Lifeguard Training

Lifeguard Training & Certification

The YMCA offers a variety of education courses, including American Red Cross training, CPR & AED, and First Aid.

Regional Lifeguard Open Houses

Interested in becoming a lifeguard? Join us for a Regional Lifeguard Open House to learn more about lifeguard opportunities at the YMCA of Central Ohio and take the next step toward joining our team.

At the open house, you can:

Participate in individual or group interviews
Complete pre-skills testing and register for a lifeguard class
Tour the YMCA and learn more about working at the Y
Get assistance with your application, if needed

Upcoming Open Houses

North YMCA

September 26
12–2 PM

Hilliard/Ray Patch Family YMCA

September 30
4–6 PM

Gahanna/John E. Bickley YMCA

October 7
4–6 PM

Come meet the team, explore lifeguard opportunities, and take the next step toward becoming a YMCA lifeguard!

Types of Classes We Offer

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training

Learn the skills needed to become a certified lifeguard. First Aid, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, and Oxygen Administration certifications are also included. Attendance is mandatory at all sessions in order to be certified.

American Red Cross CPR & AED

This American Red Cross CPR class includes adult, child, and infant CPR as well as AED.

American Red Cross Re-Certification

Re-Certification provides an opportunity for those with current certifications to re-certify or to extend the length of their certifications. Passing participants can receive a Lifeguard, First Aid, CPR for Professional Rescuer, Oxygen, and AED certification.

Lifeguard Course Requirements

Must be at least 15 years old by the last day of the course attended
Attend all training sessions in their entirety
Demonstrate competency in all required skills, activities, and scenarios
Pass a written test with a score of at least 80%
Successfully complete the following prerequisites:
1. Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence
  You will need to:
  - Jump into the water, submerge, resurface, and swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both.
  - Maintain your position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only your legs.
  - Swim an additional 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both.
2. Timed Event — 1 Minute, 40 Seconds
  You will need to complete the following sequence within 1 minute and 40 seconds:
  - Start in the water.
  - Swim 20 yards.
  - Perform a surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7–12 feet.
  - Retrieve a 10-pound object.
  - Return to the surface.
  - Swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point while holding the object at the surface with both hands.
  - Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Participants must pass the entire pre-skills test and complete the online portion, if blended, in order to continue with the in-person portion of the course.