Program Information: 

This course is designed to provide participants the knowledge and skills necessary to be a lifeguard and professional rescuer. Participants will earn the following certifications in this class: 

• YMCA Lifeguard v7 Certification 

• YMCA Waterpark Skills Certification (all classes except lifeguard trainings at Camp Casey) 

• YMCA Waterfront Skills Certification (not available at this time) 

• American Safety and Health Institute’s (HSI) courses: CPR-Pro (BLS) for the Professional Rescuer, Adult First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, and Emergency Use of Medical Oxygen (EUMO). 

Class participation is contingent on successfully passing the prerequisite swim, completing approximately 8.5 hours of e-learnings, and registering for the course on the LCDC website.  Once the prerequisite swim has been successfully completed, YMCA staff will help participants register for the e-learnings.  The e-learnings MUST be completed before participant is able to register in LCDC for a lifeguard class.  Registration in LCDC for lifeguard class closes one week before class start date; students are committing to completing e-learnings and registering on the LCDC website in addition to signing up for the class through the Snohomish County YMCA website.  There are no additional fees for the candidate when registering through the LCDC website.  

The course presents information on the skills and knowledge lifeguards need in pool, lake, river, surf, and waterpark environments. The comprehensive course offers up-to-date information on how to lifeguard by anticipating and preventing problems before they occur and by taking action to help those in danger when necessary. 

The course covers safety skills, accident prevention, scanning, guarding techniques, emergency systems, rescue skills, first aid in aquatic environments, spinal injury management, open water dangers, legal responsibilities, pool maintenance basics, and information on how to get a job as a lifeguard. Students must pass the physical skills test prior to the class and must be 15 years of age by the last day of the scheduled class. 

Pass the following Physical Competency Requirements (conducted in class on the first day & at the prerequisite swim): 

• Phase 1 – Swim 350 yards (continuous without rest break)

    Swim 100 yards front crawl (face in water & proper side breathing) 

    Swim 100 yards of breaststroke 

    Swim 50 yards of front crawl with head up 

    Swim 50 yards of breaststroke with head up 

    Swim 50 yards of elementary backstroke kick or eggbeater kick with hands on chest 

• Phase 2 – Tread water for 2 minutes without use of hands

• Phase 3 – Combined Skills Event

    Participants start in the water at the shallow end. – Sprint for a distance of approximately 60 feet, and then perform an arm-over-arm surface dive in 8 to 10 feet of water (or maximum depth of training facility). 

    Pick up an object (dive ring) from the bottom of pool, surface, tread water for at least 1 minute using legs only. 

    Swim the remaining length to end of the pool, holding the object with both hands. Place the object on the deck and hoist yourself out of the water. 

    Immediately begin compression on an adult manikin for 1 minute or 100 compressions, and stand and listen to directions from the instructor. 

Successfully completing this training does not guarantee employment with the YMCA of Snohomish County.  Participants interested in employment will need to complete and application and participate in an interview. 

Refund policy:  Cancelation prior to class registration in LCDC will receive a 75% refund.  Cancelation after registration for lifeguard class in LCDC will not qualify for a refund.  If e-learnings are not completed with time to register for current class, the candidate may be allowed to register for the next lifeguard training in leu of requesting a 75% refund.