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  

Can I pass the required pretest? See below for the pretest requirements.

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 do an head-first surface dive to retrieve object at the bottom of pool and hold at surface treading for 1 minute.

6. Submerge to the bottom using a foot-first surface dive, replace the object on the bottom of the pool where it was found, and return to the surface.

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.

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.

 

Register

 

YMCA BranchesTime
Brooklyn 
Bed-StuyFri. 3-4pm
Coney Island*currently not offering
North BrooklynMon. 12-2pm
Wed. 12-2pm
Prospect Park*currently not offering
Queens 
Cross IslandSat. 1-2pm
FlushingTue. 2-4pm
Thu. 2-4pm
JamaicaFri. 4:30-5pm
Rockaway*currently not offering
Manhattan 
Harlem*currently not offering
McBurney*currently not offering
VanderbiltTue. 11-1pm
West SideTue. 3-4pm
Fri. 3-4pm
Staten Island 
BroadwayTue. 4-4:30pm
Fri. 3-4pm
South ShoreTue. 3-3:30pm
Thurs. 3-3:30pm
Sun. 4-5pm
The Bronx 
Castle HillMon. 3-4:30pm
Tue. 3-5pm
La CentralMon. 4-6pm
Thu. 4-6pm

 

Note: To qualify for the February Break Week Course (February 19th - 23rd), you must pass your pre-test by February 3rd.

Note: To qualify for the Spring I Course (February 26th - April 28th), you must pass your pre-test by February 10th.

Note: To qualify for the Spring Break Week Course (April 22nd - 27th), you must pass your pre-test by April 6th.

Note: To qualify for the Spring II Course (April 29th -  June 23rd), you must pass your pre-test by April 13th.

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

Register

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.

 

February Break Session

In-Person Class: February 19th - 23rd, 2024
The course is a 5 Day Intensive Course: All eLearning must be completed prior to 2/18 to attend

BranchBoroughDates/Times
Prospect ParkBrooklynMon. 2/19-Fri. 2/23 
9-5pm
Coney IslandBrooklynMon. 2/19-Fri. 2/23 
TBD

 

Spring I Session

In-Person Class LocationDatesTimes
Manhattan  
Vanderbilt (Sat)Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Apr 6, 13, 201-6:00pm
Queens  
Cross Island (Sat)Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Apr 6, 13, 201-6:00pm
Bronx  
Castle Hill (Mon & Wed)Feb 26, Mar 4, 11, 18, 26, Apr 1, 8, 154:30-7:30pm
Staten Island  
South Shore (Tue)Feb 27, Mar 5, 12, 19, 27, Apr 2, 9, 164-9:00pm
Brooklyn  
North Brooklyn (Tues)Feb 27, Mar 5, 12, 19, 27, Apr 2, 9, 1611-4:00pm

 

Spring Break Session

In-Person Class: April 22nd - 27th, 2024
The course is a 5 Day Intensive Course: All eLearning must be completed prior to 4/21 to attend

BranchBoroughDates/Times
La CentralBronxMon 4/22 - Fri 4/27
TBD
FlushingQueensMon 4/22 - Fri 4/27
9-5:00pm
RockawayQueensMon 4/22 - Fri 4/27
TBD

 

Spring II Session

In-Person Class LocationDatesTimes
Manhattan  
Harlem (TBD)TBDTBD
Queens  
Cross Island (Sat)May 4, 11, 18, 25, June 1, 8, 15, 221:00-6:00pm
Bronx  
LaCentral (Mon & Wed)Apr 29, May 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29, Jun 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 194:30-7:30pm
Staten Island  
South Shore (Tue)Apr 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28, May 4, 11, 284-9:00pm
Brooklyn  
Bedford-Stuyvesant (Sat)May 4, 11, 18, 25, June 1, 8, 15, 222-7:00pm

 

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!

View Open Jobs

 

Questions?

Interested in learning more about our lifeguard certification courses?

Contact Us