The Y offers American Red Cross Lifeguard Trainings to teach not only the basics in water safety but also the proper protocol when dealing with emergencies in and around water. This official American Red Cross course provides a 2-year certification in lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid, and AED. This course is designed to give participants the basic knowledge needed to be lifeguards in the pools and aquatic environments. This comprehensive course offers up-to-date information on how to guard; anticipate and prevent problems and take action to help those in need.

The Y's lifeguard certification classes follow a blended learning format to optimize participants' time. The class also includes prerequisites that the Owensboro Family YMCA tests live in the Lifeguard Pre-Test Course. The Pre-Test Course if FREE of charge and helps to ensure that participants are ready for the class. Components that individuals must pass to move forward from the pre-test course are:

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
4.Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds: includes 10lb brick retrieval at the bottom of a 9ft pool.

After participants pass the Pre-Test Course, they will be sent online classwork. These modules are self- paced but must be completed prior to first session of class.