This program gives kids interested in future lifeguard or swim instructor positions at the Y hands-on experience. Contact an Aquatic Director at your local Y.

See if lifeguarding or swim instruction is right for you

Instructors lead the class through water activities and give safety-training instruction. There is some bookwork and other exercise components involved in this class.

  • Ages: 11-17 years
  • Class length: 40 minutes
  • Ratio: Eight participants to one instructor
  • Seven-class session cost: $80 for Y members and $160 for non-members
    Note: participating child must be a Y member to receive the discounted rate

Aquatics Leaders Club: Lifeguard Assistant

This course gives instruction and hands on experience to students interested in becoming a YMCA lifeguard. During the course, students will job shadow a current lifeguard. Upon successful completion of the class, students age 14 and up will be qualified to volunteer as a YMCA Lifeguard Assistant on the pool deck. They will not be performing hands-on care in an emergency but will be able to assist members and lifeguards with non-swimming and first aid tasks.

  • Requirements:
    • Proper demonstration of freestyle, backstroke and streamline/glide
    • Some knowledge of butterfly and breaststroke
    • Ability to jump from starting blocks or deck and swim 50 yards freestyle and 50 yards backstroke continuously

Find Lifeguard Assistant Classes

Aquatics Leaders Club: Swim Instructor Assistant

For students interested in becoming a YMCA swim instructor, this is the place to start. Students will learn the skills and attitude necessary to provide a safe and fun environment in the water. During the course, students will job shadow a current swim instructor. Upon successful completion of the class, participants ages 14 and up will be qualified to volunteer as an aide in select Y Swim Lessons.

  • Requirements:
    • Proper demonstration of freestyle, backstroke and streamline/glide
    • Some knowledge of butterfly and breaststroke
    • Ability to jump from starting blocks or deck and swim 50 yards freestyle and 50 yards backstroke continuously

Find Swim Instructor Assistant Classes