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. 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. Click the link below to register for your pre-test.

 

Register

 

YMCA Branches Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Brooklyn              
Bed-Stuy         2:00 - 3:00 PM    
Coney Island              
North Brooklyn   4:00 - 6:00 PM          
Prospect Park              
Queens              
Cross Island     7:00 - 8:00 PM     1:00 - 2:00 PM  
Flushing              
Jamaica        

 

 12:00 - 12:30 PM  
Rockaway 3:00 - 4:00 PM 3:00 - 5:00 PM       2:00 - 3:00 PM 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Manhattan              
Harlem              
McBurney   12:00 - 2:00 PM          
Vanderbilt 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM            
West Side     3:00 - 4:00 PM 3:00 - 4:00 PM 3:00 - 4:00 PM    
Staten Island              
Broadway     3:30 - 4:30 PM   3:30 - 4:30 PM    
South Shore* 8:30 - 9:30 PM 2:30 - 3:30 PM          
The Bronx              
Castle Hill 3:00 - 5:00 PM     3:00 - 5:00 PM      
La Central              

*Excludes: 8/1, 8/2

Note: To qualify for the Fall I Course (September 5th - October 30th), you must pass your pre-test by August 20th.

Note: To Qualify for the Fall II Course (October 31st - December 24th), you must pass your pre-test by October 15th.

Note: To qualify for the December Break Week Course (December 26th - 30th), you must pass your pre-test by December 10th.

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

Register

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.

 

Fall I Session

 

In-Person Class Location Borough Dates Times
West Side (Wed) Manhattan Sept, 7, 14, 21, 28, Oct 5, 12, 19, 26 10:00-3:00pm
Cross Island (Sat) Queens Sept 10, 17, 24, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 1:00-6:00pm
Castle Hill (Wed & Fri) Bronx Sept 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30, Oct 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28 4:30-7:30pm
South Shore (Tues) Staten Island Sept 6, 13, 20, 27, Oct 4, 11, 18, 25 4:00-9:00pm
Prospect Park Brooklyn TBD TBD

 

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?

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