American Red Cross Certifications

Train, certify, and lead through our Lifeguarding, First Aid/CPR/AED, and Water Safety Instructor courses offered at the Worthington Area YMCA.

Training That Prepares You

Our American Red Cross–aligned certification programs equip participants with the skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies. Build confidence, professionalism, and career-ready credentials in a supportive environment.

Lifeguard

First Aid/CPR/AED

Water Safety Instructor

Get Certified in Lifesaving Skills

Take your training further with our American Red Cross certification courses. From Lifeguarding and Water Safety Instructor classes to First Aid/CPR/AED, you’ll gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and earn credentials recognized nationwide. Our flexible blended and in-person options make it easy to complete requirements while learning in a supportive, professional environment. Start preparing for a safe, rewarding future today.

FAQ Headline

All certifications are valid for 2 years

Age Requirement: Participants must be at least 15 years old.

Pre-Test: Upon arrival, participants must complete the following skills.

Swim 150 yards (6 lengths of a 25-yard pool), immediately tread water for 2 minutes without using arms, then swim an additional 50 yards (2 lengths). Breath control and rhythmic breathing must be demonstrated. Only front crawl and breaststroke are allowed. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Goggles are allowed.

Participants must then complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds: start in the water and swim 20 yards (face in or out, no goggles), surface dive to a depth of 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-lb object, return to the surface, swim 20 yards on the back while holding the object with both hands and keeping the face at or near the surface, then exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Pre-Test: Upon arrival, participants must complete the following skills.

Demonstrate proficiency in the following strokes, consistent with Red Cross Level 4 skills: front crawl (25 yards), back crawl (25 yards), breaststroke (25 yards), elementary backstroke (25 yards), sidestroke (25 yards), and butterfly (15 yards).

Participants must also maintain a back float or scull in deep water for one minute and tread water for one minute.