The Granite YMCA offers lifeguard certification in New Hampshire for people who want to become certified lifeguards, renew an existing certification, or build lifesaving skills. Choose from full YMCA lifeguard certification, crossover training for guards certified through another program, and lifeguard recertification. Full and crossover courses also include ASHI CPR and First Aid certification.
By enrolling in our lifeguard training programs, you will gain essential skills and knowledge to ensure the safety of swimmers.
Water and land rescue skills for aquatic emergencies.
First Aid, professional rescuer CPR, AED, and emergency-response training
Preparation for real emergency situations through instructor-led practice and skills review.
A clearer understanding of lifeguard responsibilities, prevention, communication, and safety expectations.
Every course here follows the Y-USA Lifeguarding curriculum and certifies you in ASHI Basic Life Support (CPR). Full and crossover courses add First Aid. If you already hold a current American Red Cross lifeguard certification, the crossover course brings you to Y-Lifeguarding standards in 15 in-person hours. Not sure which course fits? Contact the Aquatics Director at your branch and we will point you to the right one.
Full Lifeguard Certification Course
30 Hour In-Person Course | 8 Hours Online Training
The Full Training course at The Granite YMCA is the starting point for anyone learning how to become a lifeguard. This comprehensive program teaches essential emergency response, water rescue, and lifesaving first aid skills. Designed for those without prior certifications, it offers hands-on experience and expert instruction to prepare you for real-life scenarios.
30 Hour In-Person Course | 8 Hours Online Training
Successful completion of this Y-USA course will certify you in:
Y-Lifeguarding
ASHI Basic Life Support (CPR) & Oxygen Administration
First Aid
30 Hour In-Person Course | 8 Hours Online Training
Prerequisites:
Completion of all online training (Y-USA: 4 hours; ASHI: 4 hours)
15 Hour In-Person Course | 8 Hours Online Training
The Crossover Training course at The Granite YMCA enables a smooth transition into one of our programs. It enhances your existing skills to meet Y-Lifeguarding standards, focusing on skill refinement, emergency preparedness, and lifesaving techniques. This training is perfect for experienced lifeguards looking to broaden their qualifications.
15 Hour In-Person Course | 8 Hours Online Training
Successful completion of this Y-USA course will certify you in:
Y-Lifeguarding
ASHI Basic Life Support (CPR) & Oxygen Administration
First Aid
15 Hour In-Person Course | 8 Hours Online Training
Prerequisites:
Completion of all online training (Y-USA: 4 hours; ASHI: 4 hours)
Current certification from another nationally recognized lifeguard program
Lifeguards must stay up to date with the latest safety protocols and best practices to maintain their effectiveness. The Recertification Training at The Granite YMCA ensures that you remain fully certified and prepared to act in emergency situations. This streamlined course refreshes your knowledge, hones your skills, and provides updated training so you can continue making a difference in aquatic safety.
8 Hour In-Person Course
Successful completion of this Y-USA course will certify you in:
Y-Lifeguarding
ASHI Basic Life Support (CPR)
ASHI Basic Life Support (CPR) & Oxygen Administration
8 Hour In-Person Course
Course Details:
No required online courses prior to the in-person session (optional ASHI and YMCA Training Links available upon request)
Participants must pass all practical and written exams and attend the entire course
Looking to gain essential lifesaving skills? Whether you’re after your first lifeguard certification in New Hampshire, CPR recertification, or First Aid training, The Granite YMCA offers courses that give you the knowledge and confidence to respond in an emergency. Our instructor-led courses serve every experience level, from first-time candidates to working lifeguards due for recertification.
Lifeguard classes run seasonally at each branch, so check the schedule regularly for the latest dates. Many classes fill quickly, so don’t miss your chance to get certified!
Frequently Asked Questions About Aquatic Training & Certifications
Have questions before signing up? Review the answers below to learn more about lifeguard certification in New Hampshire, CPR and AED training, First Aid, recertification, and what to confirm before you register at The Granite YMCA.
Our YMCA lifeguard training comes in three courses: Full Training for new lifeguards, Crossover Training for lifeguards certified through another nationally recognized program, and Recertification Training for current Y-Lifeguards. Full and Crossover Training also certify you in ASHI Basic Life Support (CPR) and First Aid; Recertification renews Y-Lifeguarding and ASHI CPR. Availability varies by season and branch.
These are YMCA courses. Successful completion certifies you in Y-Lifeguarding through Y-USA, with CPR and First Aid through ASHI, not the American Red Cross. If you hold a current Red Cross lifeguard certification, the Crossover Training course is your path to Y-Lifeguarding.
Full Training is for anyone without a prior lifeguard certification: complete the online modules (Y-USA 4 hours, ASHI 4 hours) and pass the prerequisite swim test. Crossover Training requires a current certification from another nationally recognized lifeguard program plus the same online work and swim test. Recertification Training is for current Y-Lifeguards and has no required online coursework. Confirm age requirements with your branch before you register.
CPR certification through ASHI Basic Life Support is built into every lifeguard certification course on this page, and Recertification Training renews it. For a standalone CPR class or AED training, contact the Aquatics Director at your branch to ask what is currently scheduled.
