What is a Red Cross Certification Course?
A Red Cross certification course is a training program from the American Red Cross that teaches essential lifesaving and safety skills. Participants learn how to respond to emergencies through hands-on instruction and real-world scenarios.
Courses commonly include CPR, AED, First Aid, and Lifeguarding. Upon successful completion, participants earn an official certification that is nationally recognized and typically valid for two years.
Available Courses
Lifeguard Certification
Our Lifeguard Certification course prepares participants with the skills and confidence needed to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies. Through hands-on training and real-life scenarios, participants learn water rescues, CPR, AED use, and First Aid.
Upon successful completion, participants receive American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification.
Who Should Attend:
- Individuals seeking lifeguard employment
- Current YMCA or aquatic staff
- Students interested in leadership and lifesaving skills
Prerequisites apply.
Lifeguard Recertification
Our Lifeguard Recertification course is designed for lifeguards who need to renew their credentials. This refresher course reinforces essential rescue skills, emergency response procedures, CPR, AED, and First Aid to ensure lifeguards remain prepared and confident on the job.
Successful completion results in renewed American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification.
Who Should Attend:
- Lifeguards with a current or recently expired certification
- Aquatic professionals maintaining employment requirements
Participants must meet recertification eligibility requirements.
CPR, First Aid, AED Certification
Be prepared to act when emergencies happen. Our CPR/AED/First Aid course teaches participants how to recognize and respond to cardiac, breathing, and first aid emergencies involving adults, children, and infants.
Participants receive American Red Cross certification upon successful completion.
Who Should Attend:
- Parents and caregivers
- Coaches and educators
- Childcare providers
- Workplace safety teams
- Anyone interested in learning lifesaving skills
No prior experience required.
Babysitting Certification
Our Babysitting course helps youth develop the skills and confidence needed to be responsible, capable babysitters. Participants learn childcare basics, safety practices, first aid, emergency response, and professionalism, including communication with families.
Participants receive American Red Cross Babysitting certification upon successful completion.
Who Should Attend:
- Youth interested in babysitting
- First-time babysitters
- Teens looking to build responsibility and leadership skills
Customized & Group Classes
In addition to scheduled offerings, the YMCA can create American Red Cross certification classes based on community, organizational, or staff needs. Custom classes are available for workplaces, schools, teams, camps, and community groups.
Contact us to learn more about group training options or to request a custom class.