In the pool and on the deck, this program provides challenges in an energetic learning environment. Youth will develop skills in swimming, lifesaving, fitness, knowledge, leadership, and teamwork. Community involvement and competition can also be part of the program.

Ages: 8 - 17 years

Prerequisite: Swimming 50 metre and treading water for one minute.

Bronze Star is the pre-Bronze Medallion training standard and excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion. In Bronze Star, participants develop problem-solving and decision-making skills as individuals and with partners. They learn CPR and develop Water Smart® confidence and the lifesaving skills needed to be their own personal lifeguard. Includes CPR A.

Ages: 12+ years

Bronze Medallion Award teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles embodied in the four components of water rescue education: judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness. Rescuers learn tows and carries, and defense and release methods in preparation for challenging rescues of increased risk involving conscious and unconscious victims of various types. Lifesavers develop stroke efficiency and endurance in a timed swim. Includes CPR C and AED.

Ages: 13+ years

Prerequisite: Bronze Star or 13 years old.

Bronze Cross is designed for lifesavers who want the challenge of more advanced training, including an introduction to safe supervision in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for all advanced training programs including National Lifeguard and Instructor Certification.

Ages: 13+ years

Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion Award and current Intermediate First Aid.

This course is designed for lifesavers who have an expired Bronze Cross Award. This course covers updated water rescue techniques, CPR skills and knowledge, and includes an exam.

Ages: 13+ years

Prerequisite: Previously held a Bronze Cross Award. Proof of prerequisite will be requested on the day of this course. This course requires 100% attendance and participation to complete.

The Lifesaving Society’s® National Lifeguard certification builds on the fundamental skills, knowledge, fitness, judgment and values taught in the prerequisite Bronze Cross award.

Ages: 15+ years

Prerequisite: Bronze Cross and current Intermediate First Aid.

This is a recertification course for the National Lifeguard Award.

Ages: 16+ years

Prerequisite: National Lifeguard certification and current Intermediate First Aid.

This certification allows candidates to teach and evaluate, Canadian Swim Patrol, Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross. Completion of this course also includes Lifesaving CPR Instructor certification.

Ages: 15+ years

Prerequisite: 15 years old and current Bronze Cross or higher and Lifesaving Instructor Certification.

Apprenticeship: In course.

Certification Currency: two years from the date of certification.

This course requires 100% attendance and participation to complete.

This certification allows candidates to teach and evaluate Swim for Life® programs, Canadian Swim Patrol, Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross. Completion of this course also includes Lifesaving CPR Instructor certification.

Ages: 15+ years

Prerequisite: Current Bronze Cross or higher.

This is a recertification course for the Lifesaving/Swim for Life® Instructor Award.

Ages: 16+ years

Prerequisite: Swim for Life® 2015 Mandatory update and First Aid and Resuscitation Content 2016 mandatory update/2021 Bronze update.

Develops individual fitness levels to meet a timed 100 m swim and 350 m workout. Water proficiency skills include: swims with clothes, ready position, foot-first and head-first surface dives. Demonstrating an ability to conduct a primary assessment and initiating EMS are included as first aid skills. Victim recognition and throwing assists are other key elements of the program.

Ages: 8 - 17 years

Prerequisite: Swim for Life® - Swimmer 6

Canadian Swim Patrol is a pre-Bronze program with three modules: water proficiency, first aid skills and recognition and rescue. Skills include timed swims, endurance swims, swimming with clothes on, Water Smart® behaviour, rescue skills and first aid performance.

Age: 8 - 17 years

Prerequisite: Swim for Life® - Swimmer 6

Enhances water proficiency, first aid skills and recognition and rescue. Skills include timed swims, endurance swims, further refining of strokes, rescue skills and first aid performance.

Age: 8 - 17 years

Prerequisite: Swim Patrol - Rookie