Lifeguard Training

Lifeguard Training
If you’re ready to take the first step toward becoming an American Red Cross-certified lifeguard, join us for our next Lifeguard Training session at the Monroe County Y in Bloomington, Indiana. In this course, entry-level lifeguard candidates will gain the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies, as well as provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over.

Learn about our reimbursement program for lifeguard certification! If you become a Monroe County Y lifeguard for at least three months following certification, we’ll reimburse your program fee. You could save up to $235. Contact us for more information.

Course Details & Requirements
This course is presented in a Blended Learning format. Lifeguard candidates must complete all online course materials before the first day of the in-water class session. Candidates must attend all days of class. Participants are required to bring a swimsuit and notebook. The required e-textbook and a CPR mask are included in the course fees.

Email addresses must be updated while registering. Participants will receive access to the online portion of the class via email exactly one week from the first day of class.

All lifeguard candidates must be at least 15 years old by the last day of the course and pass the prerequisite swim test to participate. The prerequisite swim test will be completed on the first day of class. A full refund will be offered to students unable to pass the test. Refunds will not be offered to students unable to pass the course.

Prerequisite Skills Assessment:
1. Swim 300 yards, continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.

2. Tread water for two minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under their armpits. Complete a timed event within 1 minute and 40 seconds.

3. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Swim goggles are not allowed. Surface dive, feet-first or headfirst, to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a ten-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object, keeping the face at or near the surface to breathe (or to get a breath). 

2024 American Red Cross Lifeguard Course Schedule

Ask about our reimbursement program for lifeguard certification! Contact us for more information.

Questions?
Natalie Techentin
Senior Program Director
(812) 961-2389
info@MonroeCountyYMCA.org