Earn while you learn! You’re one click away from starting your journey to become a lifeguard!
The YMCA’s nationally-recognized Lifeguard Certification program prepares you for one of the most highly demanded jobs in the country.
- Course is free
-
2023 Participants earn a stipend while taking the lifeguard training course
-
Get a new hire bonus when you become certified through our course and join our team
Want to sign up for our next certification course? Your first step is to register for a pre-test below!
Register for the Pre-Test
We regularly schedule pre-tests to confirm your swim ability meets the standard for the Lifeguard Certification Course. Register for your pre-test below.
| YMCA Branches | Time |
|---|---|
| Brooklyn | |
| Bed-Stuy | Fri. 2-3pm |
| Coney Island | |
| North Brooklyn | Tue. 2-4pm Wed. 1-3pm |
| Prospect Park | |
| Queens | |
| Cross Island | Sat. 1-2pm |
| Flushing | Tue. 2-4pm Thu. 2-4pm |
| Jamaica | Sat. 12-12:30pm |
| Rockaway | Mon. 10-12pm Mon. 3-4:30pm |
| Manhattan | |
| Harlem | |
| McBurney | Tue. 12-2pm |
| Vanderbilt | Mon. 10-12pm |
| West Side** | Tue. 3-4pm Wed. 3-4pm Thu. 3-4pm Fri. 3-4pm |
| Staten Island | |
| Broadway | Tue. 3:30-4:30pm |
| South Shore | Tue. 3-3:30pm Thurs. 3-3:30pm Sun. 4-5pm |
| The Bronx | |
| Castle Hill | Mon. 3-5pm Tue. 3-5pm |
| La Central | Mon. 4-6pm Thu. 4-6pm |
**Excludes 4/6 - 4/11
Note: To qualify for the Spring Break Week Course (April 10th - 14th), you must pass your pre-test by March 25th.
Note: To qualify for the Spring II Course (May 1st - June 25th), you must pass your pre-test by April 15th.
Note: To qualify for the June Break Week Course (June 26th - 30th), you must pass your pre-test by June 10th.
Note: To qualify for the Summer Course (July 3rd - July 31st), you must pass your pre-test by June 17th.
You will need to bring a swimsuit, a swim cap, and a towel to the pretest. Goggles are optional.
What does the Pre-Test Involve?
Pre-Test Requirements
1. Tread water for 2 minutes - use legs only.
2. Swim 100 yards of front crawl.
3. Swim 50 yards of each:
- Sidestroke
- Breaststroke
- Elementary backstroke
4. Complete feet-first surface dive and 15 feet underwater swim.
5. Perform 60-foot sprint, then surface dive to retrieve object at the bottom of pool and hold at surface treading for 1 minute.
6. Pick up an object from the bottom of pool, surface and tread water for 1 minute with legs only, then replace the object on the bottom of the pool where it was found.
7. Swim the remaining length to end of pool, and hoist yourself out of water.
8. Perform compressions on an adult manikin and follow directions of the instructor.
Course Dates
After you successfully pass the pre-test, you may participate in our free Lifeguard Certification Course. Below are upcoming courses in New York City. Note: You do not need to take your pre-test in the same location you plan to take the certification course.
Spring Break Session
In-Person Class: April 10th - April 14th, 2023
The course is a 5 Day Intensive Course: All eLearning must be completed prior to 4/8 to attend
| Branch | Borough | Dates/Times |
|---|---|---|
| La Central | Bronx | Mon. 4/10 - Fri. 4/14 9-5pm |
| Rockaway | Queens | Mon. 4/10 - Fri. 4/14 8-4pm |
Spring II Session
| In-Person Class Location | Dates | Times |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan | ||
| West Side (Mon) | May 1, 8, 15, 22, Jun 5, 12, 19 | 2:45pm-8:30 pm |
| Queens | ||
| Jamaica (Mon & Thurs) | May 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, Jun 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29 | 9:00-12:00 pm |
| Bronx | ||
| La Central (Wed & Fri) | May 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31, Jun 2, 7, 9, 14,16, 21, 23 | 4:30-7:30pm |
| Staten Island | ||
| Broadway (Sat) | May 6, 13, 20, 27, Jun 3, 10, 17, 24 | 9:00-2:00pm |
| Brooklyn | ||
| Prospect Park (Wed) | May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Jun 7, 14, 21 | 3:00-8:00pm |
June Break Session
In-Person Class: June 26th to June 30th, 2023
The course is a 5 Day Intensive Course: All eLearning must be completed prior to 6/26 to attend
| Branch | Borough | Dates/Times |
|---|---|---|
| La Central | Bronx | Mon. 6/26 - Fri. 6/30 9am-5pm |
| Coney Island | Brooklyn | Mon. 6/26 - Fri. 6/30 8am-4pm |
Summer Session
| In-Person Class Location | Dates | Times |
|---|---|---|
| Queens | ||
| Jamaica (Tue & Thurs) | July 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27 | 12:00-6:15 pm |
| Staten Island | ||
| Broadway (Tue & Thurs) | July 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27 | 8:30-2:45pm |
Lifeguard Certification Course Description
Course Components
- Basic Life Support
- Basic First Aid
- Oxygen administration
- Y Lifeguard Classroom
- Pool/Water Skills Time
- eLearning Time
- Course Hours
Introductory e-Learning: 9 hours
Classroom Learning: 13 hours
Water/Pool Skills: 15 hours
Total Time: 37 hours
- Must attend all sessions. Any lateness exceeding 15 minutes is counted as not attending. Each component has a physical skill and written exam. Completion of the physical skills is mandatory to take the written exam. Passing grade is 80% for written exams.
Open Lifeguard Positions
Are you a certified lifeguard? Apply today to join our team and serve your community!
Questions?
Interested in learning more about our lifeguard certification courses?