Build a skill. Save a life.
Whether you are looking for a great summer job or career as a professional lifeguard, the YMCA of Greater Dayton Lifeguard program is the place to begin! Through classroom activities, group discussion, online e-learning, and hands-on practice, you’ll learn the skills you need to work as a lifeguard.
Our comprehensive Lifeguard Training course includes accident prevention, lifeguarding techniques, emergency systems, and rescue skills. Course will also include CPR for the professional Rescuer with AED, Emergency Oxygen Administration and First Aid.
Upon successful completion of the course the participant will be certified in:
- American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification (valid for two years)
- American Red Cross Certification in CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid with Administration of Emergency Oxygen (valid for two years)
Training Prerequisites:
In order to take the Red Cross Lifeguard Class at a Greater Dayton YMCA there is a Pre-Skills Evaluation. This consists of:
Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest. You will jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Goggles are allowed). Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs then swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds: starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Goggles are not permitted). Then surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the side of the pool holding the object with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
There is a $10.00 pre-registration fee that is not refunded if a candidate is unsuccessful or does not attend. Upon successful completion of the Pre-Skills, candidates will be given a certificate that must be presented in person to the Front Desk Staff allowing the candidate to register for a lifeguarding course and $10.00 will be taken off of the registration fee at that time.
Certification Requirements:
To receive Lifeguard Certification a participant must:
- Attend 100% of all class sessions
- Arrive on time for all class sessions
- Participate 100% in all class sessions
- Pass written and skills test
- Demonstrate maturity, respect and responsibility regardless of passing written and skill test
- Certification confirmation documents will be sent to participant 4-6wks post-course completion.
| Coffman Family YMCA | Preble County YMCA |
| Downtown YMCA | Premier Health YMCA |
| Fairborn YMCA | South YMCA |
| Grand Lake Health/Premier Health North YMCA | West Carrollton YMCA |
| Grand Lake Health/Premier Health South YMCA | Xenia YMCA |
| Kleptz YMCA | YMCA at the Heights |
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