Lifeguard and CPR Training

YMCA Lifeguard demonstrating on a CPR dummy during CPR and AED training

Learn skills at the Y to be prepared in an emergency.

Lifeguards have serious responsibilities, and quality training can help save lives. The YMCA is a national leader in water safety, and we provide lifeguard training and CPR/AED certification courses.

Upcoming Lifeguard & CPR Trainings

Lifeguard Training – American Red Cross

In Person Class dates and times:

Wednesday August 12, 2pm-8pm

Thursday August 13, 8am – 6pm

Friday August 14, 8am – 6pm

Online Learning must be completed before in person session dates.

Prerequisite water skills must be completed on the first day of the course and are as follows:

Swimming Prerequisite:

Swim 150 continuous yards in either breaststroke or freestyle.

Tread Water for 2 minutes with only legs

Swim an additional 50 continuous yards in either breast stroke or freestyle.

Timed Event:

Candidates will have 1 minute and 40 seconds to enter the water and swim 20 yards to retrieve a 10 pound object using a surface dive, retrieve the object and swim 20 yards back to entry point on your back.

The American Red Cross Certification is a comprehensive course that includes complete CPR/First Aid/AED Training. Practical hands-on training, in conjunction with scenario based training, provides for an experiential training content. When practicing rescue skills for an unconscious Guest in Distress, not only are we practicing water skills, but also implementing AR/CPR/UNCONSCIOUS CHOKING, First Aid skills, and AED use, all in a single scenario based emergency simulation. All of the skills are integrated. CPR/First Aid/AED/ are not strictly classroom based. The textbook information is covered in a classroom setting, however, these skills are then integrated and practiced repeatedly, in scenario based simulated emergencies. These simulated events are never the same; all elements of the skill base must be utilized in order to be successful, and lifeguards must complete given tactile, hands-on, practice with simulated events and real people.

Blended learning (Online training) with in-person test out. Online training will be sent via email upon registration and must be 100% complete to attend the in-person training.

*** No refunds will be given for failure to complete the online learning or non completion of the prerequisite skills. ***

Dates Days Times Location Ages Register
Aug 12–14, 2026 W Th F 4:00 AM – 4:00 PM Boll Family YMCA All Ages / 15+ years Register

Shallow Water 7' Lifeguard Training – American Red Cross

The American Red Cross Certification is a comprehensive course that includes complete CPR/First Aid/AED Training and Emergency Oxygen. Practical hands-on training, in conjunction with scenario based training, provides for an experiential training content. When practicing rescue skills for an unconscious victim, not only are we practicing water skills, but also implementing AR/CPR/UNCONSCIOUS CHOKING, First Aid skills, and AED use, all in a single scenario based emergency simulation. All of the skills are integrated. CPR/First Aid/AED/ are not strictly classroom based. The textbook information is covered in a classroom setting, however, these skills are then integrated and practiced repeatedly, in scenario based simulated emergencies. These simulated events are never the same; all elements of the skill base must be utilized in order to be successful, and lifeguards must complete given tactile, hands-on, practice with simulated events and real people.

Blended learning (Online training) with in-person test out. Online training will be sent via email upon registration and must be 100% complete to attend the in-person training.

Successful completion of the course provides 2 years of certification with the Red Cross of the following:

Shallow Water Lifeguarding (up to 7’)

First Aid

CPR/AED

Administering Emergency Oxygen (AEO) (optional but free course immediately following and included in class time; required for potential staff)

Dates Days Times Location Ages Register
Aug 14–16, 2026 S F S 4:00 AM – 4:00 PM Carls Family YMCA All Ages / 15+ years Register

Shallow Water Lifeguard Training – American Red Cross

The American Red Cross Certification is a comprehensive course that includes complete CPR/First Aid/AED Training. Practical hands-on training, in conjunction with scenario based training, provides for an experiential training content. When practicing rescue skills for an unconscious victim, not only are we practicing water skills, but also implementing AR/CPR/UNCONSCIOUS CHOKING, First Aid skills, and AED use, all in a single scenario based emergency simulation. All of the skills are integrated. CPR/First Aid/AED/ are not strictly classroom based. The textbook information is covered in a classroom setting, however, these skills are then integrated and practiced repeatedly, in scenario based simulated emergencies. These simulated events are never the same; all elements of the skill base must be utilized in order to be successful, and lifeguards must complete given tactile, hands-on, practice with simulated events and real people.

Blended learning (Online training) with in-person test out. Online training will be sent via email upon registration and must be 100% complete to attend the in-person training.

Dates Days Times Location Ages Register
Aug 5–8, 2026 W F S 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM Downriver Family YMCA All Ages / 15+ years Register

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