North Suburban YMCA Certifies over 100 Lifeguards for the Summer Season

This spring, in preparation for the summer swim season, the North Suburban YMCA has been busy training and certifying over 100 lifeguards. Taught by Red Cross Lifeguard Instructors, the certification classes, held at the Y's indoor pool located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook, included 20 hours of classroom and water instruction. The newly certified lifeguards will be working throughout the community's pools, beaches, and camps.

"The NSYMCA took on the lifeguard certification challenge to help our community stay safe during the summer swim season," commented Missy Contri, NSYMCA Aquatics Director. "In total," she added, "the Y conducts over 4,000 swim lessons each year, improving the health and safety of thousands of participants."

In addition, the NSYMCA recently launched the "2 Seconds 2 Long" initiative; a successful drowning prevention program to the local school districts. Drowning is the second leading cause of death in kids ages 1-14 years and 88% of kids that drown do so under adult supervision where there are no lifeguards. Having more certified lifeguards in the community could help prevent those deaths. This community-based program seeks to prevent children from drowning by providing free water safety screening tests for second-graders, followed by free swim lessons for those who qualify, to keep them safe around water.

The Y's indoor pool is home to the Y's 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 three to adult, and a Special Olympics swim team.

For more information about the North Suburban YMCA aquatics program, visit nsymca.org.