
Become a Lifeguard - 2023
Job training and career opportunities
Lifeguard Full Certification Course
This course is for those training for the first time or for those whose certifications have expired. The class is offered by the MetroWest YMCA in a Blended Learning course format (24 hours in person, 7-8 hours online). Participants will need to commit to all days specified for the course -- this includes online coursework that needs to be completed prior to the first day of class.
Participants must be 15 years of age by the last day of the course AND pass the pre-requisite swimming skills evaluation on the first day of the course consisting of:
- 300 Yard Swim: Participants must have a strong freestyle and/or breaststroke and be able to swim the 300 yards continuously without stopping
- 2 Minutes of Treading Water (no Hands!): Participants must be able to tread water in a depth of 9 feet without using their hands for 2 minutes without stopping
- Timed Brick Test: Participants must start in the shallow end of the pool, swim to the 9ft deep area, dive to the bottom of the pool to retrieve a 10lb brick, then successfully swim on their back to the shallow end and climb out within 1 minute 40 seconds
Participants who successfully complete the Lifeguarding course will receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, valid for 2 years. Per Massachusetts law, lifeguard candidates interested in working for the MetroWest YMCA must be at least 16 years old.
Cost for this course: Family members $300 / Teen members $350 / Non-Members $400
Lifeguards who become employed at the MetroWest YMCA will have their course fees reimbursed! Contact Sahara Adams at sadams@metrowestymca.org for more details!
Location: Lifeguard courses will be held at the MetroWest YMCA Framingham Branch, 280 Old Connecticut Path, Framingham, MA 01701 unless otherwise specified.
FEBRUARY: (Must attend all 3 days to achieve certification)
- Friday, February 24, 4:00pm - 8:00pm
- Saturday, February 25, 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Sunday, February 26, 9:00am - 5:00pm
MARCH: (Must attend all 2 days to achieve certification)
- Saturday, March 11, 10:00am - 8:00pm
- Sunday, March 12, 10:00am - 8:00pm
APRIL: (Must attend all 3 days to achieve certification)
- Friday, April 21, 4:00pm - 8:30pm
- Saturday, April 22, 10:00am - 6:30pm
- Sunday, April 23, 10:00am - 6:30pm
Lifeguard Recertification Course
Members: $150 | Teen: $175 | Non-Members: $200
Sunday, March 12, 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sunday, April 23, 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Questions? Contact Sahara at sadams@metrowestymca.org or 508.879.4420 x287