Safety Trainings

LIFEGUARD TRAINING

Lifeguard Swim Test Requirements

Lifeguard training can be strenuous. At the first class session, a swim test must be passed in order to ensure that participants will be able to safely participate in the rest of the class. Different Lifeguard certifications have slightly different swim tests.

Basic Lifeguard:

Swim 300 yards (12 pool lengths) continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds: Start in the water at the shallow end of the pool, and swim to the far end of the pool. Retrieve the 10-pound brick off the bottom of the deep end and return to the shallow end of the pool while swimming on your back with both hands on the brick. Upon arrival at the shallow end of the pool, exit the water without using the steps or ladder. Goggles are not allowed for this skill.

It is encouraged to take the swim test prior to registration. If you register for a lifeguard course and are unable to complete the swim test for Basic Lifeguard, a participant has the opportunity to retake the test or 80% refund will be issued.

Waterfront Lifeguard:

Swim 550 yards (22 pool lengths) continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds: Start in the water at the shallow end of the pool, and swim to the far end of the pool. Retrieve the 10-pound brick off the bottom of the deep end and return to the shallow end of the pool while swimming on your back with both hands on the brick. Upon arrival at the shallow end of the pool, exit the water without using the steps or ladder. Goggles are not allowed for this skill.
Swim 5 yards, submerge and retrieve three dive rings placed 5 yards apart in 4-7 feet of water, resurface and continue to swim another 5 yards to complete the skill sequence. Goggles are not allowed for this skill.

Lifeguard Swim Test Refund Policy

Participant are encourged to perform swim test prior to registration. If the participant leaves the class at any point after the swim test has been completed, no refund will be issued.

Basic Lifeguard - Blended Training

The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguard course is to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency (EMS) personnel take over. Successful completion results in a 2-year certification in Lifeguard skills, CPR/AED for Lifeguards, and First Aid for Lifeguards.

You must be at least 15 years of age by course completion to participate in the Basic Lifeguard course. Blended learning course participants will receive a link to the e-learning modules upon successful completion of the pre-course session. These modules must be completed before the remainder of the in-person sessions.

Pre-registration is required. Cancellations must be made a minimum of 1 week in advance and only 80% will be refunded. Must attend and participate in all sessions to complete the course. Instructors will provide additional information to registered participants via email.

Class fee: $200. Incentives may be available for prospective employees of the Itasca County Family Y.

Blended Pre-Course: 7 hours self-paced; the following times will meet inperson and include pool training.

May Course
Friday, May 17, 2024 4:00-8:00pm
Saturday, May 18, 2024 8:00am-4:00pm
Sunday, May 19, 2024 8:00am-4:00pm

August Course
Friday, Aug 9, 2024 4:00-8:00pm
Saturday, Aug 10, 2024 8:00am-4:00pm
Sunday, Aug 11, 2024 8:00am-4:00pm

November Course
Friday, Nov 22, 2024 4:00-8:00pm
Saturday, Nov 23, 2024 8:00am-4:00pm
Sunday, Nov 24, 2024 8:00am-4:00pm

Register by emailing Kris Bolin or by calling 218-327-1161

LIFEGUARD REVIEW

Persons seeking to renew their lifeguard certification at or near the end of their 2 year certification period are eligible to participate in a Review Class. This shortened version of the lifeguard class will review concepts and skills, and includes an opportunity to brush up on rescue and care-giving skills. Successful completion results in a 2 year certification in Lifeguard skills, CPR/AED for Lifeguards, and First Aid for Lifeguards.

You must have a current certification OR a certification that has expired no more than 30 days to be eligible to participate in a review session. Instructors will provide additional information to registered participants via email.

Pre-registration is required. Cancellations must be made a minimum of 2 business days in advance. Must attend and participate in all sessions to complete the course.

Class fee: $130. Incentives may be available for prospective employees of the Itasca County Family YMCA.

CPR-First Aid/CPR/AED

The primary purpose of the American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI) First Aid/CPR/AED program is to help participants recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing and first aid emergencies. The courses in this program teach participants the knowledge and skills needed to give immediate care to an injured or ill person and to decide whether advanced medical care is needed. Attend the in-person skill session and receive a 2 year certification upon successful participation in the skill session.

Pre-registration is required. Cancellations must be made a minimum of 24 hours in advance. Please stop in or call the YMCA Membership Desk at 218-327-1161 to register for this class.

Class fee is $55 for Itasca YMCA Members/$75 for Community

ITASCA COUNTY FAMILY YMCA