– May 2025
Course Dates and Times:
Thursday, May 8 – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Friday, May 9 – 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Saturday, May 10 – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Friday, May 16 – 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Saturday, May 17 – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Attendance on all dates is required for certification.
About the Course:
The YMCA Lifeguard V7 Certification course prepares participants to become certified lifeguards and professional rescuers. Training includes American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) certifications in:
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Adult and Pediatric First Aid
Emergency Use of Medical Oxygen
Participants will also gain skills in:
-Lifeguard scanning and rescue techniques
-Aquatic safety and emergency systems
-Spinal injury management
-Legal responsibilities and accident prevention
-Basic pool maintenance
-Job preparation for lifeguard employment
Online Prerequisites – Required Before In-Person Class:
Students must complete the following e-learning modules before registering for the in-person course. These modules take approximately 8–10 hours.
YMCA Lifeguard V7: Safe in Six | AQ151B
YMCA Lifeguard V7: Introduction | AQ152B
BLS, Pediatric First Aid, Adult First Aid, and Emergency Use of Medical Oxygen eLearning (Authored by HSI) | AQ171B
Access these courses and register here:
https://lcdc.yexchange.org/s/c96q15b
Physical Competency Test – Required on First Day:
All participants must pass the physical swim assessment to continue with the course.
Phase 1: 350-Yard Continuous Swim
-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 with hands on chest
Phase 2: Tread Water
-2 minutes using legs only (no arms)
Phase 3: Rescue Simulation (No Goggles)
-Sprint 20 yards, perform surface dive to 6 feet
-Retrieve dive ring and tread water for 1 minute using legs only
-Swim the rest of the pool on your back holding the object
-Exit the pool and immediately perform 1 minute of chest compressions on an adult CPR manikin
Eligibility Requirements:
-Must be at least 15 years old by May 8, 2025
-Must complete all required e-learning modules before class
-Must attend all in-person sessions
-Must pass physical swim test on the first day
Certification & Employment:
Completion of the course does not guarantee employment. Certification and employment are contingent on:
-Passing all written and physical exams
-Completing a background check and drug test
-Meeting YMCA employment requirements
Interested in Working at the Walton County or Brad Akins YMCA?
The YMCA may cover the cost of your training if you plan to work at one of these locations.
To apply:
-Complete the lifeguard course registration form
-Submit a liability waiver and employment application
-Schedule your swim test and interview by contacting:
Tina Henderson – TinaH@gapiedmontymca.org
Course Cost: $150
For questions or to confirm employment interest, email: TinaH@gapiedmontymca.org