Become a YMCA Lifeguard More in this section Home About Lifeguarding Program Overview Training Schedules Questions and Contact Us Pre-test Lifeguard Development Lifeguard Course Additional Certifications Lifeguard Training SchedulesTraining courses are taught at different locations throughout the city. Our course schedule is updated monthly, so check back if you can’t find a time that works for you. Pre-testWe regularly schedule pre-tests so you can start your training program as soon as possible. You will need to bring a swimsuit, swim cap, and towel. Goggles are optional.Register SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdayBronx———La Central4—6:00pm———BrooklynProspect Park4—5:00pmNorth Brooklyn12—2:00pm—Coney Island3—4:00pmNorth Brooklyn4—6:00pmBed-Stuy2—3:00pm—Manhattan——Harlem2—3:00pm Harlem2:30—4pm West Side11:30—12pmMcBurney12—12:30pm—Queens——Flushing2—3:30pm—Flushing2—3:30pm—Cross Island1—2:00pm Rockaway9—11:00amStaten Island—South Shore3—4:00pmBroadway3—3:30pm South Shore3—4:00pm—Broadway3—3:30pm South Shore3—4:00pm—Broadway2:30—3:30pmNote: Pre-test must be taken less than 90 days from the start of the training course session you would like to attend Lifeguard CourseAfter you successfully pass the pre-test and e-learning course, you may sign up for the classroom and pool course. There are 3 ways we offer the course: an 8-week course, an intensive 5-Day course, or the 4-5-week Summer Course.Note: You do not need to take your pre-test in the same location you plan to take the certification course. Intensive: Summer SessionJuly 1-31, 2026Tuesdays and ThursdaysWednesdaysThursdaysQueensJamaicaStaten IslandBroadwayBronxLa CentralManhattanWest SideJul 2—2810am—3:00pmJul 2—289am—2:00pmJul 1—2910:30am—6:30pmJul 2—309am—5:00pmNote: To qualify for the Summer Session, you must pass your pre-test by June 13th. Standard: Fall I SessionSeptember 8-October 31, 2026MondaysTuesdaysSaturdaysSundaysBronxCastle HillStaten IslandSouth ShoreBrooklynNorth BrooklynQueensCross IslandManhattanMcBurneySept 14—263:30—8:30pmSept 8—274—9:00pmTBDSept 12—311—6:00pmSept 13—Nov 19am—2:00pmNote: To qualify for the Fall I Session, you must pass your pre-test by August 22nd. Standard: Fall II SessionNovember 5-December 19, 2026ThursdaysSaturdaysQueensJamaicaBronxLa CentralManhattanWest SideQueensCross IslandBrooklynBedford-StuyvesantStaten IslandBroadwayNov 5—Dec 1710am—4:00pmNov 5—Dec 173—8:30pmNov 7—1910am—3:30pmNov 7—1912:30—6:00pmNov 7—192—7:30pmNov 7—1911:30am—5:00pmNote: To qualify for the Fall II Session, you must pass your pre-test by October 17th. Intensive: December Break SessionDecember 26–30, 2026Saturday-WednesdayManhattanMcBurneyBrooklynProspect ParkQueensFlushingStaten IslandBroadwayDec 26—309am—5:00pmDec 26—309am—5:00pmDec 26—309am—5:00pmDec 26—309am—5:00pmNote: To qualify for the December Break Session, you must pass your pre-test by December 12th. Additional CertificationsWe occasionally offer Waterpark Certification and Waterfront Certification. We can alert you the next time one is scheduled.Notify Me Lifeguard DevelopmentWe offer a Lifeguard Development course to help you prepare to take the pre-test. We can alert you the next time one is scheduled.Notify Me These dates don’t work for you? Request notification for future training. Notify Me