions/drills, activities and scenarios, demonstrate competency in all required skills and scenarios, and pass the final written exams with a minimum grade of 80 percent.

The practice sessions will require some strenuous physical activity. You are encouraged to check with your health care professional before participating in the practice sessions. If you have a medical condition or disability that might prevent you from participating in the activities, or have questions about being able to fully participate in the Lifeguarding course, please contact the director prior to the first day of the course.

*A credit or refund will NOT be issued if the candidate does not pass the pre-requisite test or does not attend all dates.

*The YMCA reserves the right to deny class participation to any student that does not demonstrate the behavior of a professional lifeguard as defined by the American Red Cross.

Contact Nirel Bravo at [email protected] with any questions.