Lifeguard Certification Courses
YMCA Lifeguard Certification Course – January 2026
Dates and Times:
Friday, January 16 – 6:30–8:30 pm
Saturday, January 17 – 8:00 am–5:00 pm
Sunday, January 18 – 1:00–5:00 pm
Friday, January 23 – 6:30–8:30 pm
Saturday, January 24 – 8:00 am–5:00 pm
Sunday, January 25 – 1:00–5:00 pm
Location:
Winder-Barrow Brad Akins YMCA
50 Brad Akins Drive
Winder, GA 30680
Cost: $125.00
Attendance is required on all dates.
Registration Process
Step 1: Come in to the Brad Akins YMCA to register and submit payment.
Step 2: Watch for an email from the instructor containing your online course link (8–10 hours).
Step 3: Complete all online coursework by January 15.
Step 4: Register for the in-person class using the enrollment link provided by the instructor (available only after online coursework is completed).
Deadlines
Form and payment submission by January 14
Online coursework completion by January 15
In-person class registration by January 15
Note: Online coursework must be completed before you can register for the in-person class. Payment alone does not secure your place in the course.
Course Format and Certification
This is a blended learning course combining online e-learning and in-person training. Online assignments (accessible via mobile, desktop, or tablet) must be completed before attending instructor-led sessions.
Upon successful completion, participants will receive certifications through ASHI (American Safety & Health Institute):
• YMCA Lifeguard V7 Certification
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Adult & Pediatric First Aid
• Emergency Use of Medical Oxygen
Course Overview
The course prepares participants to serve as professional lifeguards and rescuers. Topics include accident prevention, scanning and guarding techniques, emergency systems, rescue skills, spinal injury management, legal responsibilities, pool maintenance, and job readiness.
Eligibility and Prerequisites
Minimum age: 15 years by the first day of class
Must pass the Physical Competency Swim Test on Day One to continue
Physical Competency Swim Test (Completed on Day One)
Phase 1 – Continuous Swim (350 yards total):
• 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/stomach)
Phase 2 – Tread Water:
• 2 minutes without using arms
Phase 3 – Combined Skills Event (no goggles):
• Start in water and sprint ~20 yards
• Surface dive in 6 ft of water to retrieve an object from the bottom
• Tread water 1 minute (legs only) while holding the object
• Swim the rest of the pool on your back holding the object
• Exit the pool and immediately perform 1 minute of compressions on an adult manikin
Student Checklist
• Submit registration form and payment by January 14
• Complete online coursework by January 15
• Attend class and swim test on January 16
• No refunds. Be prepared and confident!
No refunds. Be prepared and confident!
Questions:
Contact Tina Henderson at tinah@gapiedmontymca.org