Lifeguard Course Information

The Cumberland YMCA will be offering both American Red Cross and YMCA Lifeguard Certification courses during the Winter and Spring of 2010.  Dates and details for the American Red Cross classes are available on this flyer or at the front desk of the YMCA.  Details for the YMCA course are being finalized and will be posted here as soon as possible.  Below you will find a course summary and prerequisites for each course.  We will also be offering American Red Cross Recertification and Challenge Classes.  All inquiries should be directed to the Aquatics Department at (301) 777-9622 or jwright@allconet.org. 

These courses will provide the student with all of the necessary skills to safely perform all of the duties of a professional lifeguard.  In addition to rescue techniques, participants will learn: the importance of aquatic safety, personal survival skills and swimming strokes, aquatic rescues from the water and the deck utilizing various pieces of rescue equipment, handling special aquatic emergency situations, lifeguarding techniques, personal health and safety of lifeguards, and lifeguard responsibilities and administration, including duties, rules, legal responsibilities, emergency procedures, reports, and pool maintenance.  

Prerequisites for YMCA Lifeguard Certification:

At least 16 years of age

Must pass required 500 yard swim test on the first day of class which consists of 100 yards each of sidestroke, front crawl, breaststroke, sidestroke kick with one arm forward, and inverted breaststroke kick with arms on the stomach.  You will also be required to tread water for 2 minutes using your legs only and complete 2 surface dives, head first and feet first, in deep water then swim 15 feet underwater.

Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer or American Heart Association CPR/AED for the Healthcare Provider, Standard First Aid, and Oxygen Administration Certifications are required prerequisites for this course.  Each course will be offered at the YMCA prior to the start of the Lifeguarding Course.  These classes can also be taken elsewhere and certification cards need to be shown on the first day of class. 

Prerequisites for American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification:

At least 15 years of age

Must pass 300 yard swim test during pre-course session.  This swim test requires the student to swim continuously: 100 yards front crawl using rhythmic breathing and a stabilizing, propellant kick; 100 yards breaststroke using a pull, breathe, kick, and glide sequence; 100 yards of either front crawl or breaststroke (may be a combination of both strokes).  There is no time limit for this test. 

Starting in the water, swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke, surface dive in deep water retrieve a diving brick, return to the surface, swim 20 yards back to the starting point with the object and exit the water without using a ladder or steps.  This must be completed within 1 minute, 40 seconds. 

All CPR and First Aid Instruction is included in this course.