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American Red Cross Courses
Blended Learning Lifeguard Training
Ages 15 and above
BLENDED LEARNING FORMAT – Our lifeguard training courses are offered in a blended learning format which allows participants to complete approximately 7 hours worth of ONLINE content outside of class. The online coursework will prepare them to attend the in-person skill sessions where they will practice skills and demonstrate competency.
$450
Participants MUST REGISTER ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE to allow ample time to start the online coursework prior to Day 1 of training. The instructor (o.mcgovern@ywcagreenwich.org) will email the Student Syllabus detailing how to access the online coursework 3-5 days before the class.
Prerequisites
Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence
- Swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed.
- Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs.
- Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
Timed Event - Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds.
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
- Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face at or near the surface.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Refund / Cancellation / Transfer Policy:
Transfer requests with more than 7 days' notice will be honored as availability permits without penalty.
Cancellation within 7 days prior to the start of Day 1 of your course — no refund applies.
Transfer requests within 7 days prior to the start of your course, $75 transfer processing fee applies.
No refunds for those who do not successfully meet all course completion requirements.
Failed pre-requisite swim skills evaluation on Day 1 of training constitutes cancellation. No refund applies. However, those who do not pass the pre-req swim skills evaluation on Day 1 of training may request that their registration fee be applied toward a future course offering.
Financial Aid is available for qualifying applicants.
For questions contact the YWCA Aquatics Department at 203-869-6501, ext. 121 or contact Shanna Sudderth at s.sudderth@ywcagreenwich.org
To register, click here.
Waterfront Training Add-On
Ages 15 and above
Provides entry-level participants the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until EMS personnel take over, including in aquatic facilities in non-surf, open-water areas found at public parks, resorts, summer camps and campgrounds.
$150 and can be added to any class or taken on its own.
Prerequisites
Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence
- Swim 350 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed.
- Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs.
- Swim 200 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
Timed Event - Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds.
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
- Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 to 10 feet (consistent with the maximum water depth participants will train in) to retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face at or near the surface.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Underwater Swim
- Swim 5 yards, submerge and retrieve three dive rings placed 5 yards apart in 4 to 7 feet of water, resurface and continue to swim another 5 yards.
Participants who successfully complete this course receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED and Waterfront Skills, both valid for 2 years.
Water Safety Instructor Course
Ages 15 and above
If you are a proficient swimmer, you can become an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. This course will help you teach skills that may save a life and prepare you to teach swimming and aquatic awareness.
$500
Prerequisites
- Be at least 15 years of age on or before the final scheduled lesson of this course.
- Demonstrate the ability to perform the following swimming skills: 1. Swim the following strokes consistent with the Stroke Performance Charts, Level 4 (see Appendix B) { Front crawl—25 yards { Back crawl—25 yards { Breaststroke—25 yards { Elementary backstroke—25 yards { Sidestroke—25 yards { Butterfly—15 yards 2. Maintain position on back for 1 minute in deep water (floating or sculling). 3. Tread water for 1 minute.
2026 Dates:
June 1-5
Lifeguarding Blended Learning
2026 Dates:
June 25, 26, 27
Pre-Requisite Swim Skill Evaluation
2026 Dates
May 2
June 6
Times vary. To sign up for evaluation, please email instructor Olivia McGovern at o.mcgovern@ywcagreenwich.org.
2026 Dates:
May 9
May 16
May 20
June 17
June 20
CPR Professional Skills Class
$150