Red Cross Lifeguard Certification

Red Cross Lifeguard Certification

 

Learn to Be a Lifesaver

Our Lifeguard courses are designed to ensure that you are properly trained
and rescue ready when moments matter.

Our classes are blended learning which combines online learning with in- person skills sessions where you will practice skills and demonstrate competency. Please plan to complete the initial eLearning lessons of your training at least two days prior to your first on-site skills session.

LOCATIONS OFFERED
Warlick Family YMCA
2221 Robinwood Road, Gastonia, NC 28054

SESSION DATES
May 10 - 12
May 31 - June 2

SESSION TIMES
Fridays 4:30pm-9:00pm
Saturdays 10:30am-6:30pm\
Sundays 9:30am-6:30pm

Register for Lifeguard Certification

 

PRE-COURSE REQUIREMENTS

  • Swim 300 yards continuously using freestyle or breaststroke
  • Timed brick dive/swim
  • Tread water for two minutes using kicks only
  • Students must be 15 to participate

CLASS PREREQUISITES

  • Online course work is due prior to the first day of class for all blended learning courses.
  • This will be emailed to participants after registration.

MANDATORY SWIM TEST
Each participant is required to complete and pass a mandatory swim test which includes:

  • 300-yard swim (front crawl or breaststroke)
  • 20 yards swim to retrieve and return a 10-pound brick
  • Tread water with feet only for 2 minutes
  • Attendance is mandatory for all session dates.
  • Participants must be 15 years old by the date of the last class.

LGC

Swim Club

Red Cross Lifeguard Recertification

Recertification classes are offered to guards who have a current lifeguard certification or certification that is less than 30 days expired. Registrants must provide proof of a valid Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification. Requirements to successfully recertify:

  • Successfully complete the lifeguard swim test
  • Attend and participate in all class sessions and activities
  • Demonstrate competency in all required Lifeguarding skills, including CPR and First Aid
  • Pass the final skills scenarios and the final written exam with a minimum grade of 80%.

AGE REQUIREMENT
15 years and up

CLASS SCHEDULE
Friday, 4:30–9:00
Saturday, 10:30-6:30
Sunday, 9:30-6:30

RECERTIFICATION FEES
YMCA Members: $190
Program Participants: $250

Register to Recertify

 

This course is designed to teach you how to prevent, identify, and respond to various aquatic emergencies, as well as provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses. To participate, you must be at least 15 years old before the last scheduled class session and pass the prerequisite swimming skills evaluation.

The prerequisite swimming assessment:

Part 1:

  • Jump in, submerge, resurface, and swim continuously for 150 yards, a. tread water for 2 minutes b. swim continuously for 50 more yards
  • During the swimming test, you must keep your face in the water and display good breath control. You may use the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both, but swimming on your back or side is not allowed.
  • Swim goggles are allowed.
  • When treading water, you must use only your legs.

Part 2:

  • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards with your face either in or out of the water.
  • Surface dive (head-first or feet-first) and retrieve a 10-pound dive brick.
  • Swim 20 yards on your back, returning to the starting point, holding the dive brick with both hands while keeping your face at or near the surface.
  • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
  • Swim goggles are not allowed.

This is a blended learning class that combines online coursework with in-person skill sessions. Use the link below to access the blended learning. Please plan to complete all the assigned online course modules at least two days prior to the in-person session and email your completion record to chyde@gastonymca.org. During the first in-person session, you will need to provide proof of age and identity by presenting a driver’s license, state identification card, or passport.
 

To successfully complete the course and receive certification, you must:

  • Complete all online course content in advance of the corresponding in-person sessions
  • Attend all in-person sessions Actively participate in all course activities
  • Demonstrate proficiency in all skills
  • Pass the final written exam with a minimum grade of 80 percent
  • Pass three final skill assessments

For the in-person sessions, please bring:

  • A swimsuit that will stay secure during physical activity
  • A towel
  • Comfortable clothing for classroom activities
  • For your comfort, you may want to bring an extra swimsuit, a change of dry clothes, and an extra layer (such as a sweatshirt and sweatpants).

hiring

Get Hired as a Lifeguard for the YMCA

We are always looking for dedicated staff members! In fact, we train new staff at our expense with our training agreement.
Contact Candace Hyde for more information if you are interested in lifeguarding at the YMCA by emailing chyde@gastonymca.org or calling 704.830.9622 today!