LEWISTON — The YWCA of Central Maine will offer American Red Cross lifeguard, lifeguard review and CPR/AED for professional rescuer training along with other aquatic programs.

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training:  This course teaches students the knowledge and skills essential to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies appropriately. This course includes American Red Cross CPR/AED for professional rescuers and standard first aid. Participants must be at least 15 years of age and complete a 300-yard swim and timed deep water object removal prerequisite to begin the course. All components are valid for two years. Once students have signed up, the YWCA highly encourages them to come free of charge and practice for the prerequisite test. The lifeguard manual will be given out ahead of time to ensure students successfully pass the class. The prerequisite test will take place on the first day of classes. The first session will be from 9 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, April 20 to 22. The second session will be from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 6; 1 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7; 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 8; 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 13; 1 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 14; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15. The third session will be from 9 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, June 12 to 14. Cost is $275 for YWCA members; $300 for nonmembers.

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Review: This is a recertification for those holding current non-expired ARC Lifeguard and CPR/AED for professional rescuers certifications. Certification cards must be presented at the beginning of class to attend. Course includes first aid and CPR/AED for professional rescuers and health care providers. All components are valid for two years. Students must have a current lifeguard manual and pocket mask. Class will be from 1 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23, and from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 24. Cost is $125 for YWCA members; $150 for nonmembers.

American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Healthcare Providers: CPR training that meets the requirement for lifeguards, EMTs, nursing students, ski patrollers and others with a duty to respond. It will provide a two-year certification. Class is from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 4. Cost is $92 for YWCA members; $102 for nonmembers.

Basic Water Rescue: This class teaches participants non-swimming rescue skills necessary for child care providers with pools less than 4 feet deep and less than 16 feet wide where a non-swimming rescue is practical. This is also a class for parents and grandparents with pools or who live near open water. Class is from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday, June 5. Cost is $80 for YWCA members; $90 for nonmembers.

YWCA Tiger Sharks Swim Team: The team is a member of USA Swimming and Maine Swimming. This is an opportunity for boys and girls ages 6 to 15 who love to swim and are interested in a more competitive environment. They will learn the basic fundamentals of competitive strokes and being part of a team in a positive and encouraging environment. Coaches will focus on stroke development, increasing endurance, nutrition and dry land conditioning. In order to build team spirit, all members will practice at the same time. To enhance learning and promote safety, swimmers will be placed in lanes with others of the same ability and speed. The YWCA strongly recommends that participants attend three practices a week. To join, youths must be able to swim two continuous laps (50 yards), one length freestyle and one length backstroke, without stopping. The team will participate in one USA swim meet per month. Tiger Sharks Swim team will run from Tuesday, May 3, to Tuesday, July 21. Cost is $165 in addition to USA Swimming membership; child must be current YWCA.

YWCA American Red Cross Summer Swim: Swim lessons will begin the week of May 16. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause for kids under the age of 14. Details of times may be found by contacting the YWCA.

Space is limited in each of the classes, and early registration is recommended.

FMI: 207-795-4050, [email protected], www.ywcamaine.org.