American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification

Introducing American Red Cross Training at the Y

Lifeguard Course + Oxygen (blended learning):

The American Red Cross Lifeguard Training course is a nationally recognized course that will provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies. This course will also prepare participants to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illness until EMS personnel take over.

An American Red Cross digital lifeguard manual, hip pack, whistle and resuscitation mask will be provided at the start of class. 

Course length: 20 hours of in person classroom and pool time. Course requires 7 hours of eLearning.

Lifeguard Course Prerequisites:

• Must be at least 15 years of age on or before the final scheduled session of the course.
• Swim 300 yards, continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Participants may swim using front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
• Tread water for 2 minutes using legs only
• Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
  • Starting in water, swim 20 yards.
  • Surface dive, feet-first or headfirst, to a depth of 7-10 feet and retrieve a 10-pound object.
  • Return to surface and swim 20 yards on the back, return to starting point while holding 10-pound object with both hands and keeping the face at or near the surface of the water.
  • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

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Waterfront Lifeguard Course + Oxygen (blended learning):

The American Red Cross Lifeguard Training + Waterfront course will teach participants all of the above skills listed in the Lifeguard Course description along with teaching participants the skills and knowledge needed to prevent and respond to emergencies in non-surf, open-water areas found in public parks, resorts, summer camps and campgrounds.

Course length: 26 hours of in-person classroom and pool time. Course requires 7 hours of eLearning.

This course is only offered at the YMCA Camp Cristina location.

Waterfront Lifeguard Course Prerequisites:

• Participants must be at least 15 years of age on or before the final scheduled session of the course.
• Swim 550 yards, continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Participants may swim using front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
• Tread water for 2 minutes using legs only
• Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
  • Starting in water, swim 20 yards.
  • Surface dive, feet-first or headfirst, to a depth of 7-10 feet and retrieve a 10-pound object.
  • Return to surface and swim 20 yards on the back, return to starting point while holding 10-pound object with both hands and keeping the face at or near the surface of the water.
  • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
• 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.

Sign Up

Upon successful completion of the course(s) the participant will be certified in:

• American Red Cross Lifeguarding
• CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
• First Aid
• Oxygen Administration 

Course Dates & Times:
Classes are held monthly at most Tampa Family Y locations.

Individuals interested in working for the Tampa Y, who successfully pass the American Red Cross lifeguard course and YMCA interview process will qualify for partial reimbursement of their lifeguard course fee. Interested candidates should contact their local Tampa YMCA.