Get Certified at the Y!
The Harrisburg Area YMCA values education and safety in the water. This is why we offer health and safety classes at select branches that teach beyond water fitness. The Y is a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We are a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety for more than 100 years. Thus, the aquatics classes we offer, as well as our various other health certifications, are an important part of our commitment to health and water safety for our community.
Lifeguard and Water Safety Classes
Water safety is a high priority for the Y. Throughout the year, the Y offers American Red Cross lifeguard training courses in order to teach individuals how to keep members of their YMCA community safe in our indoor pools.
We offer lifeguard certification and re-certification as well as instructor courses for anyone interested in pursuing a lifeguard certification. Lifeguards play a key role in keeping a safe environment for our swimmers; lifeguards also play an active role in educating our members on water safety. Explore our available aquatics classes below!
East Shore YMCA: Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
Join us for Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED training, where you’ll learn adult CPR as well as how to use a defibrillator through the American Red Cross.
Schedule:
- 1st Wednesday of each month
- 5:00-8:00 PM
Fees:
- YMCA Members: $75
- Community Guests: $100
East Shore YMCA: Lifeguard Certification
Become a certified lifeguard and learn about water safety, lifeguard responsibilities, how to recognize potential hazards, and more! The East Shore YMCA is offering an open lifeguard training course for individuals ages 15 and older.
Schedule:
- 3rd weekend of each month
- Fridays 5:00-8:00 PM and Saturdays & Sundays 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Fees:
- YMCA Members: $250
- Community Guests: $300
This certification course is ongoing. To learn more and sign up, please contact the Lifeguard Coordinator BY EMAIL or by phone at (717) 232-9622.
West Shore YMCA: Adult CPR/AED
Learn adult CPR as well as how to use a defibrillator through the American Heart Association.
Upcoming Trainings
- Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 6:00-9:00 PM
Fees:
- YMCA Members: $25
- Community Guests: $45
West Shore YMCA: Lifeguard Recertification
The West Shore YMCA in collaboration with Emergency Care Health & Safety is pleased to offer American Red Cross Lifeguard Recertification opportunities!
Upcoming Classes
Days:
- May 18, 2024
Times:
- Saturdays from 7:30 AM-6:00 PM
Registration:
- $170
- REGISTER ONLINE
Candidates must:
- Possess a current certification or expired by no more than 30 days.
- Swim 300 yards, continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates 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.
- Tread water for 2 minutes, using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
- Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Swim goggles are not allowed.
- Surface dive, feet-first or headfirst, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
West Shore YMCA: Lifeguard Training
The West Shore YMCA in collaboration with Emergency Care Health & Safety is pleased to offer American Red Cross Lifeguard Training courses! The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over. The American Red Cross Lifeguarding course includes CPR, AED, and First Aid training and is valid for 2 years upon successful completion.
Upcoming Trainings
Dates:
- May 10-12, 2024
- May 31–June 2, 2024
Times:
- Fridays from 5:30-9:00 PM
- Saturdays from 8:00 AM-6:00 PM
- Sundays from 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Registration:
- $315 per person
- REGISTER ONLINE
Prerequisites:
ARC Lifeguard Prerequisite Swim Video
- Candidates must be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course.
- Swim 300 yards, continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates 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.
- Tread water for 2 minutes, using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
- Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Swim goggles are not allowed.
- Surface dive, feet-first or headfirst, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
