Lifegaurd Training Course
The Red Cross Lifeguard Training Program is intended to train individuals in the skill and knowledge needed to be a certified lifeguard at aquatic facilities. The Lifeguard Training Program is approximately 28 hours in length.
 
The pre-requisite test is held on the first day. With successful completion of all required skills and knowledge, students will receive certification in the following: Lifeguarding and First Aid (three years), CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (one year).  Successful candidates have lucrative opportunities for summer employment upon completion of the class!
 
PREREQUISITES (Students will be tested for the following skills)
  •  Minimum age: 15-years-old on the last day of class
  •  Swim 300 yards continuously using these strokes in the following order
  •  100 yards front crawl using rhythmic breathing and a stabilizing, propellant kick
  •  100 yards breaststroke
  •  The last 100 yards may be a mixture of front crawl or breaststroke
  •  Swim 20 yards front crawl or breaststroke, dive to a depth of 7 to 10', retrieve a 10 lb object and return to the surface and swim 20 yards back to the starting point
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
  • Pass one written test with a minimum grade of 80% or better on each section
  •  Successfully complete four final skill scenarios
  •  Successfully performs all critical skills
Red Cross Lifeguard Training includes the following:
  • Lifeguard Training
  •  CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
  •  First Aid
Location: YWCA Avera Downtown Aquatic Center
Registration: Call the YWCA membership desk 605-336-3660 to register.
Fees:        $145 fee includes all textbooks and training material. 
                 $40 non-refundable fee.
                 No refunds for cancellations within 72 hours of beginning of course.
 
 Session #1: Friday to Sunday, February 19-21
 Session #2: Friday to Sunday, March 26-28
 Session #3  Friday to Sunday, April 23-25
 Session #4  Friday to Sunday, May 7-9
 Session #5  Friday to Sunday, May 14-16
 Session #6  Friday to Sunday, May 21-23
 Session #7  Friday to Sunday, May 28-30
 
Water Safety Instructor Course
Water Safety Instructors (WSI) are in high demand and is a great part-time job for people of all ages.  Upon successful completion of this course, you will be certified to teach American Red Cross swimming lessons. Great summer time employment opportunities abound once you are certified! The Red Cross has updated the WSI course which is about 30 hours in length and each session of WSI is two weekends long.  Please review the following details if you are interested in becoming a WSI.
 
PREREQUISITES:
  •  Be at least 16 years old by the end of the course.  Proof of your age (such as a valid driver's license is required on the first day of class.)
  • PRE-COURSE SKILLS TEST: You must demonstrate Red Cross Level 4 swimming skills for these skills:
  1. Front Crawl 25 yards
  2. Back Crawl 25 yards
  3. Breast Stroke 25 Yards
  4. Elementary Backstroke 25 yards
  5. Sidestroke 25 yards
  6. Butterfly 15 yards
  7. Maintain position on back for one minute in deep water (float or scull)
  8. Tread water for one minute

FEES: $190.00 fee includes all textbooks, training material, and FIT course.

REGISTRATION: To register, contact the YWCA membership desk at 605-336-3660.
Payment may be made by phone with a credit card, by mailing a check, or in person. It is required to bring a driver’s license or proof of age to the first day of class.  $40 non-refundable fee.  No refunds for cancellations within 72 hours of beginning of course.
CERTIFICATION REQUIRMENTS: You will have reading and written assignments each day of the class. Candidates must successfully complete four practice teaching assignments and score at least 80% on a written exam. 
 ATTENDANCE AT ALL CLASS SESSIONS IS MANDATORY!
 
Location: YWCA Avera Downtown Aquatics Center
Session #1: Friday to Sunday, March 19 - 21 & March 26 - 28
Session #2: Friday to Sunday, April 9 - 11 & April 16 - 18
Session #3: Friday to Sunday, May 7 - 9 & May 14 - 16
Session #4: Friday to Sunday, May 21 - 23 & May 28 - 30
 
Sign up early.  Registration is available on a first-come first-served basis. 
To register contact the YWCA membership desk at 605-336-3660.
 
Employment Opportunity: As an instructor, you can teach Red Cross swim lessons.
Call Carry at 336-3662, ext 231 if interested in teaching at the YWCA.

Lifegaurd Re-Certification
This class is a review of life guarding skills and an update of the new skills that the Red Cross has added to life guarding.  In this class you will need to complete a 300 yard swim, retrieve a diving brick, learn the newly added lifeguard and first aid skills, and complete a written test.  The lifeguard and first aid review and re-certification are valid for three years. Bring suit, towel and goggles!

Location: YWCA Avera Downtown Aquatic Center
Fee: $35/Member or $40/Non-member

Call Carry at 336-3662, ext 231 if interested in reviewing your life guard skills.
 
 
This will provide you with the new CPR-PR skills.  The CPR-PR was newly updated by the Red Cross this year.  The CPR-PR review will renew your CPR-PR for one year.
 
Fee: $25/Member or $30/Non-member
Call Carry at 336-3662, ext 231 if interested in renewing your CPR-PR.

water endorsement
Help train lifeguards for your community pool - enroll today in the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor (LGI) course!  If you hold a current lifeguard certificate, contact Carry Thomas at 336-3660, ext 231, for more information.
 
Instructor candidates who successfully complete this course will be able to teach the following:
  • Lifeguarding/First Aid
  • CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
  • Bloodborne Pathogens Training
  • Administering Emergency Oxygen
  • Lifeguard Management
  • Guard Start

Prerequisites:

  • Must be 17 years of age by the last scheduled class session.
  • Must have a current Red Cross Lifeguarding certificate or have successfully completed a Red Cross Lifeguarding course within the last four years.
  • Have a Fundamentals of Instructor Training (FIT) or hold a current Red Cross instructor authorization. A FIT course will be offered on the first day of class. (Currently authorized Red Cross instructors need not attend).
  • Successfully pass the Precourse Session. The Precourse Session includes the following:
  • Score at least 80% on a 60 question written exam covering Red Cross Lifeguarding information.
  • All Red Cross Lifeguarding Precourse skill tests, CPR for the Professional Rescuer skills, first aid skills, and water rescue skills. 
  © 2007 YWCA - Sioux Falls, SD - Contact us with any questions.