Drowning Prevention - Lifeguard Training
TEACHING SKILLS THAT SAVE LIVES
The YMCA was the first organization to establish certification programs for lifesaving, swimming and aquatic instruction. Lifeguards are essential to the safety of our aquatic facilities, but we also believe training them is a critical part of social responsibility. Trained and certified lifeguards allow us to offer life-changing programs in the areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. When we do this effectively, we deliver on our cause as a nonprofit: strengthening community.
Training and Certification to Ensure Safety
Our YMCA Lifeguard Training is a comprehensive course for ages 16 and up focusing on water rescue, safety and drowning prevention. The course prepares lifeguards to anticipate and prevent dangers. Upon successful completion, participants are qualified to work at an aquatics facility as a certified lifeguard. Certification includes 27.5 hours of training in the pool or classroom, plus additional online learning.
Join the Mission
Having enough lifeguards on duty allows us to effectively provide our members, participants and community a safer aquatic environment. There are three ways you can help us ensure our aquatics facilities are safe and staffed with qualified lifeguards.
Successful completion of our Lifeguard Training qualifies participants to work at our aquatics facilities or pools in the community as a certified lifeguard.
Through our Safety Around Water program and traditional swim lessons, we help ensure all kids have access to learn essential water safety skills and gain confidence in and around water. These drowning prevention programs open up a world of possibilities for children to safely enjoy and explore their curiosity for water.
Throughout all stages of instruction, our swim lessons programs teach students how to be safer and more comfortable in the water.