Community Safety Classes

In 2021, the Skagit Valley Family YMCA was the 265th largest training provider across the nation in the First Responder and Public Safety division, issuing 311 certifications. There are over 4,000 training agencies in this division, so our Y was in the top 10% of the nation. Additionally, the Skagit Y is one of only three Washington State YMCAs to achieve this benchmark (YMCA of the Inland Northwest and YMCA of Walla Walla are the other two). 

Lifeguard Training

Provides entry-level participants 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.  Also includes Administering Emergency Oxygen. Participants who successfully complete the Lifeguarding course receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED and Administering Emergency Oxygen, both valid for 2 years.

Minimum age: 15 years; Swim 300 yards continuously; Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs; 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 10-pound object, return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, exit the water without using steps or a ladder.

Adult and Pediatric CPR/FA/AED and Bloodborne Pathogens Training

This course will prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children and infants and meets OSHA/workplace requirements. The online portion of this blended course features simulation learning. The online portion must be completed prior to attending the in-class portion. The classroom session also includes Bloodborne Pathogens training.  Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a digital certificate for Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for 2 years and a digital certificate for Bloodborne Pathogens valid for 1 year.

Babysitter's Training

Babysitter’s Training and Pediatric First Aid/CPR provides youth who are planning to babysit with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly give care for children and infants. This training will help participants to develop leadership skills; learn how to develop a babysitting business, keep themselves and others safe and help children behave; and learn about basic child care. The course also includes first aid and Pediatric CPR. 

The recommended age for this course is 11-15 years old.

Basic Life Support

The 2021 Basic Life Support (BLS) course provides healthcare providers and public safety professionals the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in adult, child and infant patients. This class is taught in a blended learning format and the online portion (accessed via mobile, desktop, or tablet) must be completed prior to attending the instructor-led skills session.  Upon successful completion of the course, learners will receive a 2-year Basic Life Support digital certificate with anytime, anywhere access to certificate and training history.

Basic Life Support Instructor

This blended learning course combines online content with an in-person session for individuals seeking to become Basic Life Support instructors. Successful participants will receive a Basic Life Support Instructor certification and a Basic Life Support certification, both valid for 2 years.

Must possess a current basic-level certification in Basic Life Support or equivalent.

First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor

This course will train instructor candidates to teach basic-level American Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED courses. 

In order to participate in this course, you must possess a current basic-level American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED (or higher level) certification or equivalent and be at least 16 years of age on the last day of the instructor course. 

Lifeguard Review Course

An abbreviated Lifeguarding course that reviews course information and allows practice of skills and knowledge before testing. Students who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED which is valid for 2 years.

Current certification in Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED is required.

Lifeguard Instructor Course

Trains Lifeguarding instructor candidates to teach American Red Cross Lifeguarding, Lifeguarding Blended Learning, Shallow Water Lifeguarding, Aquatic Attraction Lifeguarding, Waterpark Skills, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Bloodborne Pathogens Training.

Current certification in Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED is required.

Lifeguard and Waterfront Skills - Blended Learning

Provides entry-level participants 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, including in aquatic facilities in non-surf, open-water areas found at public parks, resorts, summer camps and campgrounds.

Minimum age: 15 years; Swim 550 yards continuously; Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs; Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds: Starting in the water, swim 20 yards; Surface dive to a depth of 7 to 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; Exit the water without using steps or a ladder.