02/28/2025
Summer is coming quickly and neighborhood pools and clubs will hiring lifeguards; if you're 15 or over and interested in a lifeguarding position, below is the information for upcoming classes at the Flowood YMCA......
[For additional information, contact Paula Davis at 601-326-0543]
2025 Lifeguard Class:
* Registration forms are needed in addition to being registered in the system
Spring Break March 8th - 11th
1st Class Sat. 8th 2pm - 3pm (Prerequisite Skills Test)
2nd Class Sun. 9th 1pm - 5pm
3rd Class Mon. 10th 8am - 5:40pm
4th Class Tues. 11st 8am - 6:30pm
(Registration closes 3/05 @ 12pm)
This 2025 Lifeguarding program trains lifeguards to act with speed and confidence in emergency situations both in and out of the water. Topics include the American Red Cross, updated R24, water rescue skills, surveillance and recognition, CPR, AED, and a two year certification will be issued for Lifeguard/First Aid/AED. Utilizes the "Blended Learning" (7hrs. online) eModules that must be provided from our Y instructors once registered; this portion needs to be completed prior to showing up for physical, face to face class.
Easter Break April 17th - 19th
1st Class Thurs. 17th 6pm - 8pm
2nd Class Friday 18th 8am - 6pm
3rd Class Saturday 19th 8am - 6pm
(Registration closes 4/15 @ 12pm)
American Red Class R24 Prerequisites (In Water Skills )
The following skills must be demonstrated on the first day of class:
From a deck start, submerging your full body underwater, complete 6 consecutive laps (150 yards) - Using breaststroke & freestyle/front crawl (goggles can be worn)
2-minute Leg Tread - No Arms while maintaining head above the water and a stationary position at the surface.
2 more consecutive laps (50 yards)
From a water start, the candidate will swim on the surface for 27 yards, retrieve a 10-pound weight from a depth of seven feet, return to the surface, and swim on their back, holding the weight at the surface with both hands a further 13 yards. Upon reaching the starting point, the candidate will place the weight and themselves on the deck without using a ladder. This must be accomplished within 1 minute and 40 seconds. Goggles are not allowed during this exercise.
Note that the first three skills are to be accomplished without stopping-in one continuous stream- called swim-tread-swim. There is no time limit for this activity but stopping before finishing all three segments will count as a fail.
Each student will be allowed 2 attempts to pass these skills.
To receive a lifeguard certification, a candidate must:
Attend 100% of all classes
Arrive on time for all classes
Participate 100% in all classes
Pass written and skills test
Demonstrate maturity, respect, and responsibility regardless of passing written and skill test
Candidates unable to perform all the skills necessary to receive certification by the last day of the class will be granted 48 hours to schedule a retest with the instructor
FYI, any lifeguards needing to recertify have to retake the online portion as well due to the American Red Cross updating their Lifeguard curriculum. Recertifying lifeguards only pay $195 vs the normal $300 for first time lifeguards.
[For additional information, contact Paula Davis at 601-326-0543]
