American Red Cross Certifications

American Red Cross Certifications

Red Cross Certifications

At the Y, a cornerstone of our mission is social responsibility; we try to instill it in our community as best we can and encourage to always lend a helping hand, whether that’s something as simple as volunteering or as important as saving a life.  According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of the hospital every year; however, bystander intervention through CPR and AED can drastically improve chances of survival. 

For more than 30 years, we at the Y have been conducting CPR, AED, and Lifeguarding classes and Certifications in collaboration with American Red Cross. Since then, we have certified countless individuals in Berks County and ensured that our community has access to these life-saving procedures and are ready and able to act in the event of an emergency.

Lifeguard Certification

Reading
11/7/25 - 9/20/26
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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.

Prerequisites: Minimum age: 15 years; Swim 150 yards continuously; Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs, then swim 50 yards, Complete a timed “brick test” within 1 minute 40 seconds by starting in the water, swimming 20 yards, surface dive to a depth of 7-10 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.

This is a blended class – approximately one week prior to the in-person session, and you will receive a link through the email you have provided to complete the online portion of this course.  *** The online portion of this class will take approximately 6-8 hrs. to complete and is a required prerequisite to the in-person portion.

Participants who successfully complete the Lifeguarding course receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED.

Class Days/Times:

Friday 530 PM – 9 PM,

Saturday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM,

Sunday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

*These times may vary based on the class size and needs of the participants.

Included in the cost of class registration is a $50 non-refundable deposit.  If you cancel less than 2 weeks prior to class, you forfeit your entire registration cost.

If you have additional questions, please contact Red Cross Certified Lifeguard Instructor, Rebecca Beres at [email protected] or 610-378-4733.


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
PLAN AHEAD - discounted price 5/18/25 12/14/25 Online / Front Desk $ 275.00$ 315.00
2026 Lifeguard classes 12/15/25 12/1/26 Online / Front Desk $ 300.00$ 340.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Spots
Available
11/07/25 - 11/09/25
Su,Fr,Sa
9 / 10 Available Register  
Closes
10/24/2025
02/20/26 - 02/22/26
Su,Fr,Sa
10 / 10 Available Register  
Closes
02/06/2026
03/20/26 - 03/22/26
Su,Fr,Sa
10 / 10 Available Register  
Closes
03/06/2026
04/24/26 - 04/26/26
Su,Fr,Sa
10 / 10 Available Register  
Closes
04/10/2026
05/08/26 - 05/10/26
Su,Fr,Sa
10 / 10 Available Register  
Closes
04/24/2026
06/22/26 - 06/25/26
Daytime class - Mo,Tu,We,Th - 12:00 pm - 5:30 pm
10 / 10 Available Register  
Closes
06/08/2026
09/18/26 - 09/20/26
Su,Fr,Sa
10 / 10 Available Register  
Closes
09/04/2026

Lifeguard Recertification

Reading
12/13/25 - 8/16/26
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Participants must possess a valid, non-expired Red Cross Lifeguard Certification.

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.

Prerequisites: Minimum age: 15 years; Swim 150 yards continuously; Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs; complete your swim with 40 yards.  Brick test: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds by starting in the water, swimming 20 yards, surface dive to a depth of 12 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.

This class is taught in a blended learning style.  Participants will receive a link to online work which must be completed prior to the start of Friday’s in-person class.

Participants who successfully complete the Lifeguarding course receive an American Red Cross 2-year certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED.

Class Day/Time: Friday 530 PM – 9 PM & Saturday 8:30 AM – 4PM 

*These times may vary based on the class size and needs of the participants.

Approximately one week prior to scheduled class, you will receive detailed instructions through the email you have provided.

Included in the cost of class registration is a $50 non-refundable deposit.  If you cancel less than 2 weeks prior to class, you forfeit your entire registration cost.

If you have additional questions, please contact Red Cross Certified Lifeguard Instructor,  Rebecca Beres at [email protected] or 610-378-4733.


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
PLAN AHEAD - discounted price 1/1/25 12/14/25 Online / Front Desk $ 175.00$ 215.00
2026 LG Recert class 12/15/25 12/16/26 Online / Front Desk $ 195.00$ 235.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Spots
Available
Minimum Deposit
12/13/25 - 12/14/25
Su,Sa
10 / 10 Available $ 0.00 Register  
Closes
12/09/2025
01/16/26 - 01/17/26
Su,Sa
10 / 10 Available 1.0e+2% Register  
Closes
01/02/2026
03/06/26 - 03/07/26
Su,Sa
10 / 10 Available 1.0e+2%
Registration
will open on
12/03/2025
04/10/26 - 04/11/26
Su,Sa
10 / 10 Available 1.0e+2%
Registration
will open on
01/07/2026
05/01/26 - 05/02/26
Su,Sa
10 / 10 Available 1.0e+2%
Registration
will open on
01/28/2026
06/05/26 - 06/06/26
Su,Sa
10 / 10 Available 1.0e+2%
Registration
will open on
03/04/2026
06/18/26 - 06/20/26
Weeknight Recert class - Mo,Tu,We
10 / 10 Available 1.0e+2%
Registration
will open on
03/17/2026
07/24/26 - 07/25/26
Su,Sa
10 / 10 Available 1.0e+2%
Registration
will open on
04/22/2026
08/15/26 - 08/16/26
Su,Sa
10 / 10 Available 1.0e+2%
Registration
will open on
05/14/2026