Become a Lifeguard - 2023
Job training and career opportunities
AMERICAN RED CROSS LIFEGUARDING 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: 20 hours in person; 7-8 hours online 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 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.
To get on the waitlist for the next Lifeguard training, please email, Luca at
ldelborgo@metrowestymca.org
