Training in lifesaving skills such as lifeguarding and CPR present opportunities for youth to take on greater responsibility for themselves and others.
Our Y offers lifeguard and CPR training programs with full certification.
The Invensys Foxboro YMCA offers an intensive, 3-day lifeguard certification course scheduled over one weekend or multiple days coinciding with school break weeks. Our program is led by certified lifeguard instructors and professional aquatics directors. Students get hands on training (in the pool), with practical experience in essential lifeguard skills.
A hands on and proactive approach to lifeguard training, the YMCA Lifeguard Training Program is a single, integrated curriculum that successfully trains lifeguards through proven training methods and state-of-the-art lifeguard rescue skills. Course includes lifeguard rescue skills, First Aid, CPR for Professional Rescuers, Emergency Oxygen Support and Automated External Defibrillation.
Lifeguard certificate is valid at any aquatic facility in the U.S. Students must attend all days and times of course for certification as well as complete an assigned resource document, 80% on written exam and demonstrate mastery of all practical skills.
Note: classes shown for registration are available at all our branch locations, and include Community CPR as well as Lifeguard Training.
What Certifications come with the class
- YMCA Lifeguard Certification
- CPR Pro for the Professional Rescuer (CPR Pro), includes adults, children and infants
- Basic First Aid
- Emergency Oxygen Administration
- Automated External Defibrillation (AED)
Prerequisites
- Minimum age of 16 by the last day of the scheduled course. Those under the age of 18 must have parental consent to participate in the course.
- Pass the following Physical Competency Requirements:
PHASE 1
- Tread water for 2 minutes (legs only)
- Swim 100 yards of front crawl (under 2 minutes)
PHASE 2
- 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 (or maximum depth of training facility). Then swim under water for 15 feet.
PHASE 3
- Starting in the shallow end of the water, sprint for a distance of approximately 60 feet then perform an arm-over-arm surface dive in 8 to 10 feet (or maximum depth of training facility)
- Pick up an object (dive ring) from the bottom of pool, surface and tread water for at least one minute with legs only, replace the object back to the bottom of the pool where it was found
- Swim the remaining length to end of pool, and hoist yourself out of water
- Immediately begin compression on an adult manikin for one minute or 100 compressions, stand and listen to directions from instructor
Our instructors are willing to provide additional coaching if any of the prerequisites cannot be met.
Benefits of taking a lifeguard class
- You learn valuable lifesaving skills from the national organization that sets the standard for safe and effective lifeguarding.
- You get a lifeguard book included in the price of the class.
- You will receive study materials and flowcharts prior to the start of the class.
- Your Lifeguard Certification allows you to apply for lifeguard jobs as a fully certified lifeguard.
- You can become a lifeguard in under a week!
What you need to bring:
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- Some food–lunch and maybe a snack