Lifeguard training can be strenuous. 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:
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.
Pre-Swim Test
Participant will be asked to jump into the deep end of the pool, fully submerge, resurface, and begin swimming. You will swim 150 yards, tread water for 2 minutes, with our hands out of the water, immediately swim another 50 yards and exit the pool without using the steps or ladder. You may use goggles for this portion of the test. You must be able to have your face in the water while you swim and demonstrate rhythmic breathing. You may use the breaststroke or the crawl. You may not stop once you start or touch the bottom of the pool, but this portion of the test is NOT timed. The second part of the test is the brick test. This test is timed, and you may NOT wear goggles. You will swim 20 yards using the front stroke of your choice. A ten-pound brick will be at the bottom of the pool in about 7 feet of water. You will dive down, retrieve the brick and swim back to the starting line without using your hands to propel you. Once you get back to the start you will place the brick on the edge of the pool and exit the pool without using the ladder. You will have 1 minute and 40 seconds.
Swim test is scheduled an 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.
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.
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.
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. Call Kjel Rahko at 218-327-1161 with any questions.
Waterfront Lifeguard:
Waterfront Class fee: $130. Incentives may be available for prospective employees of the Itasca County Family YMCA. Call Kjel Rahko at 218-327-1161 with any questions.
Register online or by calling Kjel Rahko at 218-327-1161
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 will be held in the classrooms in the Active Living Center at the Y. All classes are held 5:30pm-9:00pm.
If you have a group that is interested in Adult/Child CPR, please contact the YMCA by the Contact Form tab at top of website.
Class fee is $65 for Itasca YMCA Members/$85 for Community
Monday, July 14, 2025
Monday, September 22, 2025
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 will be held in the classrooms in the Active Living Center at the Y. All classes are held 5:30pm-9:00pm.
If you have a group that is interested in Pediatric CPR, please contact the YMCA by the Contact Form tab at top of website.
Class fee is $65 for Itasca YMCA Members/$85 for Community
Monday, November 3, 2025