Lifeguard Certification

Not only is lifeguarding a rewarding job, it will also help you develop leadership skills, build self-confidence and learn teamwork. Plus, lifeguarding is a great way to get noticed by colleges and future employers who look for applicants with excellent people skills and can-do attitudes. You will have the opportunity to work in exciting settings such as fitness centers, summer camps, waterparks, and more! Many lifeguards move on to careers in aquatics, fitness and healthcare.

The YWCA of Minneapolis has everything you need to be an American Red Cross Certified Lifeguard, including full training courses for new lifeguards, as well as review courses and challenge courses for continuing lifeguards needing recertification. These courses are for anyone over the age of 15 interested in becoming a professional lifeguard.

Full Course

This 32-hour course provides the essential training necessary to work as a professional lifeguard. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive certifications in Lifeguard Training, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid. Participants must attend all portions of the course to be eligible for certification.

The purpose of this class is to teach participants the knowledge and skills needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. The course content and activities prepare participants to recognize and respond quickly and effectively to emergencies and prevent drowning and injury.

All participants must complete the pre-course swim test, which includes a 300-yard continuous swim and simulated water rescue requiring a surface dive to a depth of 7-10 feet. The purpose of the pre-course test is to ensure that the participant demonstrates comfort in the water, along with enough speed, strength and endurance to perform a combination of basic skills that are required and built upon throughout the course.

Seventy-five percent the course fee will be reimbursed to participants who do not pass the pre-course swim test or to those who cancel after the registration deadline. No portion of the fee will be reimbursed to participants who do not successfully complete the course.

Review Course

21 hours
Cost $125

This 21-hour review class is for participants who need to renew their certifications in Lifeguard Training and CPR for the Professional Rescuer. All participants must complete the pre-course swim test, which includes a 300-yard continuous swim and simulated water rescue requiring a surface dive to a depth of 7-10 feet.

Seventy-five percent the course fee will be reimbursed to participants who do not pass the pre-course swim test or to those who cancel after the registration deadline. No portion of the fee will be reimbursed to participants who do not successfully complete the course.

The purpose of the Lifeguard Review Course is to strengthen Lifeguard skills and knowledge. This is a condensed Lifeguard class for participants with previous Lifeguard experience.

Upon completion participants will receive American Red Cross Certification in Lifeguard/First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer. Participants must attend all portions of the course to be eligible for certification.

Lifeguard & CPR Challenge Course

5 hours
Cost $80

Any previously trained lifeguard may participate in a challenge course to renew their certification. Challenge courses do not include any instruction or review. All participants must complete the pre-course swim test, which includes a 300-yard continuous swim and simulated water rescue requiring a surface dive to a depth of 7-10 feet.

Seventy-five percent the course fee will be reimbursed to participants who do not pass the pre-course swim test or to those who cancel after the registration deadline. No portion of the fee will be reimbursed to participants who do not successfully complete the course.

Participants must be proficient in their Lifeguard and CPR skills before attending a challenge course.

Upon completion participants will receive American Red Cross Certification in Lifeguard/First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer.

NOTE: Lifeguard books are not included in the class fee. Participants looking to purchase updated Lifeguard books can contact the Twin Cities Red Cross at www.RedCrossTC.org

Contact Information

For questions or more information on any of our courses, please contact Dan Edmondson at 612-215-4154. For registration information, see the Registration page.