Certifications & Trainings

Programs

Certifications & Trainings

CPR/AED/First Aid Training

The American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid course provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to sustain life and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness until advanced medical help arrives. Upon successful completion of this course, participants will hold an Adult, Infant, Child CPR/AED, and First Aid certification valid for two years.

Skills acquired in this course cannot be applied to a lifeguarding certification as this course certifies participants in rescue skills for lay responders, not professional rescuers.

Pricing:

$53 Members | $106 Non Members

Hands Only CPR

THE POWER IS IN YOUR  HANDS

Providing lifesaving skills to the greater Birmingham community – The YMCA joins with the American Heart Association to teach Hands – Only CPR. 

Each year, more than 350,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest outside the hospital, and about 90% of those people do not survive. When CPR is performed effectively, it can double or even triple the victim’s chance of survival. Despite this, many Americans do not know how or feel comfortable enough to perform CPR. According to Association research, bystanders perform CPR only about 46% of the time.

Through this initiative, the American Heart Association provided CPR and First Aid Anywhere Training Kits to all YMCA branches across the greater Birmingham community. This will allow YMCA staff, including wellness coordinators, volunteers, and student leaders, to train students, parents, and community members in learning the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR. Each kit will be used to train hundreds of individuals, and the training will be free and open to all.

We would love to come to you and train your group/team/business.  Reach out to an Executive Director at any of our branches by clicking HERE to find the branch nearest you.

Lifeguard Certification - American Red Cross

THE YMCA IS COMMITTED TO ADDRESS THE LIFEGUARD SHORTAGE, FOR ALL.

In 2023, our Y is committed to water safety for children, adults and families around the entire Greater Birmingham.  The YMCA is committed to training 1500 lifeguards so they may be deployed around the City to prevent drowning.  Our Lifeguard Certifications will be offered Free of Charge to the community for those able to meet the Prerequisites – REGARDLESS of who may hire them.

The American Red Cross – Lifeguard Blended Learning Certification Class – courses are available year-round from certified professionals who will deliver the course designed to ensure that participants are properly trained and prepared in the event of a water emergency. This class will certify participants in Lifeguarding, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid and AED. Participant must complete the online blended learning course assignments BEFORE attending the first day of class and attend all in person classes as well as pass a final written and water test.

Class Prerequisites:

A variety of Class Days/Times are available across our branches – click below for all available sessions

Water Safety

This class fulfills the requirements for those going through the Foster/Adoption process in the state of Alabama and can be offered in conjunction with the CPR/First Aid classes. This course also covers the differences of swimming in a natural body of water and gives you the skills to be prepared in case of an emergency. This course does not certify you to become a Lifeguard.

Pricing:

$28 Members | $56 Non Member

Water Safety classes are by appointment only and scheduled directly through the Aquatics Director.  Please contact your local branch to schedule.