YMCA of El Paso

For Youth Development
For Healthy Living
For Social Development

Welcome to the

YMCA of El Paso

The YMCA of El Paso strengthens the foundations of our community through well-being and fitness, camps, family time, swim, sports and play, and other activities for people of all ages, incomes and abilities. We’re more than just a place to work out. At the Y, we help build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all with the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility at the heart of everything we do.

With a commitment to nurturing youth development, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility, the Y ensures that every individual has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow and thrive.


NEWS FROM THE Y


Lifeguard Training



Loya Lifeguard Training (PDF)

Bowling Lifeguard Training (PDF)
Westside Lifeguard Training (PDF)

This course is designed to provide the participants with the knowledge and skills needed to be a lifeguard and professional rescuer. Participants will be certified in YMCA Lifeguard, CPR Pro for the Professional Rescuer, Basic First Aid and Emergency Oxygen Administration. The course presents information on the skills and knowledge lifeguards need in pool, lake, river, surf, and waterpark environments. The comprehensive course offers up-to-date information on how to lifeguard by anticipating and preventing problems before they occur and by taking action to help those in danger when necessary. Course covers safety skills, accident prevention, scanning, guarding techniques, emergency systems, rescue skills, first aid in aquatic environments, spinal injury management, open water dangers, legal responsibilities, pool management, and information on how to get a job as a lifeguard.

Prerequisites:

Minimum age of 16 by the last day of the scheduled course. Those under the age of 18 must have parental consent to participate in the course.

Pass the following three-phased Physical Competency Requirements (conducted in class on the 1st day):

  • Phase 1:
    • Tread water for 2 minutes (legs only)
    • Swim 100 yards of front crawl
  • Phase 2:
    • Swim 50 yards of each:
      • Front crawl with the head up
      • Breaststroke
      • Breaststroke with the head up
      • Elementary backstroke kick with hands on the chest
    • Perform a feet-first surface-dive in 8 to 10 feet of water (or maximum depth of training facility). Then swim underwater for 15 feet.
  • Phase 3:
    • Starting in the shallow end of the water, sprint for a distance of approximately 60 feet then perform an arm-over-arm surface dive in 8 to 10 feet (or maximum depth of training facility)
    • Pick up an object (dive ring) from the bottom of pool, surface and tread water for at least one minute with legs only, replace the object back to the bottom of the pool where it was found
    • Swim the remaining length to end of pool, and hoist yourself out of water

Immediately begin compression on an adult manikin for one minute or 100 compressions, stand and listen to directions from instructor

The Y is committed to providing programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We make every effort to ensure that no one is turned away due to inability to pay. Click to read more about our financial assistance.