Become a Certified YMCA Lifeguard

Learn the knowledge and skills necessary to be a lifeguard and professional rescuer. Participants will become certified in American Safety and Health Institute’s (ASHI) courses: CPR Pro (BLS) for the Professional Rescuer, Basic First Aid for the Community, and Emergency Oxygen Administration.

Take a Lifeguard Course

Did you know that drowning is the sixth leading cause of unintentional death for people of all ages, and the second leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 14 years? You can help bring that statistic down: Learn to save lives in the water in our Lifeguard Certification course. Learn skills that you can take with you for the rest of your life. Become a YMCA Lifeguard. 

Are You Ready?

Pre-Course Work

There are approximately 8.5 hours of online pre-course trainings to be completed before the first day of the course. Participants must pass a preliminary swimming skills test, and be age 16 or above to attend the course.

Course Cost

Price: $180

Financial Aid is Available. Work for the Y for 3 months with good standing, and you’ll be reimbursed in full for your course fees.

Register

Our training courses use techniques endorsed by the American Heart Association, and upon completion, you will be certified in American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR/AED/Oxygen training and American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid, as well as our specified YMCA Lifeguarding course. 

Create an Account

Various Locations

Opening Doors to New Careers

"Being a lifeguard has really helped me in every aspect of my life. I learned how to swim at the Y, and after I went through the Y lifeguard training program, I now work here. I'm so excited I've had such a great opportunity here and eventually I can help other people have similar opportunities."
- Jackie, YMCA Lifeguard

Find a Lifeguarding Job

Explore our Lifeguard job openings at one of our YMCA branches. 

Open Jobs