Programs

Certifications & Trainings

CPR/AED/First Aid Training

The American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED 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 and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED 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

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First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor

This course will train instructor candidates to teach basic-level American Red Cross First Aid CPR and AED courses. In order to participate in this course you must possess a current basic-level American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED (or higher level) certification or equivalent and be at least 16 years of age on the last day of the instructor course.

Cost | $279

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.

Lifeguarding Certifications - American Red Cross

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

Lifeguarding certification at the Y is available to all, free of charge. 

In 2024, the Y is committed to addressing aquatics staff shortages throughout the Birmingham region. A lack of qualified lifeguards puts our community and swimmers at risk of drowning and other aquatic emergencies. This year, all qualified lifeguarding candidates can certify for free at the Y regardless of where they choose to work. 

Course Purpose: provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to:

• Prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies
• Provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) professionals take over

Details: 

• Successful participants will be certified in Lifeguarding, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid and AED (valid for two years).
• $50 deposit required to secure a class spot (refundable after participant attends class). 
• Starting March 1, 2024 all classes will be taught using the r.24 American Red Cross lifeguarding program. 
• All classes will be in Blended Learning format. 
• Participants must:
  • Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the Lifeguarding course
  • Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations
  • Complete all online learning modules before the first in-person class session (6 hours)
  • Attend and participate in all in-person class sessions (21 hours, 30 minutes)
  • Complete 3 final skills assessments
  • Pass a final written exam of 50 questions with a minimum grade of 80%
• A minimum of 5 participants is required. Classes may be canceled due to low enrollment. If classes are canceled by the Y, participants will have the option to transfer to another class if one is available.

Red Cross Babysitting Certification

The American Red Cross Babysitting Certification is a day-long workshop where participants will learn to provide quality care to children of all ages. Training includes:

• Leadership skills
• Care for infants and children
• Safety and emergency response
• Choosing age-appropriate activities
• Recognizing and managing varies behaviors
• Basic first-aid

Check back for sessions in Spring 2024!

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.