Kishwaukee Family YMCA

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Training & Certification Courses

CPR, First Aid, AED and Lifeguarding


 

Red Cross Lifeguard Certification  and Re-Certification Courses

Build a skill. Save a life.

Whether you are looking for a great summer job or career as a professional lifeguard, the Kishwaukee Family YMCA Lifeguard program is the place to begin! Through classroom activities, group discussion and hands-on practice, you’ll learn the skills you need to work as a lifeguard.

Our comprehensive Lifeguard Training course includes accident prevention, lifeguarding techniques, emergency systems, and rescue skills. Course will also include CPR for the professional Rescuer with AED and First Aid.

Upon successful completion of the course the participant will be certified in:

  • American Red Cross Lifeguard Training
  • American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
  • American Red Cross First Aid

Training Prerequisites:

All participants need to pass the swimming requirements prior to the class.  In order to prove you can do the prerequisite skills, participants must contact Zach Bomkamp at (815) 375-5379 or zbomkamp@kishymca.org, prior to the class to set-up a time to perform the skills.  The prerequisite skills are as follows:

  1. Must be at least 15 years old by the end of Lifeguarding course.
  2. Swim 300 yard continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both, but swimming on the back or side is not allowed.  Swim goggles may be used.
  3. Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
  4. 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 with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath. Candidates should not swim the distance under water.  Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Certification Requirements:

To receive Lifeguard Certification a participant must:

  • Attend 100% of all class sessions
  • Arrive on time for all class sessions
  • Participate 100% in all class sessions
  • 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 a conditional certification. It is up to the student to schedule a retest with the instructor within 30 days.
  • Certification confirmation documents will be sent to participant 4-6wks post-course completion.

 

To be eligible to participate, the participant must present a current Red Cross Lifeguarding certificate (or equivalent).


CPR/AED Courses

Build a skill. Save a life.

This course will prepare you to recognize and care for a variety breathing and cardiac emergencies involving adults,children and infants. This instructor-led classroom learning and skill session will give you the opportunity to practice and demonstrate skill competency required for certification. Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a certificate for Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED valid for two years.


 

CPR/AED Refresher Courses

Build a skill. Save a life.

This course will refresh your CPR/AED skills. This class is only available to those who hold a valid CPR/AED Certification and are looking to renew their certification. This instructor-led classroom learning and skill session will give you the opportunity to practice and demonstrate skill competency required for certification. Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a certificate for Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED valid for two years.


First Aid Courses

Build a skill. Save a life.

This course will include: Checking an Unconscious person; Asthma; Sudden Illness; Heat Related Illnesses; Wounds; Injuries to the Head, Neck and Spine; Psychological and Mental Health Problems. Because CPR and AED require separate training for certification, these topics are not part of this course. Students are encouraged to register for the American Red Cross CPR/AED course as a complement to this course.