Get Certified at the Y
The Y is an official provider of American Red Cross lifeguard certifications and recertifications. Registration is open to Y members and the general public. If you have a question about a course, please CONTACT US.
AMERICAN RED CROSS LIFEGUARDING + OXYGEN
The American Red Cross Lifeguarding + O2 course provides entry-level participants the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until EMS personnel take over.
Participants who successfully complete the Lifeguarding course receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, valid for 2 years.
PRE-COURSE ASSESSMENT
In order to take a lifeguard certification course, you must be at least 15 years old and you must pass a pre-course assessment:
Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence
- Swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on your 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 your legs.
- Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
Timed Event
Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
- Starting in the water, swimming 20 yards. Your 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 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping your face at or near the surface.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
AMERICAN RED CROSS LIFEGUARDING + OXYGEN REVIEW/RECERTIFICATION
The American Red Cross Lifeguarding +O2 Review is an abbreviated Lifeguarding course to recertify. It briefly reviews course information and allows practice of skills and knowledge before testing. Participants who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, which is valid for 2 years.
PRE-COURSE ASSESSMENT
In order to take a lifeguard recertification course, you must be at least 15 years old and you must pass a pre-course assessment:
Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence
- Swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on your 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 your legs.
- Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
Timed Event
Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
- Starting in the water, swimming 20 yards. Your 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 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping your face at or near the surface.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
AMERICAN RED CROSS LIFEGUARDING INSTRUCTOR
This course trains lifeguarding instructor candidates to teach American Red Cross Lifeguarding, Lifeguarding Blended Learning, Shallow Water Lifeguarding, Aquatic Attraction Lifeguarding, Waterpark Skills, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, and Bloodborne Pathogens Training.
Note: To teach Waterfront Skills, Lifeguarding instructors must possess a basic-level Waterfront Skills certificate.
PREREQUISITE
- Minimum age of 17 years
- Possess a valid American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, or an equivalent certificate from an approved organization
- Has obtained all instructor and participant materials before attending the course
- Complete the online session for the Lifeguarding Instructor course
- Complete the pre-course skills session (in-class)
AMERICAN RED CROSS LIFEGUARDING INSTRUCTOR & INSTRUCTOR TRAINER REVIEW/RECERTIFICATION
This in-person Instructor and Instructor Trainer Review is the required course for all Lifeguarding Instructors and Instructor Trainers to recertify. During this course, Lifeguarding Instructors and Instructor Trainers will participate in an in-water practice and polish skills session, in addition to a classroom-based review of American Red Cross administrative policies and procedures. Lifeguarding Instructors and Instructor Trainers may also choose to attend a brief “test out” session following this course to gain a basic-level Lifeguarding certification.
When registering, please note in the Accommodation Request section if you are a Lifeguarding Instructor or Instructor Trainer.
PREREQUISITE
- Minimum age of 17 years
- Valid American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor Trainer Certification
- Valid American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification (only if participating in a basic-level test-out session)
- Possess printed copy of an American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor Trainer’s Guide, Lifeguarding Instructor’s Manual and Participant’s Manual