The YWCA Lower Cape Fear is proud to offer lifeguarding classes every spring. This American Red Cross certification is valid for 2 years and includes: Lifeguarding/CPR for the Professional Rescuer/First Aid and AED.

Lifeguard Course Fee:
$275* YWCA Membership is NOT required

The following items are needed for class:
rescue-ready bathing suit
towel
lifeguard manual (provided by YWCA)
snacks & water
CPR pocket masks (provided by YWCA)
sun screen

Online Prework:
This class requires online prework that must be completed prior to the first day of class. This prework will be emailed to the course participant at least 1 week prior to the first class session.

Swim Requirement:
The first Saturday of each session meets poolside for a pre-test. The pre-test consists of a 200-yard swim (150 yd swim, 2 minute tread without using hands, 50 yd swim), and a timed event to retrieve a 10 lb brick in the 8 1/2 foot water.

Age requirement:
Individuals must be 15 years old by the last day of class to participate.

Class Minimum/Maximum:
Four students are needed to conduct a class with no more than ten students.

Nonrefundable Deposit:
A $50 non refundable deposit is required to register and reserve a space in the course. This fee is forfeited if the participant cannot pass the swim test, does not attend the class or if they need to transfer to another date.

Class dates/times:
Each class session meets the following days and times -
Wednesday night, 5:30-9:30pm
Saturday, 8am-5pm
Sunday, 8am-5pm

2026 Class Schedule:
Class #1: February 18th, 21st & 22nd
Class #2: March 11th, 14th & 15th
Class #3: April 15th, 18th & 19th
Class #4: May 13th, 16th & 17th
Class #5 - last chance! June 8th, 9th & 10th

The YWCA Lower Cape Fear is proud to offer recertification review classes for lifeguarding, first aid and CPR/PR each spring.

Recertification Class Cost: $150

These are 12-hour review classes lasting between 2 days. If you have a pocket mask, please bring it with you to class. There will be a written and practical test for all re-certifications.

Classes are limited to ten participants and four must be signed up to conduct the class.

*A $50 non refundable deposit is required to register and reserve a space in the course.

Proof of current certification is required before beginning the class.

Each course will follow the following schedule: Saturday and Sunday 9am-3pm

2026 Course Schedule:
Class #1: March 28th and 29th
Class #2: April 11th and 12th
Class #3: May 2nd and 3rd
Class #4: June 6th and 7th

YWCA Membership is NOT required for lifeguard training courses.

Registration is available in person, by phone or online.

To register in person, stop by the YWCA Aquatics Center located at 2815 S. College Rd during pool operating hours.

To register by phone, call 910-799-6820 x109 during pool operating hours. If we do not answer, please leave us a message!

If you choose to register online, please continue reading for important instructions:

If you are currently a YWCA member or have been in the recent past you can retrieve that membership login by following the link above and then by clicking “Login”. DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT. If you are experiencing issues accessing your current or past account, email pool@ywca-lowercapefear.org and we will assist with resetting your password.

If you are not currently a YWCA member, you do not need to be a member to register for Lifeguard certification courses. Go to the link above and select “Sign Up”. Scroll to the bottom and choose the “Non Member” option for $0.00.

A $50 non refundable deposit is required to hold a space in the course. Remaining course fees will be charged after successful completion of the pre-course swimming skills the first pool day of the course.

All YWCA annual memberships are non-refundable.

For more information, contact:

Katie Kerley

Aquatics Coordinator

E: poolco@ywca-lowercapefear.org

P: 910-799-6820, extension 109