Various certification programs are offered at the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo. Get certified!
Lifeguard
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The YMCA's lifeguard certification course includes CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, and First Aid certifications. All participants must meet the minimum age* required as of the first day of class and be able to pass the pre coure skills test. Class dates/schedules are arranged by the Aquatics department and are offered at the Maple and Portage sites.
Call Renee Whalen at Maple 345-9622 x173 or Kat Cyr-Lopez at Portage 324.9622 x420 for more information.
Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course
Upcoming Red Cross Lifeguard class: Sunday 11/24/24 - Thursday 11/28/24
Sunday 11/24 11a-4:30p
Monday 11/25 3:30p-7:30p
Tuesday 11/26 3:30p-7:30p
Wednesday 11/27 8:30a-4:30p
Requirments:
All participants must be 15 or older by the first day of the class.
All participants must have started the online class work prior to the first day of class and have it completed before the last day of the course
All participants must be able to demonstrate the following swim skills
Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest
1. Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed)
2. Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs
3. Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both
Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
1. ​Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed).
2. Submerge to a depth of 7 - 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
3. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
4. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.