Join us for our an upcoming

Lifeguard Certification Course!

REGISTER NOW

This course is designed to train and prepare individuals for the responsibilities of being a professional lifeguard. Upon completion of the American Red Cross Lifeguard course, participants will receive their Lifeguard, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, AED, and Emergency Oxygen certification that is valid for 2 years. The Buckeye Valley Family YMCA offers lifeguard classes throughout the year.

The Y believes that preventing an accident and saving a life is worth the hours of training and dedication essential to becoming a competent lifeguard. Certified lifeguards have a serious responsibility to prevent accidents and handle emergencies properly. It is imperative that lifeguards are physically trained, mentally alert, and have the maturity to safely guard an aquatic area.

We expect you to demonstrate your maturity at all times during classroom and pool instruction by:

• Participating in ALL class, pool, and practice sessions
• Arriving promptly and prepared with a picture ID or other proof of age
• Presenting a positive attitude and courteous class conduct
• Making an appointment with the instructor when you have difficulty understanding the material presented or if you have specific testing needs

• Class Prerequisites:

  1. All participants must be at least 15 years old on or before the last day of class.
  2. Swim 150 meters , right into treading water with no hands for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates may not use their arms to help tread. Followed by another 50 meter swim. 
  3. Complete a timed event in within 1 minute, 40 seconds. 

  • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards 
  • Surface dive to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound brick. 
  • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards back to the starting point with both hands holding the brick while keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath.    
  • Exit the pool without using a ladder or steps.

Completing the course does not guarantee certification or employment. No refunds will be provided for those participants who fail to complete the class.

Requirements for Successfully Completing the Course:

To complete the course successfully, you will be required to perform the following:

• Demonstrate competency in each critical skill taught in the course
• Successfully complete CPR for the Professional Rescuer (including AED), First Aid , and Emergency Oxygen Administration certifications
• Successfully complete water tests and all scenarios
• Pass all written exams with at least an 80% score on each exam.
• Pass each phase of the Physical Competency Requirements

Questions? Contact the Aquatics Department at 740.345.6631 

NEW! We also offer Private Coaching prior to a class (for an additional rate) for those looking to improve their swimming prior to the start of class. Register HERE.