Red Cross Trainings

For more information regarding these courses or to receive notice of upcoming certification opportunities, please contact Katie Prasek, Aquatics Director by emailing kprasek@ithacaymca.com 

The YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County runs several American Red Cross Certification Courses throughout the year. All courses will be listed here and updated as the course is being offered. We offer Full Lifeguard and Lifeguard Review Certifications, Waterfront Module, CPR, First Aid, Babysitting Certification, and Lifeguard Management In-Person Assessment.

Red Cross courses are non-refundable unless the space can be filled from an established waiting list. No refunds are issued in the event a participant fails to complete the required prerequisites or is unable to pass the pre-skills, written, or practical exams.

Private training is available for groups of 4 or more. Please contact Katie Prasek at kprasek@ithacaymca.com for more information. 

All classes have a 4-person minimum for the course to run.

Red Cross Lifeguard Training Courses

Provides entry-level participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies and sudden illnesses until EMS personnel take over.

NOTE: A $200 deposit is required for full lifeguard courses. A $100 deposit is required for lifeguard reviews. Please be advised that Red Cross Course Prerequisites will be completed at the start of the first in-person day. Those who fail to meet the prerequisite swimming portion will be dismissed and will not receive a refund.

Requirements:

• Candidates must be at least 15 years old before the end of the class
• Swim 300 yards continuously with your face in the water & rhythmic breathing
• Tread water for 2 minutes using only legs
• Swim a timed event in 1:40; swim 20 yards, retrieve 10 lb brick from deep water,  swim back carrying brick only using legs, exit pool

 

Lifeguard Review/Recertification

Need to recertify as a lifeguard before summer? Get it done at the YMCA. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be recertified in Lifeguarding and CPR for the Professional Rescuer for two years.

To achieve certification, participants must provide physical proof of a CURRENT certification before registering:

• Bring a valid lifeguard certificate
• Attend all course days and times
• Pass pre-skills test
• Pass written and practical exams Certifications will be emailed within 7 days of course completion

Waterfront Skills Module

Want to work as an open-water lifeguard this summer? You need this module in addition to your lifeguarding certification! Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be certified in Waterfront Lifeguarding for a period of two years. To achieve certification, participants must:

• Bring a valid basic lifeguard certificate
• Attend all course days and times
• Pass pre-skills test
• Pass written and practical exams

Prerequisite swimming skills test: 550-yard swim (11 full laps) demonstrating both front crawl and breaststroke, two-minute tread using legs only, timed brick dive event, and underwater ring retrieval/swim event.

Full Lifeguard & Waterfront Module

This course will teach lifeguarding and the skills and knowledge to prevent and respond to emergencies in non-surf, open-water areas found at public parks, resorts, and more.

Prerequisites: same as the lifeguarding full course. 

Caregiving with Character

This course, for ages 11-15, will provide knowledge and skills to safely and responsibly give care for children and infants. This training helps participants develop leadership skills; learn how to develop a babysitting business, keep themselves and others safe, and help children behave.

Topics covered include:

• Providing Care for Infants and Children
• Staying Safe
• What to do in an emergency
• How to pick age-appropriate activities
• How to manage a variety of behaviors
• Basic First Aid