Lifeguard Certification

The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Lifeguard Training course is the most comprehensive program available, including certifications in CPR/AED, Basic Life Support, First Aid and Oxygen Administration. Training in equipment-based rescues for aquatic environments, accident prevention, and decision-making skills prepare participants for employment.

Participants must be 16 years old (unless otherwise stated) before the start of class. Attendance, full participation and successful completion of written tests and performance of all water skills are required. All classes have class dates/times that are mandatory for the session to obtain certification.

Schedule a swim test at your local Y

Lifeguard Trainings

Get Started

Set up a swim assessment with our guard staff

Please fill out a swim lesson assessment to share your interest in participating in one of our upcoming lifeguard certification courses and someone will reach out to you with the next available class at your preferred branch.

Pricing:
For YMCA Applicants and Employees:
YMCA Lifeguard v6: Free
American Red Cross Lifeguard: $50

For non-YMCA Applicants and Employees:
YMCA Lifeguardv6: $300
American Red Cross Lifeguard: $350

Apply Now for one of our open lifeguard position!

Training Requirements

Participants must be 16 years old by the last day of class for YMCA Lifeguard Training.
Participants must be 15 years old by the last day of class for Red Cross Lifeguard Training.
Attendance, full participation and successful completion of written tests and performance of all water skills are required. All classes have class dates/times that are mandatory for the session to obtain certification.

Participants must be able to:

Tread water for at least 2 minutes
Swim 100 yards of front crawl
Swim 50 yards each of front crawl with head up, sidestroke, breaststroke, breaststroke with head up, inverted breaststroke kick with hands on stomach
Perform a feet-first surface dive in 8 to 10 feet of water and then swim underwater for 15 feet
Perform a series of tasks given by the instructor to demonstrate listening and scanning ability as well as stamina and endurance

Items to Bring to Class:

Swimsuit and Towel (for females a one-piece suit is required)
Pen
Proof of Age
A student under the age of 18 must bring a minor permission form sign by parent and participant
Fanny Pack, Whistle, and CPR mask (these will be provided after completion of physical competency test)
Change of clothes
Open Mind

Teen Aquatic Safety Assistant

Ages 14 & Up | Teen Aquatic Safety Assistant

The course is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a lifeguard and professional rescuer. Participants will be certified in American Safety and Health Institute’s (ASHI) courses: CPR Pro (BLS) for the Professional Rescuer, Basic First Aid for the Community, and Emergency Oxygen Administration.

This course does not provide participants with lifeguard training or certification. Students must pass the physical skills test prior to the class and must be 14 years of age by the last day of the scheduled class.

Apply to Lifeguard

Lifeguard

Campbell County in Ft. Thomas, KY

Highland County in Hillsboro

M.E. Lyons in Anderson

Clermont County in Batavia

Blue Ash

Gamble-Nippert in Westwood

Clippard in Colerain

Powel Crosley in Springfield Twsp.

CHL Impact Center in the West End

R.C. Durr in Northern Kentucky

Swim Assessment

Lifeguard Interest Form

First Name*
Last Name*
Cell Phone Number*
Email Address*
Location*
Age
Comfort Around Water*
Are you confident doing the following for a swim test?
- Yes
- No
- 100 YARD FREESTYLE (4 LENGTHS OF 25 YARD POOL)
- 50 YARDS FRONT CRAWL WITH HEAD OUT OF WATER
- 50 YARD SIDE STROKE
- 50 YARD BREASTSTROKE
- 50 YARD BREASTSTROKE WITH HEAD UP
- 50 YARD BACKSTROKE
- TREAD WATER FOR TWO MINUTES
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