Lifeguard Certification

Lifeguard Certification is designed to train and certify individuals in the knowledge and skills necessary to help prevent and recognize aquatic risks and respond to emergencies.

Participants will also be certified in American Safety and Health Institute's (ASHI) courses: CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, Basic First Aid for the Community, and Emergency Oxygen Administration upon successful completion of this course.

Lifeguard Class Schedule

Downtown YMCA

April 18 (5pm - 9pm) 19, 20, 26, 27 (9am-5pm)
May 2 (5pm - 9pm) 3, 4, 10, 11(9am-5pm)
May 16 (5pm - 9pm) 17,18, 24, 25 (9am-5pm)
June 17,18,19,20 (9am-5pm)
June 24,25,26,27 (9am-5pm)

Prerequisite Requirements

Participants must be 15 years old at the completion of the lifeguard class
Successfully pass required physical competency - see below for details
Complete all required online pre-course work

To begin the process please apply online.

Apply for Lifeguard Jobs

For more information contact aquatics@ppymca.org.

Physical Competency Required

Completion of a pre-swim is a requirement to gain admittance into a lifeguard class. All physical competency tests are being conducted at the interview for lifeguard positions. Please apply online. If you are looking to receive certification without employment please contact aquatics@ppymca.org. All participants must be 16 years of age or will be at the conclusion of the lifeguard class they are planning to attend.

The physical competency of the test include:

Phase 1: 2 minutes of treading water with legs only followed by:

100 yard (2 laps) of front crawl
100 yard of breaststroke
50 yard of front crawl head up
50 yard of breaststroke head up
50 yard elementary backstroke

Phase 2: Sprint 60 ft of front crawl and do an arm over arm surface dive to retrieve and object from the bottom at 7 ft. Tread water for 1 minute and return object to the bottom of the pool and then finish the length of the pool and complete 100 compressions and then listen to verbal instructions.

Promotional Pricing

If the lifeguard candidate works for the YMCA for 90+ days at a center, the cost of lifeguarding class will be covered.
*Location of employment is dependent on need*

Non-promotional Pricing

This pricing is for individuals not planning to work for the YMCA.
$375

Lifeguard Positions

The Y has led the way in swimming and water safety for more than 125 years. Through the YMCA Lifeguard, you have the opportunity to not only benefit as a participant in this program, but also to help others reach their full potential through swimming and water safety programs at the Y. The goal of developing character and building assets are central to the YMCA philosophy and make YMCA programs different than those offered by any other organization. By taking the YMCA lifeguard course or being employed by the YMCA you will develop specific skills while growing in spirit, mind, and body.

Apply for Lifeguard Jobs

All physical competency tests are being conducted at the interview for lifeguard positions. Please apply online. If you are looking to receive certification without employment please contact aquatics@ppymca.org.

YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region

Lifeguard Certification