What you learn, could save a life.

Our dedication to enhancing the well-being of our community extends beyond fitness and wellness into crucial life-saving skills. We are proud to offer comprehensive safety training courses to the public, aiming to equip individuals with the knowledge and competencies necessary for emergency preparedness and response.

At Whatcom Family YMCA, we are committed to providing accessible and high-quality safety training to our community members. Whether you aim to pursue a career in lifeguarding, enhance your emergency response skills, or simply prepare yourself to help others in need, our courses are designed to meet your goals. Join us in our mission to create a safer and more prepared community by enrolling in our Community Safety Training programs today.

Lifeguard Certification Course

Gain the skills and knowledge to become a certified lifeguard through the American Red Cross.

Upcoming Class Dates

May 2-4
- Friday, May 2: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Saturday, May 3: 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM (One-hour lunch break)
- Sunday, May 4: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (One-hour lunch break)

Course Details

Cost: $250
Max Participants: 7
Deadline: April 21
Min Age: 15 years old

Course Overview

Water rescue, surveillance, first aid, and CPR training.
Certifications in Lifeguarding & Basic Life Support (BLS).
Shallow & deep-water rescue training.
Online coursework required before in-person sessions.

Prerequisites

Must be 15 years old by final session.
Swim skills assessment required on day one.
Swim 150 yards (front crawl or breaststroke).
Tread water for 2 minutes using only legs.
Retrieve 10-lb object from 7-10 ft depth.