The Westport Weston Family YMCA in Connecticut hosts Lifeguard Certification and Re-certification courses, conducted by Red Cross certified instructors, several times a year. Both the certification and re-certification courses run simultaneously.

Our lifeguard certification and re-certification program uses a blended learning curriculum combining online training classes, (a link will be emailed 1 week before first class) and a two-day, instructor-led skills classes in the YMCA’s Strittmatter Family Aquatics Center. The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is to provide entry-level lifeguards ages 15 and older with 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 emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over. To maintain their certification, current lifeguards are required to take periodic refresher courses.

REGISTRATION: After registering for the course, each student will receive an email with a link, one week before the start of the first class, to the online portion. No refunds will be given one week before the start of the first class.

The American Red Cross (ARC) 2-day lifeguarding course provides entry-level lifeguards with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies, as well as to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services personnel take over. Not only does this class provide the individual with essential skills, but offers the opportunity to have and hold a job as a lifeguard, providing purpose and the ability to earn an income.

Check back for newly added course times or contact Brian Ference for more information.

(8 & Under Competitive) – 8 & Under programs are a great way to introduce a young swimmer to a competitive swimming program. Fundamental instruction is the focus, and the goal is to build a foundation that encourages all 8 & Under swimmers to complete the journey through Age Groups and into the Senior level. ?Red and Blue Groups will have the opportunity to compete at swim meets.

(8 & Under Competitive) – 8 & Under programs are a great way to introduce a young swimmer to a competitive swimming program. Fundamental instruction is the focus, and the goal is to build a foundation that encourages all 8 & Under swimmers to complete the journey through Age Groups and into the Senior level. ?Red and Blue Groups will have the opportunity to compete at swim meets.

(9-10 years old) – Building on what swimmers learned in their 8 & Under program, DISCOVERY swimmers are proficient in the four primary strokes: freestyle, back, breast, and fly. ?Stroke and technique development are is the main focus of practices. Introduction to racing “strategies” as the swimmers expand the events for which they race.

(9-10 years old) – Building on what swimmers learned in their 8 & Under program, DISCOVERY swimmers are proficient in the four primary strokes: freestyle, back, breast, and fly. ?Stroke and technique development are is the main focus of practices. Introduction to racing “strategies” as the swimmers expand the events for which they race.

(9-10 years old) – Building on what swimmers learned in their 8 & Under program, DISCOVERY swimmers are proficient in the four primary strokes: freestyle, back, breast, and fly. ?Stroke and technique development are is the main focus of practices. Introduction to racing “strategies” as the swimmers expand the events for which they race.

Description: The Senior I group is the highest level of training for the Water Rat Swim Team and has very high practice and meet expectations. Focus: This is the highest training group within the Water Rat Swim Team and therefore more responsibility is placed on the swimmer. Members of this training group are dedicated to training, racing and the team. Swimmers will develop more sport specific/individual technical and racing skills. Prerequisite: Has shown a steady practice attendance of six to ten sessions per week based on the season (short course or long course); Can swim all four competitive strokes for 200 yards/meters, 1650 freestyle and 400 IM; Ability to swim an intensive 2½-hour-plus training session both mentally and physically; Ability to do two practices per day and wake up early for the first practice; Ability to swim 15 x 100 Freestyle on 1:15 (short course); Participate in a championship meet representing the Water Rats.