ARC Lifeguarding / CPR / AED / First Aid (Blended Learning)

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Class Listings

7.5 hours online

Online Course Link

Our Aquatics Coordinator

Jillian Epley

Age Requirement: 15 years and older
Full Lifeguard Course Certification:
Participants will receive the knowledge needed to be lifeguards in pools and aquatic environments. This course offers up-to-date information on how to guard, anticipate, prevent problems and to take action to help those in need. CPR, First Aid and AED certifications are included in the cost of the Lifeguard Course.

Full Lifeguard Course Certification Details

 Participants must pass a pre-course skills test prior to taking the lifeguard full certification training. The pre-course skills testing will be completed first thing on the first day of class. Below you will find the online link to this course. You will need to start the online portion immediately. If you don’t already have an account with the American Red Cross you will want to click New User. Once you have your account set up you will be ready to start the online course.  You will set up an account and complete the 7.5 hour online learning portion. Participants must bring the online completion certificate to class the first day in order to participate. 

NO REFUNDS will be given if the online portion is not completed before the first day of class as space is limited. Attendance is required during all course meeting times. No exceptions. No Refunds

Online Course Link: https://goo.gl/yFKq81  (7.5 Hours online)

Pre-Course Skills Test

We recommend you prepare ahead of time. Swimming laps a couple of weeks before is helpful if you are not a regular swimmer. We do have private lessons available if you feel you need some guidance.

Participants are required to pass a pre-course skills test before taking the Lifeguard Training Course. The pre-course skills test will be completed first thing on the first day of class. Those who do not pass the skills test will not be eligible to continue the class nor receive a refund due to the limited registrations per class. 

Pre-Course Swim Test Skills

• Continuously swim 300 yds (using the front crawl and breaststroke)
• Tread water for 2 minutes (no hands)
• 1 minute, 40 second timed element– swim 20 yds, retrieve a 10lb object from a depth of at least 7ft, return it 20 yds and then exit the pool.

Cancellations/Make-up Policy

Withdrawal from the course 5 or more business days prior to the beginning of the first class will be charged a $30 withdrawal fee. Withdrawal from the course less than 5 business days prior to the first class will receive a 50% credit. Withdrawal on the day class begins will not receive a credit. If the YMCA cancels a class or program the class will be rescheduled or refunded. It is the policy of the Kearney YMCA to not allow make-up classes by taking part in other classes due to participants being absent due to reasons not associated with the YMCA (vacation, illness, other activities, etc.)

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Recertification Course: Lifeguarding, CPR/AED/First Aid
Blended Learning Course

Participants must hold current Lifeguarding/CPR/AED/First Aid Certifications to participate in Recertification.  
 Course: Day Date Time Price

• *Lifeguarding, CPR/AED/First Aid Recert Sunday May 2nd 1pm-6pm $75
• *CPR/AED for Professionals Re-cert Sunday May  2nd 1pm-4pm $65
• *No refunds will be given if the online portion is not completed before the first day of class as space is limited.

Recertification Course Details

This is a blended learning recertification course. You will need to complete the 7.5 hour online portion of this course prior to attending the in person skills day.

If you don’t already have an account with the American Red Cross you will want to click New User. Once you have your account set up you will be ready to start the online course.  Participants must bring current  certification cards and online completion certificate with you in  order to participate in the class. No  refunds will be given if the online portion is not completed before the day of class as space is limited. If  previous certifications have expired and do not fall within the 30 day grace period students must take a full Lifeguarding Course.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring to class each day?

Students should bring the following to class each day: Online Completion Certificate the first day in   order to take the class or recertification course., course manual, pocket mask, swim suit, towel, lock, snacks/drinks, lunch, money if purchasing snacks/lunch out of facility, glasses or contact case/solution, and a writing utensil. Course Manual and pocket masks will be provided at the beginning of the course. Course manuals must be purchased at registration. *Those who do not purchase the manuals will receive a link with a free version of the manual in a PDF format. 

What will I be certified in? 

Upon successful completion of the Lifeguard Training course, participants will be certified in American Red Cross Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. 

When will I receive my cards? 

Certification Cards will be available via email after successful completion of the Lifeguard Training course requirements, and the return of all course materials. 

How long does certification last? 

All certifications are valid for two years. However, the State of Nebraska DHHS requires anyone who wishes to be a lifeguard to recertify his/her CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer every year. 

What is the minimum age? 

Class participants must be 15 years old by the last day of class. 

What if I already hold current certifications in CPR or First Aid? 

The Red Cross requires that lifeguards hold CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer for the Lifeguard/First Aid certification to be considered valid. In the state of Nebraska, CPR/AED certifications must be renewed annually to remain eligible for employment as a Lifeguard. There is no reduction of course fees if you hold a current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer certification. Students who hold certification in Lay Responder certifications are required to participate in all course components to pass the course. 

Will breaks be provided during class? 

Periodically throughout class, small breaks of 15 to 20 minutes will be taken for rest, snacks, etc. A 1-hour lunch break will be taken both Saturday and Sunday. The exact time of the lunch break will be determined based on the progress of the class that day and natural breaks in the course curriculum.

How can I apply to work as a lifeguard or swim instructor at the Y?
Go to the Kearney YMCA’s Career Opportunities where you can learn about current openings and apply online.

For more information on Lifeguard Certification Courses contact Jillian Epley at jepley@kearneyymca.org