The YMCA Lifeguard v7 Certification course prepares participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. This comprehensive program combines classroom instruction, hands-on skill practice, and scenario-based training to meet national YMCA standards for professional lifeguards.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be certified in American Safety and Health Institute’s (ASHI) courses: Basic Life Support (BLS), Adult First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, and Emergency use of Medical Oxygen.

The course covers safety skills, accident prevention, scanning, guarding techniques, emergency systems, rescue skills, first aid in aquatic environments, spinal injury management, legal responsibilities, pool maintenance basics, and information on how to get a job as a lifeguard. Students must complete the virtual learning classes prior to the start of class and must be 15 years of age by the last day of the scheduled class.

Participants must pass the following Physical Competency Requirements (conducted in class on the first day):

Phase 1 – Continuous Swim for 350 Yards

Swim 100 yards of front crawl

Swim 100 yards of Breaststroke

Swim 50 yards of each of the following:

Front crawl with head up

Breaststroke with the head up

Elementary backstroke kick with hands on the chest/stomach

Phase 2 –. Tread Water

Tread water for two minutes without arms

Phase 3 – Combined Skills event with no goggles

Participants start in the water at one end of the pool.

Sprint for approximately 60 feet (20 yards), then perform an arm-over-arm surface dive in 7 to 10 feet of water (or maximum depth of training facility).

Pick up an object (dive ring) from the bottom of pool, surface, hold the object with both hands and tread water for at least 1 minute using your legs only.

Swim the remaining length of the pool on your back holding the object with both hands. Place the object on the deck and hoist yourself out of water.

Immediately begin compressions on an adult manikin for 1 minute or 100 compressions.

Complete Scan and Recognize Activity