You’re in good hands when you learn lifeguarding at the Y. We have been an industry leader in aquatic safety for more than 100 years, and we are excited to host multiple spring courses to help new and experienced lifeguards hone their skills in preparation for the summer. All course certifications are valid for 2 years.
AMERICAN RED CROSS LIFEGUARDING COURSE
The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course is to provide participants 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 EMS personnel take over.
Prerequisites:
- Must be 15-years-old or older.
- Must be able to complete a swim a continuous 150-yard swim, two minutes of treading water without the use of hands, followed by an additional 50-yard swim
- Must complete a timed swim to retrieve a 10-pound object from under 7-9.5 feet of water.
PLEASE NOTE: Participants who fail to complete the swim test will receive a 50% refund. Attendance at every class is mandatory. No refunds will be given to participants who miss classes or who are unable to meet testing requirements at the end of the class successfully.
Location: C.W Avery Family YMCA (Includes Water Park Option)
Dates and Class Times: Saturday, March 29 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.), Sunday, March 30 (9 a.m-3 p.m.), Monday, March 31 (9 a.m-5 p.m.)
Cost: $250 for Facility Members/$300 for Community Members
REGISTER TODAY
Location: Galowich Family YMCA
Dates and Class Times: Tuesday, May 20-Friday, May 23 (3-7:45 p.m.), May 24 (8 a.m.-2:45 p.m.)
Cost: $250 for Facility Members/$300 for Community Members
REGISTER TODAY
AMERICAN RED CROSS LIFEGUARD INSTRUCTOR/TRAINER RECERTIFICATION COURSE
The Lifeguarding Instructor/Instructor Trainer Recertification course is designed to help existing Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructors (LGI) and Instructor Trainers (LGI/T) renew their certifications by reviewing course knowledge and skills. This course is required to maintain certification and is available exclusively through blended learning.
PLEASE NOTE: To enroll in this course, you must already hold the appropriate Lifeguarding Instructor or Instructor Trainer certification.
Location: Galowich Family YMCA
Date and Class Time: Friday, April 18 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Cost: $110 for Facility Members/$115 for Community Members
REGISTER TODAY
Location: C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Date and Class Time: Friday, May 2 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Cost: $110 for Facility Members/$115 for Community Members
REGISTER TODAY
If you have any questions please contact Facilities, Aquatics, and Risk Operations Director Cindy Moss at 815-267-8600, ext. 228 or by email at [email protected].
Are you looking to take an active role in bringing about meaningful, enduring change right in your own neighborhood? The YMCA’s summer day camp volunteer program is for you!
When kids play sports, they do more than just exercise. Besides being physically active, they develop higher self-esteem, perform better in school and work better in groups. 
The Morris Hospital YMCA, alongside its partners from Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers and the City of Morris, were recently recognized by the Grundy Economic Development Council (GEDC) and the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce with the ‘Partners of the Year Award.’ Presented at the GEDC and Chamber’s annual dinner on March 5, the award recognized the collaborative efforts amongst the Y, the Hospital, and the City to bring the first full-facility YMCA to Grundy County. The Morris Hospital YMCA opened its doors to serve the community in December 2024.
