The YMCA offers a full YMCA of the USA lifeguard training course that includes CPR and First Aid.
Participants must be 16 years old by the end of the class. Attendance, full participation and successful completion or written tests and performance of all water skills are required.
If you're interested in working as a lifeguard for the YMCA, training may be available at no cost to you. Contact our branch aquatics directors for additional information.
Cleveland Lifeguard, CPR & First Aid
Hamilton Lifeguard, CPR & First Aid
North River Lifeguard, CPR & First Aid
LIFEGUARD PREREQUISITES
Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest.
- Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface, then swim 150 yards using front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both (swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Goggles are permitted).
- 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.
Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds.
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards (face in or out of the water, goggles are NOT allowed).
- Surface dive to a depth of 7-10ft to retrieve a 10lb 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 water without using ladder or steps.
- 15 years of age (proof of age will be required).
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