Meriden YMCA

Red Cross Certification Courses

Our YMCA offers the following Red Cross certification classes: Babysitting, Lifeguard Certification, Lifeguard Re-certification, and CPR/ First Aid.

American Red Cross Babysitting Class

Learn leadership skills, how to diaper and feed infants, how to handle choking emergencies, rescue breathing, basic first aid and lots more. Bring a pen, note book and a bag lunch. Includes Babysitter’s Training Handbook, DVD & Emergency Reference Guide. (For ages 11 - 15 years old.) Choose your class.

  • March 23, 2024, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • April 20, 2024, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • June 22, 2024, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • Location: Meriden YMCA 
  • Full Member $39, Program or Non-Member $69
  • Register online or call 203.235.6386.
  • For more information contact Carrie Marquardt at (203) 440.1925 or send an email to cmarquardt@meridenymca.org
  • American Red Cross classes are nonrefundable. The only exception is if the Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA cancels the class. 

Lifeguard Certification

Provides entry-level 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. All participants must pass the pre-test to participate in the course. 

This is a blended learning lifeguard class which includes 9.5 hours of online classroom work and 19.5 hours in person training.

  • Prerequisites: Minimum age 15 years old. Online work must be completed prior to in person training. Must pass pre-test. 
  • Pre-test: Swim 300 yards (12 laps) continuously on front; tread water for two minutes using legs only; complete a timed event within 1 minute 40 seconds by starting in the water, swimming 20 yards, surface dive to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a ten pound object, return to surface and swim 20 yards on back to return to the starting point, exit the water without using steps or ladder.

Participants who successfully complete this lifeguarding course receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, valid for two years.

  • Time: Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00  p.m.
  • Dates: Call 203-235-6386 
  • Fee: $375
  • Location: Meriden YMCA

Registration Information:

  • In-person classes will be held at the Meriden YMCA, 110 West Main Street, Meriden, CT 06451
  • For registration information contact the Welcome Center at (203) 235.6386 
  • American Red Cross classes are nonrefundable. The only exception is if the Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA cancels the class. 

Lifeguard Re-certification Course

This abbreviated lifeguarding course briefly reviews course information and allows practice of skills and knowledge before testing. Current certification in Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED is required to participate. Students who successfully complete this course will receive a certification for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED which is valid for two years. Choose your date.

  • Class time: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Date: Call 203-235-6386
  • Fee: $200
  • Location: Meriden YMCA, 110 West Main Street, Meriden, CT 06451
  • For registration information contact (203) 235.6386 
  • American Red Cross classes are nonrefundable. The only exception is if the Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA cancels the class. 

CPR and First Aid Certification or Re-certification

The Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED blended learning course equips students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid breathing and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children and infants.

This class is taught in a blended learning format with an online portion and a two hour in-person class. The online portion (accessed via mobile desktop or tablet) must be completed prior to attending the instructor-led skills session. Upon successful completion a valid two year digital certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED is issued.

  • Prerequisites: Online work must be completed prior to in-person training. 
  • In-person class: Dates/time TBA
  • Fee: $117 per person
  • Location: Meriden YMCA, 110 West Main Street, Meriden, CT 06451
  • Contact: Cathy Lewis at 203.235.6386 or clewis@meridenymca.org
  • More info: Child care is available in our Child Watch room during the in-person class for children ages 3 months to 9 years old. Your kids can play while you learn.
  • Private group classes are available for groups of five or more. Contact our instructor Brye Lewis at (203) 235-6386 for more information.
  • American Red Cross classes are nonrefundable. The only exception is if the Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA cancels the class. 

Lifeguard Waterfront Certification Course

This skills module can be added onto any CURRENT Lifeguard/First Aid/CPR/AED certification. A copy of current certification must be supplied to the instructor before attending the session. Pre-requisite swim skill requirements are the same as those listed for the Full Course Lifeguarding with Waterfront Skills (outlined below). Completing the module does not extend the current Lifeguarding/FA/CPR/AED certification and the Waterfront Skills Module certification expires when the current LG certification expires. Participants must supply their own search mask and fins (goggles do not suffice).

The purpose of the Waterfront Skills Module is to teach currently certified lifeguards the knowledge and skills needed to prevent and respond to emergencies in non-surf, open-water areas found at public parks, resorts, summer camps and campgrounds.

Pre-Req Swim Skills Evaluation for Lifeguarding with Waterfront Skills:

-Goggles may be used for the 550 yard continuous swim only.
-550 yard continuous swim demonstrating rhythmic breathing (front crawl, breaststroke, or any combination of front crawl and breaststroke);
-Tread water for 2 minutes using legs only;
-Complete a timed event within 1 min 40 secs. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards, surface dive (head or feet first) to retrieve a 10 pound brick from at least 7-9 deep water, resurface and return to the starting point by swimming 20 yards on back with two hands on the brick at all times, and exit without using the steps or ladder.
-Goggles may be used for the 300 yard continuous swim, but for no other part of the pre-requisite swim skills evaluation.
-Swim 5 yards, submerge and retrieve three dive rings placed 5 yards apart in 4 to 7 feet of water, resurface and continue to swim another 5 yards to complete the skill sequence.

  • Date: Call 203-235-6386
  • Time: 8:00 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. 
  • Fee: $100
  • Location: Meriden YMCA
  • Must have a current lifeguard certification 
  • Register: Contact the Meriden YMCA at (203) 235-6386
  • American Red Cross classes are nonrefundable. The only exception is if the Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA cancels the class.