Trained. Empowered. Prepared.

Help us spread the word about Lifeguard Training

As many of you know, we very often have openings for lifeguards for our two indoor swimming pools and at Camp Sargent in the summer. Additionally our lifeguards teach swimming lessons at these three venues. Across the country there is a lifeguard shortage. According to the American Red Cross, the pandemic has exacerbated this issue. The Red Cross reports that nationwide between January and April of 2019, 98,570 people were certified in American Red Cross lifeguarding classes. About half that number, 51,811, were certified in the same period in 2020, though certifications rebounded in 2021 to 83,685.

YMCA Aquatic Director Allie Thomas shared, “The Y has traditionally helped feed the pipeline of lifeguards for our YMCA by offering American Red Cross trainings to the community, and this has been a benefit to staffing pools across the country. Lifeguarding makes for a fantastic first job as well as retirement jobs. Communities are always looking for certified lifeguards and provides a foot in the door to many employment opportunities.”

As we look toward the active summer job season, you can help us by sharing information about our upcoming American Red Cross Lifeguard Course. This course is open to those age 15 and older.

The next course will run between August 5-7 (all sessions must be attended)

Friday, August 5 – 4:30pm-8:30pm

Saturday, August 6 – 9am-4pm

Sunday, August 7 – 9am-4pm

Register for the August 2022 Lifeguard Course or contact Allie Thomas (Merrimack YMCA) at athomas@nmymca.org with any questions.

Some information to think about prior to registering:

1. Prior to the class participants must take a 7-hour online course.

2. There is also a pre-requisite skills evaluation which occurs on the first day of the course.

• The ability to swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. You may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.

• The ability to tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. You should place your hands under armpits.

• And complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds.

• Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Swimmer’s face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.

• Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.

• Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object while keeping your face at or near the surface so you are able to get a breath. Swimmers should not swim the distance under water. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an American Red Cross Certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, valid for 2 years.

For more info and times visit, Lifeguard Course August 2022 or contact Allie Thomas (Merrimack YMCA) at athomas@nmymca.org with any questions.