Lifeguard Classes

Lifeguard Classes

Here at Colony West, we have a YMCA certified Lifeguard instructor who teaches at least one class every season and recertifies current Lifesaving certifications.

We believe that preventing an accident and saving a life is worth the hours of training and dedication essential to become a competent lifeguard. YMCA-certified lifeguards have a serious responsibility to prevent accidents and handle emergencies properly. It is imperative that lifeguards and aquatic safety assistants are physically trained, mentally alert, and have the maturity to safely guard an aquatic area. 60% of all candidates are successful in this professional endeavor.

You are expected at ALL times to demonstrate maturity during classroom and pool instruction by:

  1. Participating in ALL class, pool, and practice sessions.
  2. Arriving promptly and prepared with a picture ID or other proof of age.
  3. Presenting a positive attitude and demonstrating courteous class conduct.
  4. Making an appointment with the instructor if you have specific testing needs.

To participate in the YMCA lifeguard course, offered at Colony West, you must meet the following prerequisites:

  1. Be at least 16 years old by the last day of the scheduled course.
  2. Tread water for 2 minutes then swim 100 yards of front crawl.
  3. Swim 50 yards of each: Front crawl with the head up, Sidestroke, Breaststroke, Breaststroke with the head up, Elementary Backstroke kick with hands on the chest. Perform a feet first surface dive in 8 to 10 feet of water. Then swim underwater for 15 feet.
  4. Sprint for a distance of approx. 60 feet and perform an arm-over-arm surface dive in 8 to 10 feet of water. Pick up an object (dive ring) from the bottom of the pool, surface and tread water for at least 1 minute with legs only, and then replace the object back on the bottom of the pool where it was found. Surface and swim the remaining length to the end of the pool and hoist yourself out of the water without using a ladder. Immediately begin compression on an adult manikin for 1 minute or 100 compressions.

To complete the course successfully, you will be required to perform the following:

  1. Demonstrate competency in each critical skill taught in the course; competency is defined as being able to perform each critical skill correctly and without guidance.
  2. Successfully complete Basic Life Saving, First Aid for the Community, and Emergency Oxygen Administration certifications. Complete all eLearning assignments according to the schedule set by your instructor. The total eLearning time is 9 hours.
  3. Successfully complete water tests and all scenarios.
  4. Pass all written exams with at least an 80% score. The YMCA Lifeguard exam requires an 80% score or better on each section of the exam to pass.

Best of luck to all of those interested in completing the course!

Please email [email protected] with your intent to take the class.

Pre test will be 10:00 on May 11, with class the following week May 13 starting at 4:00.

You will need to make a (free) YMCA account in order to sign up for the class.

Class costs $200. Please make checks made payable to CWSC.