American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course

Become a certified lifeguard and gain the skills to save lives. The YMCA of Georgia's Piedmont is offering an American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification course at the Brad Akins YMCA. This comprehensive blended learning course prepares participants to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies while providing professional-level emergency care until EMS arrives.

Whether you're looking for your first lifeguarding job or beginning a rewarding career in aquatics, this course will equip you with the knowledge and nationally recognized certification you need.

Course Information

Location
Brad Akins YMCA
50 Brad Akins Drive
Winder, GA 30680
(770) 868-2917

Course Cost
$150 (Nonrefundable)

Registration Deadline
July 27 at 12:00 PM

Registration
Registration is available in person only at the Brad Akins YMCA during normal business hours.

Please note: The participant's personal email address and cell phone number must be used during registration. This information is required to create the participant's American Red Cross Learning Center account.

Course Schedule

Prerequisite Swim Evaluation
Tuesday, July 28
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Class Dates

• Wednesday, August 5 | 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
• Friday, August 7 | 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
• Saturday, August 8 | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Sunday, August 9 | 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Attendance at every class session is required to receive certification.

Course Requirements

Participants must:

• Be at least 15 years old by the final day of class.
• Successfully complete the prerequisite swim evaluation.
• Complete the required American Red Cross online coursework before the first class on August 5.

After successfully passing the swim evaluation, participants will receive access to the online learning modules through the American Red Cross Learning Center.

Prerequisite Swim Evaluation

The prerequisite swim evaluation will take place on:

Tuesday, July 28
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Brad Akins YMCA

Participants must successfully complete both of the following evaluations.

Prerequisite 1

• Jump into the water and completely submerge.
• Resurface and swim 150 yards continuously.
• Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs.
• Swim an additional 50 yards continuously.

Participants may use the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles may be worn during this portion.

Prerequisite 2

Complete the following timed event in 1 minute, 40 seconds or less:

• Swim 20 yards.
• Surface dive to retrieve a 10-pound object from a depth of 7 to 10 feet.
• Return to the surface.
• Swim 20 yards on your back while holding the object at the surface with both hands.
• Exit the pool without using a ladder or steps.

Swim goggles are not permitted during this timed evaluation.

What You'll Learn

Participants who successfully complete the course will earn an American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification and gain the skills to:

• Prevent aquatic emergencies.
• Recognize and respond to emergencies in shallow and deep water.
• Perform professional rescues.
• Provide CPR, AED, and First Aid for breathing and cardiac emergencies.
• Care for injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services arrive.

What Happens After Registration?

Once your registration and payment have been received:

1. A Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor will contact you to verify your registration information.
2. You will attend the prerequisite swim evaluation on July 28.
3. Upon successfully passing the swim evaluation, you will receive access to the required online American Red Cross coursework.
4. Complete the online learning before attending the first class on August 5.

Questions?

For course questions, please contact:

Mollie Michie-Lepp
American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor
818-644-7905
mollieowl@gmail.com

or

Tina Henderson
Vice President of Aquatics
TinaH@gapiedmontymca.org

Ready to Get Certified?

Registration is available in person only at the Brad Akins YMCA.

Space is limited. Register by July 27 at 12:00 PM to reserve your spot and take the first step toward becoming an American Red Cross certified lifeguard.