Lifeguard Certification
Through the YMCA’s Lifeguard Certification program, you’ll gain the skills and confidence you need to take action when it matters most. The skills you’ll learn during this course could literally mean the difference between life and death. And it’s all available for free.
The YMCA offers Lifeguard Certification courses several times each year.
Those who successfully complete the course will receive a 2-year lifeguard certification from the American Red Cross, as well as certifications in CPR, First Aid, and AED. Receiving your certifications could open the door to a variety of employment opportunities. Including here at the Y!
Get Certified for FREE
The YMCA will pay 100% of your certification costs under the following conditions:
- You agree to work for the Keene Family YMCA for a minimum of 1 year.
- During your first year of employment, you must work a minimum of 10 hours per week.
This is a unique opportunity to achieve your American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification at no cost to you. Just complete the contact form below, and we’ll be in touch!
The Keene Family YMCA offers both full and recertification lifeguarding courses.
In order to qualify for the recertification course, you must hold a current certification, or your certification must have expired no more than 30 days prior to the course date. If your certification expired more than 30 days prior to the course date, you will be required to take the full course in order to achieve your certification.
For more information and the upcoming schedule of Lifeguard Certification courses, please contact Morgan Allard at mallard@keene-ymca.org, or complete the contact form on this page.
Full Lifeguard Certification Course
Our full certification courses utilize a blended learning format with portions of the course online and others in-person. After you register for the course, you will be given access to the required eLearning Modules, including the CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid Final eLearning Exam, at least two days prior to your first in-person skills session. You can expect to spend approximately 7 hours completing the online portion of the course. The in-person portion of the course will run over the course of two days, typically on Saturday and Sunday.
Course Prerequisites
Verified during first class
In order to participate in the Lifeguard Certification course you must meet the following criteria:
- Must be at least 15 years of age by or before the course completion date
- Must be able to swim 200 yards non-stop using both the front crawl and breast strokes
- Must be able to swim 20 yards, retrieve a 10 lb brick from 6 feet of water, and swim 20 yards with it within 1 minute, 40 seconds, exiting the pool without using a ladder
- Must be able to tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs.
Full Certificate Course Cost
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YMCA Members $325
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Non-Members $375
Lifeguard Recertification Course
This abbreviated renewal course is offered only to those who hold a current lifeguard certification, or whose certification expires 30 days or less from the start of the recertification course start date. Recertification courses are completed in one day, and typically take place on Sundays at the Keene Family YMCA.
Recertification Course Cost
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YMCA Members $175
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Non-Members $225
Get Your Lifeguard Certification
Submit the contact form and we’ll be in touch with information about our next training course.
- Email Us
- Give us a Call
Ready to Become a Lifeguard?
If you’re interested in participating in a Lifeguard Certification course at the Keene Family YMCA, please complete the contact form and we’ll be in touch with more information. If you would like to earn your certification for free, be sure to check the box indicating that and use the drop down menu to let us know when you’re available to work.