Lifeguards are employed in a wide variety of organized aquatic environments including swimming pools, water parks and summer camps. Although there are variations in individual job descriptions, all lifeguards perform duties in accident prevention, rescues, public relations and administration. The programs below provide a guideline on the “7 Steps to Becoming a Lifeguard/Swim Instructor”.
Step 1
Bronze Star (Registration Required)
January 8 - April 1
Sunday 10:00 – 11:00
Excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion. Participants develop problem-solving and decision-making skills individually and with partners. Candidates learn CPR and develop the lifesaving skills needed to be their own lifeguard. Includes a timed 400m swim.
Members Fee: $20
Non-Members Fee: $30
Prerequisite: 12yrs of age
Step 2
Bronze Medallion (Registration Required)
January 8 – February 26
Sunday 9:00 – 1:00
Bronze Medallion introduces participants to the basic principals of lifesaving—judgement, knowledge, skill and fitness. With an emphasis on self-rescue, lifesavers learn to respond to emergency first aid situations, as well as various low-risk water rescues. There is also a fitness component aimed at improving stroke efficiency and endurance through timed swims and distance rescues. Bronze Medallion is a prerequisite for the Bronze Cross Award.
Members Fee: $80
Non-Members Fee: $115
Prerequisite: 13yrs of age or completion of Bronze Star
Step 3
Bronze Cross (Registration Required)
March 25 - May 6
Sunday 9:00 – 1:00
Bronze Cross is designed for lifesavers that want the challenge of more advanced training, including an introduction to safe supervision in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross furthers the rescuers’ first aid knowledge, as well as their ability to care for victims with a spinal injury. With an introduction to teamwork, communication and aquatic supervision, Bronze Cross is an excellent preparation for the demanding role of a lifeguard. Bronze Cross is the prerequisite award for all advanced training programs in lifeguarding and swim instructing.
Members Fee: $80
Non-Members Fee: $115
Prerequisite: Completion of Bronze Medallion
Step 4
Standard First Aid, Level C CPR (Registration Required)
February 4 – 5
March 31 – April 1
June 2 – 3
Saturday/Sunday 9:00 – 5:00
Provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR. This course is for those who want an in-depth understanding of first aid such as; medical/legal aspects, spinal injuries, heat or cold injuries, bone and joint injuries, abdominal and chest injuries, burns, and medical emergencies.
Members Fee: $80
Non-Members Fee: $115
Prerequisite: 12yrs of age
Standard First Aid, Level C CPR Recertification Clinic (Registration Required)
February 11
April 14
June 9
Saturday 12:00 – 6:00
Members Fee: $50
Non-Members Fee: $60
Prerequisite: Must hold current Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid Certification
Step 5
YMCA & Lifesaving Society Assistant Swim Instructors (Registration Required)
n/a
This stepping stone is designed to help prepare future swimming instructors with the basic physical principals of water and swimming skills assisting a swim instructor.
Members Fee: $80
Non-Members Fee: $115
Prerequisite: 14yrs of age and current Bronze Cross or higher
Step 6
YMCA & Lifesaving Society Swimming Instructors (Registration Required)
January 12 – March 8
Thursday 6:00 – 10:00
Candidates will become fully certified swimming instructors under the YMCA and Lifesaving Society.
Members Fee: $120
Non-Members Fee: $180
Prerequisite: 16yrs of age and current Bronze Cross or NLS
Step 7
National Lifeguard Service (Registration Required)
March 29 – May 31
Thursday 6:00 – 10:00
NLS builds on the fundamental skills, knowledge, and values of the Lifesaving Society to develop practical skills and knowledge required by lifeguards. National Lifeguard education is designed to develop a sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgement, and a mature and responsible attitude toward the role of the lifeguard.
Members Fee: $120
Non-Members Fee: $180
Prerequisite: 16yrs of age and current Bronze Course or NLS
NLS Recertification Clinic (Registration Required)
March 22
April 5
June 14
Thursday 7:00 – 10:00
Members Fee: $50
Non-Members Fee: $60
Prerequisite: Must hold current National Lifeguard Service Certification
Please contact the YMCA at (705) 497-9622 to register.
