Become a YMCA Lifeguard

What you need to know:
You will need to bring a swimsuit, a swim cap, and a towel to the pretest. Goggles are optional.

To pass, you will need to:

1. Swim 100 yards of front crawl with Rotary Breathing.
2. Swim 100 yards of Breaststroke.
3. Swim 50 yards of each:
      - Front crawl with head-up
      - Breaststroke with head-up
      - Elementary backstroke kick with hands on chest/stomach.
4. Tread water for 2 minutes - use legs only.
5. Perform 60-foot sprint, then do an head-first surface dive to retrieve object at the bottom of pool and hold at surface treading for 1 minute.
6. Swim the remaining length on your back holding the object with both hands to end of pool. Place the object. on the deck and host yourself out of water.
7. Perform compressions on an adult manikin and follow directions of the instructor.

Note: Goggles may be used for sections 1-4, and must be removed for sections 5-8.

What you need to know:
You must complete the e-learning before you can register for the classroom and pool course.

How to register:
Once you pass your pre-test you will receive an email with a link to register in the YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) system.

To register for e-learnings (required to register for the class), you will need to:

1. Create an account at YUSA-LCDC (if you don't have one already)
2. Log back in to register for the YLG v7 Prerequisite Bundle
3. "Check out" (you will not be charged)
4. Launch Class to begin the individual e-learning modules
5. Register for the classroom and pool course

What you need to know
There are three courses for a total of about 9 hours of watch time, including numerous videos that you must watch and answer questions about. It cannot be played at a faster speed. Do not leave this to the last minute.

What you need to know
Once you complete the e-learning courses, you must notify the Y's Aquatics team at aquatics@ymcanyc.org

How to register

1. Once we receive your email confirming completion of e-learning, we will send you a link to register for a specific in-person classroom and pool course.
2. Click the link to go to the Y-USA website, where you will log on to register for YLG V7.
3. Enter the username and password that you previously created.
4. Scroll to the bottom of the class detail page and click on the blue box in the lower left-hand corner.
5. Follow instructions to complete registration for the class. 

What you need to know
Each day will comprise a classroom session and a pool session.

We teach through simulations, working in pairs and teams, to learn and execute safety skills, including:

• Active and passive rescue
• First aid and injury triage
• Identifying behaviors to catch and address

What you need to know
You must pass the pool exam before you can take the written test.

The pool exam uses simulation to test your knowledge and skills. You will work in pairs and teams to execute safety and recovery strategies.

What you need to know
Once you pass the pool test, you may take the written test.

The test is comprised of seven sections, with ten multiple-choice questions per section. You must answer at least 80% of each section correctly in order to pass.

The test is untimed; most people are able to finish in about an hour.

You may retake the written test if you do not pass the first time.