North Suburban YMCA certifies more than 150 lifeguard for swim season

To address the recent lifeguard shortage due to COVID-19 and to prepare for the summer swim season, the North Suburban YMCA took on the challenge of training and certifying more than 150 new lifeguards. Taught by Red Cross instructors, the certification classes at the Y's indoor pool, 2705 Techny Road, Northbrook, included 20 hours of classroom and in-water skills instruction. The newly certified lifeguards will be working throughout the North Shore's pools, beaches, and camps to ensure the safety of the community.

Through its swim lessons and water safety classes, the NSYMCA has been hypervigilant about drowning prevention.

"The NSYMCA took on the lifeguard certification challenge to help everyone in the community stay safe around water," said Missy Contri, NSYMCA Aquatics Director. "Drowning is the second leading cause of death in children ages 1-14, and 88% of those children that drown do so under the adult supervision where there are no lifeguards. Having more certified lifeguards in the community could help prevent those deaths."

The Y's signature program to prevent drowning deaths in children, "Two Seconds Too Long," teaches kids how to be safe around water and provides water readiness evaluations for second-graders, and free instruction for children who do not meet minimum safety standards.

The Y's indoor pool is home to its comprehensive aquatics program, with swim instruction, fitness classes, and lap swimming. The Y's highly trained swim teachers provide personalized instruction in private and group settings for individuals of all ages and ability levels. Along with many program offerings for individuals with cognitive or physical disabilities, the Y has an aquatics Special Services Swim Program for individuals ages 3 to adult, and a Special Olympics swim team.

For information about the North Suburban YMCA aquatics program, visit nsymca.org or call (847) 272-7250.