The YMCA of the USA is a nationally recognized leader in water enjoyment. To achieve Y certification, lifeguards must both demonstrate an understanding and embrace the responsibility and critical nature of this imperative job.

The Greater Wichita YMCA is a local leader in lifeguard training - certifying hundreds of lifeguards annually. While YMCA/ASHI certification is portable to other aquatic centers, YMCA employee candidates are given preference for enrollment in our lifeguard certification courses. Join our team today!

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Please review all requirements and expectations, costs, and considerations for our lifeguard certification program then request pre-approval. To do so:

• APPLY ONLINE for a lifeguard position
• Speak with the AQUATICS DIRECTOR or BRANCH DIRECTOR at any Greater Wichita YMCA branch location for pre-approval
• Contact LORI SPENCER our Director of Training and Compliance by EMAIL or call 316.776.8821

The following are the current, scheduled certification classes and are subject to change.

Don't see an upcoming certification class that fits your schedule? We recommend you still apply for a lifeguard position and go through the pre-approval process. 

To enroll and participate in Greater Wichita YMCA Lifeguard Certification training you must:

• Be 16-years-of-age (or older) by course completion (parent/guardian consent required for 16- and 17-year-old course participants)
• Receive pre-approval to enroll from an Aquatics Director and be available for all class dates.
• Pay the entire enrollment fee (see pricing clarification below)
• Provide a valid, photo I.D. (with full name and date-of-birth) at the first session
• Be ready to meet physical competency requirements
  • TREAD WATER for 2 minutes
  • SWIM 100 YARDS Front Crawl as well as 50 YARDS (EACH) Front Crawl with Head Up, Sidestroke, Breaststroke, Breaststroke with Head Up, Elementary Backstroke Kick, Hands on Chest
  • SURFACE DIVE Feet-first to 8-10' depth, swim 15 ft. underwater
  • DIVE, SWIM, RETRIEVE, RECESS 60 ft. sprint, arm-over-arm surface dive, retrieve object from pool bottom (8'+ down), surface, tread water (legs only) for 1 min., return item, resurface, swim to pool's far edge, side exit pool, perform chest compression on adult mannequin 

To receive YMCA Lifeguard Certification (consistent with American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) qualifications) you must:

• Successfully complete in-pool Physical Competency Requirements (first class, arrive swim-ready)
• Participate in all 38 course hours (28-30 hours in-person (always arrive swim-ready) and 8-10 hours eLearning)
• Pass all practical skills checks, swim tests, and other course competency checks without aid
• Complete Basic Life Saving (BLS) including AED, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration certifications
• Score 80%+ on the final written exam

• PRE-APPROVAL Due to limited course spots pre-approval is required
• COST $180 for YMCA Lifeguard Employee Candidates, $255 for Community Guards (those who plan to lifeguard at a location other than the Greater Wichita YMCA)
• ENROLLMENT FEE Registration cannot be completed without full payment
• Once approved, payment can be made in person or over the phone by calling any Greater Wichita YMCA location

*Certification Courses are open to all lifeguards but preference for enrollment is given to our YMCA Lifeguard Employee Candidates. Want to work with us? See below.