Certifications
Gain the skills, confidence, and credentials to make a difference.
Train with Purpose. Lead with Confidence.
The YMCA of Coastal Carolina offers nationally recognized certification courses that teach lifesaving skills, leadership, and safety awareness.
Our certifications open doors to meaningful opportunities — whether you’re pursuing a job in aquatics, seeking professional development, or simply wanting to make your community safer.
Certification Programs Offered:
- Lifeguard Certification
- Swim Instructor Certification
Lifeguard Certification
Becoming a certified lifeguard is more than just a job; it’s a chance to develop confidence, leadership, and critical thinking skills that last a lifetime.
Our YMCA Lifeguard Certification Course prepares participants with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies.
What You’ll Learn:
- Water rescue techniques
- CPR, First Aid, and AED training
- Emergency response procedures
- Professional lifeguard responsibilities and teamwork
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 15 years old
- Must complete a swimming skills pretest (timed swim, retrieval dive, and water tread)
Swim Instructor Certification
Earn your YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Certification and learn how to teach swimmers of all ages using the Y’s proven curriculum.
This course equips you with the tools to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment while building your leadership and communication skills.
What You’ll Learn:
- The YMCA Swim Lesson Continuum and progression stages
- Teaching techniques for all ages and skill levels
- Safety practices and emergency response procedures
- How to foster confidence and enjoyment in every swimmer
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Able to tread water for 2 minutes
- Must demonstrate Stage 5 proficiency by swimming 25 yards of at least 4 strokes: Front Crawl, Breaststroke, Sidestroke, Butterfly, Elementary Backstroke, or Backstroke
