BECOME A WESTFIELD AREA Y LIFEGUARD AND BE A LIFESAVER THIS SUMMER

The Westfield Area Y is providing teens ages 16+ and adults the opportunity to become a leader by participating in a lifeguard training program. The Y’s comprehensive, education-centered approach to preventing accidents in aquatic environments focuses on the practical aspects of what lifeguards need to know, enables students to learn and apply safety principles in their own lives, develop leadership skills, learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and improve their decision-making skills.

The Y Lifeguard certification is a nationally recognized certification for clear water (pools) and open water (lakes/beaches) facilities. The course includes Classroom Sessions, Pool Sessions, and ‘At Home’ digital/online sessions. CPR for the Professional Rescuer, Oxygen Administration and First Aid are all included. All Certifications are valid for two years except CPR which has a one year expiration (the Y will recertify in CPR at no charge the first time around).

Before registering in the full Lifeguard class, the candidate must first successfully pass the pre-test requirement and be at least 16 years old by the last date of the class. The pre-test will test a candidate’s swimming skills and endurance. Candidates should be familiar with the Front Crawl (Freestyle), Breaststroke, Sidestroke and treading water without their hands. Candidates may sign up for any pre-test that falls before the class they wish to attend. Once a pre-test has been successfully completed, a candidate may register for the full Lifeguard class.

Pre-qualification testing is being offered at the Main Y facility on Saturday, March 28th from 7:00 – 7:45 pm and on Sunday, March 29th from 8:00 – 8:45 am. Those that qualify can register to take the course on Sunday, April 12th, 19th, May 3rdand 10th from 3:00 – 8:00 pm. Can’t make those dates? Pre-qualification testing is also offered on Saturday, May 9th and Sunday, May 10th from 7:00 – 7:45 pm with courses on Sunday May 17th, 21st, June 7th and 14th from 3:00 – 8:00 pm. Candidates must attend all class sessions. Classes will take place at the Main Y facility, 220 Clark Street unless otherwise noted.

Whether you are looking for a summer or a year-round job as an aquatic professional, the Westfield Area Y lifeguard program is the place to begin! When you choose to become a lifeguard you are taking a stand to be a lifesaver, to protect others and to serve your community.

To register for the pre-test, visit the Y Welcome Center or contact Rob Faggiano at (908) 233-2700 x276, rfaggiano@westfieldynj.org.

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Visit www.westfieldynj.org to learn more about Westfield Area Y programs. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.