Certifications And Trainings
The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina hosts American Red Cross CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard Certification Training courses every fall, spring and summer to its members and the community. Select the drop-down bars below for details on course offerings.
CPR, AED, First Aid Certification Training
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) Adult/Pediatric/AED (automatic external defibrillator) training meets the needs of workplace responders and schools, as well as the general public.
CPR for the Professional Rescuer training meets the needs of a professional level emergency. Some certifications and jobs require CPR PRO.
These CPR classes are a blended learning course. After you register for the course you will be sent a link for the online portion. The online portion must be completed before the start of the inhouse training. Please be prepared to show your completion certificate at the start of the class.
Learn to save a life.
Upcoming Sessions
CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and Administering Emergency Oxygen - BLENDED (Online portion must be completed prior to class date)
- Tuesday, January 6th from 1-6pm at the Nir Family YMCA
- Saturday, March 7th from 9am-2pm at the Nir Family YMCA
- Tuesday, May 12th from 1-6pm at the Nir Family YMCA
- Saturday, July 18th from 9am-2pm at the Nir Family YMCA
- Tuesday, September 8th from 1-6pm at the Nir Family YMCA
- Saturday, November 14th from 9am-2pm at the Nir Family YMCA
Information on Your Red Cross Cards
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Once YMCA receives approval of your certification, the American Red Cross will email the participant the certification. This paperwork is the official document.
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Please provide instructor with a valid email address during registration.
Contact
Leadership Through Aquatics
Leadership Through Aquatics
This is a course designed for teens interested in becoming American Red Cross Certified Lifeguards through Leadership Training. For teens ages 14-17. However, teens must be 15 years of age by the end of the program to complete the ARC Lifeguard Certification course. It is required that each teen participate in volunteer hours and leadership training while in the program in order to understand the qualities of a Professional Lifeguard.
Requirements to Participate in the Program
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Comfortable in the water environment, beginner swim level
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Must be willing to work hard and have fun
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Cannot miss scheduled program classes without approval
1st Pathway
Our Junior Lifeguard Program is a great opportunity to "dip your toes" into the world of aquatics and lifeguarding! This program is intended for kids ages 12-14. They will learn essential life-saving skills, as well as career development preparation! Click the link here to join our interest list!
2nd Pathway
Anybody who is aged 15 and older is eligible to take an American Red Cross lifeguarding course, and is eligible to apply for a lifeguarding role to work at our Nir Family YMCA, Robert Strange, Legion Stadium, or Boys and Girls Club pools! Click here to register for a course TODAY!
Ages
12-17 years
Program Fees
Junior Lifeguarding - $200 Members/$250 Non-members
American Red Cross Lifeguard Course - $225 Members/$275 Non-members
Location
Nir Family YMCA
2710 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28403
Contact
Junior Lifeguard Program
Junior Lifeguard Program
The purpose of the Junior Lifeguard Program is to encourage awareness, leadership, self-confidence, and provide an environment that allows young participants a chance to explore lifeguarding as a possible career choice or as an interest. Six elements of the Junior Lifeguard program include:
- Emergency response
- Physical skills training
- Environmental awareness
- Standard operating procedures
- Career development skills
- Growth of professional communication skills
Registration Opens March 1st for 2026!
Ages
11-14 Years
2026 Summer Sessions
Session 1
- Monday, June 22nd - Friday, June 26th - 8am-3pm
Session 2
- Monday, July 13th - Friday, July 17th - 8am-3pm
Session 3
- Monday, August 10th - Friday, August 14th - 8am-3pm
Program Fees
- $200 Members/$250 Non-Members
Location:
Robert Strange Pool
401 S 10th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Contact
Lifeguard Certification Training - Deep Water
Deep Water Lifeguard Course
Blended Learning Format
Nir Family YMCA and Robert Strange Pool
- Fridays: 5:00 pm-8:00 pm Nir Family YMCA
- Prerequisite swim test, Intro to lifeguarding, Entries
- Saturdays: 8am-5pm Nir Family YMCA
- CPR and Water Skills
- Sundays: 8am-5pm Robert Strange Pool
- Spinal management, Deep water skills and Final testing
2026 Summer Dates:
- May 8, 9, and 10
- May 22, 23, 24
- June 12, 13, 14
- July 17, 18, 19
- August 8, 9, 10
- September 11, 12, 13
Lifeguard Recertification Dates - 8am-6pm at Robert Strange Pool
- May 16
- June 27
- July 25
Sampson County YMCA
- May 15, 16, 17
- Friday, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- May 22, 23, 24
- Friday, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- May 27, 28, 29
- Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- June 1, 2, 3
- Monday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- June 5, 6, 7
- Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Ages
15+ years
Locations
Wilmington, NC 28403
Prerequisite Swim Test
A prerequisite swim test will be offered the Friday night prior to first night of the course between the hours of 5:00pm-5:30pm at the Nir Family YMCA. Students must pass the prerequisite swim test in order to be eligible to take the course. the course will continue to Introduction to Lifeguarding, identifying a drowning person, entries, and rescues for a distressed and active drowning person.
The swim test consists of:
- Swim 300 yards 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.
- Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
- Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds.
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards.
- Surface dive, feet-first or headfirst, to a depth of 9 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 step.
Program Fees
Information on Your Red Cross Card
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Once YMCA receives approval of your certification, the American Red Cross will email the participant the certification. This paperwork is the official document.
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Please provide instructor with a valid email address. We Must have a accurate email at the time of registration to send the blended learning link. this email must be your personal email, not a parents.
About Our Blended Learning Format
This is a two-portion lifeguard course. The first portion is all online as a Blended Learning Lifeguard Course through the American Red Cross. The second portion of this course is In-Person, which will cover Water Skills, CPR, and First-Aid.
You must complete the Online Blended Learning portion of this course prior to attending the second In-Person portion of the course. Once the registration fee is paid, you will received the Online Blended Learning Link and an Online Lifeguard Manual. The online portion is to be completed during your own time prior to attending the in-person lifeguard training.
Contact
Lifeguard Certification Training - Shallow Water
Shallow Water Lifeguard Courses
How deep is the water you are working in? If the water depth is 6ft or less, then this is the course for you.
The American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Training is designed to provide participants the knowledge and skills necessary to be a lifeguard and professional rescuer. Our training course includes lifeguard training, CPR for the professional rescuer and first aid training. This Lifeguard certification is for pools up to 6-feet in depth. Scroll to the bottom of this section for more information about prerequisites, program costs, and course formatting.
Must attend all class dates. Females must wear a one-piece swimsuit. Participants are in the water for an extended time. It is recommended to have a rashguard shirt and extra towels. Please bring a lunch, water, and snacks.
For Pools Up to 6ft - Shallow Water Lifeguard Course
Blended Learning Format
Nir Family YMCA
- Fridays, 5:00pm-8:00pm
- Prerequisite swim test, intro to lifeguarding, water skills
- Saturdays, 8:00am-5:00pm
- CPR / water skills
- Sundays, 8:00am-5:00pm
- Water skills / water skills testing and final written exam
2025 Fall Dates:
- October 17, 18, 19
- December 5, 6, 7
Spring 2026 Dates:
- February 13, 14, 15
- March 20, 21, 22
- April 6-10
Additional Information for Shallow Water Courses
Ages
15+ years
Prerequisite Swim Test
A prerequisite swim test will be offered the Friday night prior to first night of the course between the hours of 5:00pm-5:30pm at the Nir Family YMCA. Students must pass the prerequisite swim test in order to be eligible to take the course. We will then continue and start the course with intro to lifeguarding.
The swim test consists of:
- Swim 100 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. You may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both.
- Tread water for 2 minutes, using only the legs.
- Complete a timed event within 50 seconds:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards using the front crawl or breaststroke. Your face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
- Submerge to a depth of 4 to 5 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and walk or swim 20 yards to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object at the surface of the water.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Program Fees
Information on Your Red Cross Card
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Once YMCA receives approval of your certification, the American Red Cross will email the participant the certification. This paperwork is the official document.
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Please provide instructor with a valid email address and phone number
About Our Blended Learning Format
Contacts
Looking for a Y Job?
Interested in being a YMCA Lifeguard, group exercise instructor or personal trainer? Training is provided at no cost for those who apply, meet qualifications and are hired. National accreditation for Certified Personal Training designation is available on a fee basis.
Bring a Buddy
We recommend registering with someone you are normally in contact with. You will be in close contact during some of the required lifesaving skills.
