Lifeguard Training

Home > Programs > Aquatics > Lifeguard Training

Fall 2024/ Winter 2025 Training Schedule

December Lifeguard Review Course 

January 2025 Lifeguard Training Course

January 1st Aid/CPR Course

Lifeguard Training Certification Course:
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday January 3-5

This is an American Red Cross blended learning lifeguard training course. This course is to train and certify participants interested in becoming lifeguards. Upon completion of the online blended learning, in-person course prerequisites, in-person skill sessions, and a successful score of 80% on the written exam, participants will receive a certification valid for 2 years from the date of completion.
 
 
This course will follow the ARC Lifeguard Training r.24 Course Update that goes into effect on September 1, 2024. Participants are required to have a participants manual for this course.
 
The instructor will send out a link with instructions to access the eReader version of the r.24 manual.
 
A physical copy of the manual may be purchased for an additional fee and will need to be picked up at the Waynesboro Family YMCA.
 
Participants will need the manuals to complete the online blended learning component.
 
Future Classes: 
 
  • Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, January 3-5, 9AM-5PM, registration begins on Monday, November 25, 2024
  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, March 24-26, 9AM-5PM, registration begins on Monday, February 3, 2025

Lifeguard Training

Our courses give lifeguard training candidates the skills and knowledge needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. Course content and activities prepare candidates to recognize and respond quickly and effectively to emergencies and prevent drowning and other incidents. Lifeguard Training candidates who pass will receive certification in Lifeguard Training, First Aid, CPR, and AED for the Professional Rescuer.

The program will be offered to a minimum of five (5) participants and a maximum of ten (10) participants. Participants will also be required to complete an online portion of the class before in-person testing can occur.

  • Must be at least 15 years old and pass a swim test.
  • Must register no later than 1 week prior to the class.
  • Must register with an email address, the address used to register will be the email address the online content is sent to.

Lifeguard Course Prerequisite Skill Requirements:

Every lifeguard candidate must be capable of the following, these skills will be assessed on the first day of the in-person skills training sessions. Participants unable to complete the prerequisites may receive a pro-rated refund or a one-time courtesy of being placed in a future class.

Effective September 1, 2024, the Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course Prerequisites per the r.24 update will change to the following:

  • Candidates will swim 200 yards in a swim/tread/swim sequence:
    • Candidates will swim 150 yards (6 lengths/3 laps of the pool) using the front crawl or breaststroke or a combination, demonstrating good breath control, regular breathing pattern, and comfort with putting face in the water.
    • Candidates will then tread water for 2 mins with hands tucked into their arm pits or held above the water, before leveling off and swimming 50 yards (2 lengths/1 lap of the pool), using their choice of freestyle or breaststroke. (Goggles and swim cap are permitted)
  • Complete a timed event within 1:40. Swim goggles are not permitted.
    • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water.
    • Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10-lb object.
    • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to the starting point with both hands holding the object while keeping the face at or near the surface to be able to take a breath.
    • Candidates are not permitted to swim the distance underwater.
    • Place objects on the wall and exit the water using the side, a ladder, or steps.

Lifeguard Training Review Course:                            Saturday, December 28

This is an American Red Cross Lifeguard Review course. Participants in this course MUST have an active certification. Participants MUST complete all in person prerequisites and skill sessions and successfully pass the written exam with a score of 80% or higher to receive an updated certification that will be valid for 2 years from date of completion.

Future Classes:

  • Saturday, December 28, 8:30AM-7PM, Registration opens on Monday, November 25, 2024
  • Saturday, February 15, 8:30AM-7PM, Registration opens Monday, December 30, 2024
  • Saturday, April 26, 8:30AM-7PM, Registration opens Monday, March 17, 2025

CPR/1st Aid Training Course:

Must be 15 years or older to register and participate. Scholarships are available.

This is a blended learning class. You will need to complete an online portion prior to the beginning of class. The class will be offered to a minimum of 3 participants.

At the completion of the class an American Red Cross Certification will be issued that will be valid for 2 years.

Future Classes: 

  • Thursday, January 16, 6-9PM- Registration begins Monday, December 2, 2024
  • Thursday, February 20, 6-9PM-  Registration begins Monday, January 6, 2025
  • Thursday, March 20, 6-9PM- Registration begins Monday, February 3, 2025

Questions?

For more information please contact:

Lindsay A. Critzer
ymcaaquatics@lumos.net
(540) 943-9622 ext. 206