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Questions about Lifeguarding?

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions:

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? 

You will receive an email with your certificate from the Red Cross. If you lose your certificate you can go to the Red Cross Find My Certificate page and enter the email address attached to your certificate.

How long does certification last?

All certifications are for two years. However, the state of Nebraska DHHS requires anyone who wishes to 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.

What do I need to bring with me to class each day? 

Students should bring the following to class each day: 
Online course completion certificate, 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. Pocket masks will be provided at the beginning of 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 course curriculum.

How can I apply to work as a lifeguard or swim instructor at the Y?

Visit the Lincoln YMCA's employment site where you can learn about current openings and apply online.

I have never been a lifeguard, where do I start? My lifeguard certification expired more than 30 days ago, what do I do?

Step 1: Sign up for the Pre-Skills Test online or in the branch. We recommend you sign up ahead of time and practice for the test. You must take the test at least two weeks before the class.

Step 2: You must register at the Front Desk for the Lifeguard Training class.

Step 3: Complete the 7.5 hours of online learning.

Step 4: Come to class with your proof of online completion.

I'm a lifeguard but my certification is about to expire, what do I do?

Step 1: Register online or in the branch for the Lifeguard Review class.

Step 2: You must have your current lifeguard certification to show the instructor on the first day of class. This class does NOT have online learning.

I'm a lifeguard and only need my yearly CPR training, what do I do?

Step 1: Register online or in the branch for Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid Review.

Step 2: You must have your current lifeguard certification to show the instructor on the first day of class. This class does NOT have online learning.