Aquatic Certifications
Ready for the next step in your aquatics journey? Train to become a certified lifeguard or swim instructor with our comprehensive aquatic leadership programs! Explore courses like Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, National Lifeguard and Standard First Aid to gain essential skills and certifications. Start your journey in aquatic leadership below!
Program Offerings
Bronze Star
Bronze Star is the first step in the Lifesaving Society’s Bronze medal awards, designed for aspiring lifesavers aged 10 and up. This course focuses on developing lifesaving and first aid skills, endurance, and water safety knowledge. Participants will learn how to recognize and respond to emergencies, assess victims, and perform lifesaving techniques such as rescue breathing, CPR, and managing shock. Skills include swimming with clothing, surface dives, towing, and supporting a victim in the water. Endurance challenges include a 400 m timed swim and a fitness test to build strength and stamina. Bronze Star is ideal for those looking to prepare for Bronze Medallion or enhance their water safety and rescue skills.
Bronze Medallion
Bronze Medallion challenges participants aged 13+ (or holders of Bronze Star) to build advanced lifesaving skills and decision-making abilities in aquatic emergencies. The course teaches effective water rescues, survival techniques, and recognizing and managing victim types, including weak and non-swimmers, unconscious victims, and those in shock. Participants develop proficiency in swimming with clothing, surface dives, towing, and carrying victims. Endurance is tested with a 500 m timed swim. CPR-C certification, included in the program, focuses on one- and two-person CPR for adults, children, and infants, as well as managing choking and recognizing cardiac emergencies. Bronze Medallion is a critical step toward becoming a lifeguard and developing confidence as a lifesaver.
Bronze Cross
Bronze Cross is for those who have completed Bronze Medallion and are ready for the next level of lifeguarding training. This course is designed for swimmers aged 13+ who want to develop advanced rescue and leadership skills. Participants will learn to perform complex water rescues, manage multiple victims, and apply first aid techniques in emergency situations. Skills include spinal injury management, aquatic injury prevention, and handling high-stress situations. Bronze Cross emphasizes critical thinking, teamwork, and making split-second decisions in a variety of rescue scenarios. This course is a key step for those pursuing a career as a lifeguard or advanced lifesaving certifications.
National Lifeguard
The National Lifeguard (NL) course is the final step for those seeking a career as a professional lifeguard. Designed for individuals aged 16+, this course builds on skills learned in Bronze Cross and focuses on advanced lifeguarding techniques, decision-making, and emergency response. Participants will learn how to perform rescues in various environments, including deep water and swift water, while managing multiple victims, spinal injuries, and first aid situations. The course covers teamwork, leadership, and the ability to assess and respond to real-life emergencies with confidence and professionalism. Upon successful completion, participants earn the National Lifeguard certification, qualifying them to work as lifeguards at pools, beaches, and waterparks across Canada.
Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor
The Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor course is designed for those aged 16+ who want to teach swimming and water safety. This certification provides participants with the skills to plan, deliver, and evaluate swim lessons, focusing on creating a positive and safe learning environment. The course covers teaching techniques for all ages and levels, from beginner to advanced, with an emphasis on water safety, stroke correction, and skill progression. Participants will learn to assess swimmers’ abilities, communicate effectively, and use a variety of instructional tools to enhance the learning experience. Upon successful completion, candidates are certified to teach Lifesaving Society programs and other swim lesson programs, preparing them for a career in swim instruction and aquatic safety.
