LIFEGUARD COURSES

LIFEGUARD RE/CERTIFICATION

The Westport Weston Family YMCA hosts Lifeguard Certification and Re-certification courses, conducted by Red Cross certified instructors, several times a year. Both the certification and re-certification courses run simultaneously.

Our lifeguard certification and re-certification program uses a blended learning curriculum combining online training classes, (a link will be emailed 1 week before first class) and a two-day, instructor-led skills classes in the YMCA’s Strittmatter Family Aquatics Center. The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is to provide entry-level lifeguards ages 15 and older with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over. To maintain their certification, current lifeguards are required to take periodic refresher courses.

REGISTRATION: After registering for the course, each student will receive an email with a link, one week before the start of the first class, to the online portion. No refunds will be given one week before the start of the first class.

DATES (2-day course): FEB 11-12, FEB 25-26, MAR 11-12, MAR 25-26, APR 8-9, APR 22-23, MAY 6-7
TIME: 9:00AM-7:00PM (both days)

FULL CERTIFICATION COURSE
M: $400 | CM: $500
RE-CERTIFICATION COURSE
M: $225 | CM: $300

INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Become an employee at our Y as a lifeguard and get a return of certification costs. Contact Brian Ference for more information.

AMERICAN RED CROSS LIFEGUARDING COURSE
The American Red Cross (ARC) 2-day lifeguarding course provides entry-level lifeguards with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies, as well as to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services personnel take over. Not only does this class provide the individual with essential skills, but offers the opportunity to have and hold a job as a lifeguard, providing purpose and the ability to earn an income.

Check back for newly added course times or contact Brian Ference for more information.

LIFEGUARD CERT. SCHOLARSHIP
The Westport Weston Family YMCA is passionate about making our programming inclusive and available to all. We are pleased to share that the WWFY has received funding to award 15, needs-based, Lifeguard Certification Scholarships leading up to the Summer season. These scholarships allow us to reach underserved young adults (ages 15-23) in Lower Fairfield County and give them access to transformational opportunities and experiences to learn new skills, meet new people, and find purpose in gainful employment.

Strong swimming skills are required to participate. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all 15 slots have been filled.

To qualify for this needs-based scholarship, download and complete the application, return to Brian Kuzmiak, Director of Human Resources, via email or mail to: Westport Weston Family YMCA, Attn: Brian Kuzmiak, Development Director, 14 Allen Raymond Lane, Westport, CT 06880.

Westport Weston YMCA Lifeguard Certification students in pool at Bedford Family Center

Scholarship Application