Your path to lifeguard certification starts here — let’s make it happen! Our training options provide private one-on-one coaching with a certified lifeguard, guiding you through the physical requirements needed to successfully complete the Lifeguard Prerequisite Test. Sessions are scheduled at a time that’s convenient for you, giving you the flexibility, skills, and confidence to succeed.

Lifeguard Certification Course Prerequisite Test

• Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations:
  • Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:
    • Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed)
    • Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs
    • Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both
  • Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
    • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed).
    • Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 – 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
    • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
    • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Cat Gunther is the Aquatics Director of the YMCA and has been a lifeguard for over eighteen years. She holds extensive certifications including Lifeguarding (deep water), Lifeguarding Instructor, CPR for Professional Rescuers, First Aid, First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor, Oxygen Administration, Shallow Water Blackout, Safety Around Water, The Professional Lifeguard, YMCA Lifeguard Supervisor, YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor, and Certified Pool Operator. Cat specializes in all things aquatics and leads a wide range of programming, from Boy Scout Swim Test certification to American Red Cross certification courses. She also oversees and directs the YMCA’s competitive School Swim League, sharing her passion for swimming, safety, and skill development with the community.

Elijah Stewart has been a certified lifeguard since 2023. He holds certifications in Lifeguarding (including deep water), CPR for Professional Rescuers, First Aid, Safety Around Water, Shallow Water Blackout, Oxygen Administration, and Advanced Life Support (ACLS). Elijah specializes in intermediate and advanced swim instruction, rescue swimming, and lifeguard preparation. He has taught swimmers of all ages, coached Boy Scouts through swim tests, and instructed at the YMCA’s Junior Lifeguard Camp. He also assists with lifeguard and CPR certification courses and has performed multiple water rescues both on and off duty. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at WVU Tech.

Train with a lifeguard, succeed like a lifeguard. Take the first step toward lifeguard certification. Secure your Lifeguard Prerequisite Test Training now and train 1-on-1 with a certified coach. Spots fill fast—book today!

After purchase, visit the SCHEDULING section of your account and schedule your appointments with the available Lifeguard Trainers.

Prerequisite Test Training Credits must be scheduled within 3 weeks of purchase.  Unused credits are non refundable / non transferable. This training is NOT the certification course.

This program offers private Prerequisite Test training sessions. There are times that sessions may need to be rescheduled due to weather related issues or something else out of the YMCA of Southern West Virginia’s control. Any session cancelled by the individual participant less than 24 hours in advance will not be made up. No-show sessions will not be rescheduled. There are no refunds or credits given for session not taken. Prerequisite Test Training Sessions must be paid in full prior to scheduling your first lesson. Packages expire six weeks from the date of purchase.