American Red Cross Shallow Water Lifeguarding Certification

Become a certified American Red Cross Shallow Water Lifeguard at the YMCA and gain the skills needed to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies in water less than 7 feet deep. Participants will also learn professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illness until EMS arrives.

The YMCA offers both part-time and full-time lifeguard positions, seasonally and year-round. Participants must complete all prerequisite swim skills before continuing in the course.

Course Schedule

(Participants must attend all sessions)

Friday: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Monday: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Course Format & Requirements

Blended learning course (online + in-person)

• Approximately 6–7 hours of online coursework must be completed before the first in-person session
• Online modules include videos and quizzes
• Participants will receive an email from the American Red Cross with instructions once enrolled

Prerequisites

Participants must complete the following swim skills:

Swim–Tread–Swim Sequence

• Jump in, fully submerge, and swim 50 yards
• Tread water for 2 minutes using legs only (hands under armpits, head above water)
• Swim 50 additional yards continuously using front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination
• Goggles allowed

Timed Skill Event (50 seconds)

• Swim 20 yards
• Surface dive to retrieve a 10-lb object from up to 7 feet deep
• Return 20 yards on back, holding the object at the surface
• Exit the pool without using the ladder or steps
• Goggles not allowed

Participants who do not meet prerequisites will not be permitted to continue for safety reasons.

Certification

Participants who successfully complete all course requirements will receive American Red Cross Shallow Water Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid, valid for 2 years and recognized nationwide.