LEWISTON — Spend less time in the classroom, more time in the pool: This new format, called Blended Learning, allows participants age 15 and older to become a certified lifeguard. The YWCA of Central Maine, 130 East Ave., is offering the class this month.

Participants will spend 10 to 12 hours working at their own pace online, then come in and demonstrate all skills learned for prevention of injuries and rescue of swimmers, including providing the emergency skills of first-aid and CPR.

Prerequisites include completion of a 300-yard swim, treading water and timed deep water object removal. All components are valid for two years.

The course runs from 12:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 22, 23 and 24, at a cost of $185 for members and $210 for nonmembers. Registration is required by Monday, June 12.

There will also be a class for becoming an American Red Cross lifeguard instructor. It teaches currently certified American Red Cross lifeguards who are age 17 and older how to teach the training course, including CPR/AED for professional rescuers and healthcare providers/first aid.

Participants must pass the skills review and written tests on the first day of class. Online learning is also required before the first day of class.

The session runs from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, July 3, 5 and 6, and costs $225 for members and $250 for nonmembers. Registration is required by Friday, June 23, with American Red Cross and an additional fee of $35.

Space is limited.

FMI, register: 207-795-4050, lsherman@ywcamaine.org.

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