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Prepare to make a difference with American Red Cross lifeguard courses! These comprehensive trainings are designed to equip you with the critical skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies. Our courses combine hands-on practice with expert instruction—so you're ready to act when every second counts.
Fall ll Session
October 27 - December 21
Member registration opens on Tuesday, October 7.
Community registration opens on Tuesday, October 14.
View Classes & Register
Anyone can take classes at the MetroWest YMCA. If you're not a member, join today and benefit from member pricing and other perks.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification R.24
This course is for those training for the first time or for those whose certifications have expired. The class is offered in a blended learning format: minimum of 21.5 hours of in-person instruction; 7-8 hours of online coursework. 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. Participants who successfully complete the course will receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers with First Aid valid for 2 years. Per Massachusetts law, lifeguards must be at least 16 years old.
December 27-29
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
*Register by December 22
Y Member $350 | Community Member $400
American Red Cross Lifeguard Re-Certification R.24
This course is for those who hold an active American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification or for those who have expired within 30 days of the course date. This course will be instructor-led, meaning there is no prerequisite coursework: minimum of 9.25 hours of in-person instruction. Participants must pass the pre-requisite swimming skills evaluation on the first day. Those who successfully complete the course will receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers with First Aid valid for 2 years.
December 22-23
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
*Register by December 17
Y Member $150 | Community Member $200
American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED R.21
This course is for those training for the first time or for those whose certifications have expired. The class is instructor-led, meaning there is no prerequisite coursework. Minimum of 3.75 hours of in-person instruction.
Participants who successfully complete the course will receive an American Red Cross certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED, valid for 2 years.
Tuesday, November 11
3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
*Register by November 7.
Tuesday, December 9
3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
*Register by December 5.
Y Member $75 | Community Member $110
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Swim evaluation R.24 consists of:
- Swim-Float-Swim sequence - Participants must have a strong freestyle and/or breaststroke and be able to swim the 150yd continuously without stopping, 2 minutes of Treading Water (No Hands!), then a last 50yd - Participants must be able to tread water in a depth of 9 feet without using their hands for 2 minutes without stopping.
- Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
- Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they can get a breath. Candidates should not swim the distance underwater.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Prices vary by course.
All online coursework must be completed prior to the first day of class. Participants must attend all days at the specified times and pass the written and physical portion of the course to successfully achieve their lifeguarding certification.
The prerequisite evaluation may be completed prior to the start of class by contacting Hayley Maskell at HMaskell@Metrowestymca.org. If the prerequisites are not passed on the first day of class, no refunds will be given.
If you have any additional questions about the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification course, please contact David Witkus, Senior Aquatics Director: dwitkus@metrowestymca.org
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When you join the Y, you get more than just a gym and pool. You get a community of people who can support your goals. Member benefits include unlimited group exercise classes and 30-50% off programs like swim lessons, sports, fitness, adventure, and camp!
Financial Assistance
The Y believes that finances should not be an obstacle to healthy living. We are able to offer financial assistance to help cover the cost of membership and programs, thanks to generous donations to our Annual Campaign. Learn more about financial assistance options.