Aquatics

Brad Akins Branch Pool Hours - Winder, GA

Indoor Pool*
Monday - Friday 5:00am - 8:30pm
Saturday - 8:00am - 4:30pm
Sunday - 1:00pm - 4:30pm

Outdoor Pool* 
Closed for the season

CLICK HERE for Aquatic Group Exercise schedule

 
Bell Family Branch Pool Hours  - Hartwell, GA

Outdoor Pool
OPENS 5/26/2025

CLICK HERE  For pool schedule

 
Walton County Branch Pool Hours  - Monroe, GA

Indoor Competition Pool
Hours coming soon

Instructional Pool 
Hours coming soon 

 
Swim Lessons - Please Choose Your Location

Location: Bell Family Branch - Hartwell, GA
Location: Brad Akins Branch - Winder, GA
Location: Walton County Branch - Walton, GA

Build confidence in the water with us.

  • Pre School Aged - children ages 3-5. This is for children learning to lay on their belly/back, kick, pull themselves out of the water, blow bubbles, etc.
  • Beginner School Aged - This is for children learning to kick on their belly/back, rotary breathing, and free/back arm movements.
  • Advanced School Aged - These children should be able to swim at least 15 yards on their belly/back, kick 25 yards, and rotary breathing.
YMCA Barracudas Swim Team - Brad Akins Branch - Winder, GA

Location: Brad Akins Branch - Winder, GA

Fall/Winter Practice Schedule

YMCA Barracudas Swim Team is now a Safe Sport recognized program! Becoming a Safe Sport certified program demonstrates a great commitment to safeguarding our athlets and participants. This means our program demonstrates our commitment to promoting a healthy and positive environment that's free from abuse for all members. Our coaches, parents, volunteers and athletes have completed many hours of development and training in order to earn this certification. Go Barracudas!

Join our year round swim team! Email ej@gapiedmontymca.org to schedule your swimmer's evaluation. 

For more information please visit www.ymcabarracudas.com. Registration information is under the "Documents" tab at the top of the page.

Lifeguard Courses

YMCA of Georgia’s Piedmont Lifeguard Certification – April 2025

Looking for a lifeguard certification course near you? The YMCA Lifeguard V7 Course equips participants with the skills and knowledge needed to become a certified lifeguard and professional rescuer. This comprehensive training includes:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Adult and Pediatric First Aid
  • Emergency Use of Medical Oxygen
  • Rescue Techniques and Safety Skills
  • Accident Prevention and Legal Responsibilities
  • Pool Maintenance and Lifeguard Job Preparation

Accredited by the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI), this course provides top-tier training for those seeking a lifeguard job at pools, water parks, and aquatic facilities.

Eligibility and Requirements

To enroll, you must:

  • Be 16 years old by April 4, 2025
  • Pass a physical competency test (see details below)
  • Attend all class dates for certification

Completion of the course does not guarantee employment, but it qualifies you for lifeguard positions at YMCA locations and other aquatic centers.

Lifeguard Course Schedule – April 2025

April 4 – Friday, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
April 5 – Saturday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
April 6 – Sunday, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
April 12 – Saturday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
April 13 – Sunday, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Course Locations:

  • Brad Akins YMCA – Winder, GA

Attendance on all dates is required for certification.

How to Register for YMCA Lifeguard Training

  1. Cost: $150.00

    How to Register

    Public Access Registration

  2. Complete the registration form: Register for the Lifeguard Certification Course
  3. Submit payment by contacting Tina Henderson at tinah@gapiedmontymca.org

  • For any questions, reach out to tinah@gapiedmontymca.org.

    Secure your spot today and take the first step toward a rewarding career in lifeguarding!

    For Those Wanting to Lifeguard at the Walton County or Brad Akins YMCA

  • Contact Tina Henderson at tinah@gapiedmontymca.org
  • Complete and submit:
    • Registration form
    • Liability waiver
    • Employment application
  • Schedule your swim test and interview by March 28 with Tina Henderson

Lifeguard Physical Competency Test

Before beginning the course, all participants must pass the lifeguard swim test, which evaluates swimming endurance.

Phase 1 – Continuous Swim (350 yards)

  • 100 yards front crawl
  • 100 yards breaststroke
  • 50 yards front crawl with head up
  • 50 yards breaststroke with head up
  • 50 yards elementary backstroke kick (hands on chest)

Phase 2 – Tread Water

  • Tread water for 2 minutes using only legs

Phase 3 – Rescue Simulation (No Goggles)

  • Sprint 20 yards and perform a surface dive (6 feet deep)
  • Retrieve a dive ring, hold it with both hands, and tread water for 1 minute using legs only
  • Exit the pool and immediately perform 1 minute of chest compressions (minimum 100 compressions) on an adult CPR manikin

Lifeguard Job and Certification Requirements

  • Complete all coursework and physical tests
  • Pass written and practical exams
  • Clear a background check and drug test
  • Meet all YMCA employment standards

Why Become a YMCA Lifeguard?

  • Great for teens, college students, and retirees looking for a flexible job
  • Gain life-saving skills and valuable emergency training
  • Earn a competitive salary with opportunities for advancement
  • Make a difference in your community by ensuring water safety

Limited spots available. Sign up today and take the first step toward an exciting career in lifeguarding and water safety.

Register now by contacting Tina Henderson at TinaH@gapiedmontymca.org to secure your spot.

Summer Swim League - Please Choose Your Location

Location: Bell Family Branch - Hartwell, GA
Location: Brad Akins Branch - Winder, GA

Make waves this summer with Summer Swim League! Open to boys and girls ages 5-18, summer league is a great opportunity for both new and experienced swimmers to sharpen their skills, drop fast times and enjoy the sport. Click on your location above to learn more.