BUILD SKILLS. TEACH CONFIDENCE. MAKE A SPLASH.

American Red Cross Swim Instructor Certification

Help swimmers build skills, confidence and a lifelong connection to the water.

The YMCA is committed to creating safe, welcoming aquatic environments where people can learn, grow and thrive. American Red Cross swim instructor certification prepares you with the knowledge, teaching strategies and water safety skills to help swimmers of different ages and abilities become more comfortable and capable in the water.

Two training options are available: Basic Swim Instructor (BSI) and Water Safety Instructor (WSI). Both courses prepare candidates to plan and teach American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim and water safety programs.

Ready to make an impact in the pool?

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BASIC SWIM INSTRUCTOR TRAINING

Start Teaching. Help Swimmers Grow.

The American Red Cross Basic Swim Instructor (BSI) course is designed for instructors who will teach in swimming pools no deeper than 5 feet. It provides a strong foundation for helping swimmers develop essential skills while building comfort and confidence in the water.

With a Basic Swim Instructor certification, you can teach:

• Parent-Child Aquatics for ages 6 months–3 years
• Preschool Aquatics for ages 4–5
• Learn-to-Swim for ages 6+
• Private swim lessons
• Whale’s Tales Water Safety programs

Training Prerequisites

Candidates must:

• Be at least 16 years old by the end of training
• Successfully demonstrate 25 yards each of front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke, sidestroke and elementary backstroke
• Maintain a back float for 1 minute

A great fit for: New swim instructors and team members who will primarily teach beginning and intermediate swimming skills in shallower-water environments.

WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR TRAINING

Go Deeper. Expand Your Impact.

The American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) course offers comprehensive preparation for instructors who will teach in pools deeper than 5 feet. This certification expands the range of swimming and water safety programs an instructor is prepared to teach.

With a Water Safety Instructor certification, you can teach:

• Parent-Child Aquatics for ages 6 months–3 years
• Preschool Aquatics for ages 4–5
• Learn-to-Swim for ages 6+
• Private swim lessons
• Water safety courses and presentations, including Basic Water Rescue and Safety Training for Swim Coaches

Training Prerequisites

Candidates must:

• Be at least 16 years old by the end of training
• Successfully demonstrate 25 yards each of front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke, sidestroke, elementary backstroke and butterfly
• Maintain a back float for 1 minute
• Tread water for 1 minute

A great fit for: Instructors who want comprehensive preparation to teach swimming and water safety across a broader range of skills and aquatic environments.