Lifeguard and Swimming Instructor Courses

Bronze Medallion and Basic First Aid

The Bronze Medallion award teaches an understanding of water rescue education. The candidates will learn carries, victim types, and low-risk rescues.
The Basic First Aid award teaches and understanding of emergency treatment of injuries. The candidates will learn about victim assessment, CPR, choking and more.

Prerequisites: Bronze Star or 13 years of age by the exam date.

Upcoming Dates for Bronze Medallion:

September 20 to November 15, 2026: Every Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Bronze Medallion and Basic First Aid Registration

Bronze Cross and Intermediate First Aid

The Bronze Cross award builds on the knowledge from Bronze Medallion. The candidates will experience more challenging rescues and skills.
The Intermediate First Aid award builds on the knowledge from Basic First Aid. The candidates will learn about bone and joint injuries, spinal injuries and more.

Prerequisites: Bronze Medallion and Emergency or Basic First Aid.

Upcoming Dates for Bronze Cross:

November 22, 2026 to February 7, 2027: Every Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Bronze Cross and Intermediate First Aid Registration

National Lifeguard (NL) - Pool

The National Lifeguard - Pool award builds on the knowledge from Bronze Cross. The candidates will learn how to supervise a pool and rescue those in distress. Only those who hold a National Lifeguard - Pool award may lifeguard in a pool setting.

Prerequisites: Minimum 15 years of age, Bronze Cross and Intermediate First Aid or Standard First Aid (need not be current) from the Society or another approved agency.

This course runs over 2 weekends.

Upcoming Dates for NL:

November 6, 7, 8 and 13, 14, 15, 2026

Times:

• Friday: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

National Lifeguard - Pool Registration

National Lifeguard (NL) - Pool Recert

The National Lifeguard - Pool award requires recertification every two years to remain current. This recertification course will review important components of the National Lifeguard - Pool award. Only candidates with a current award may lifeguard in a pool setting.

Prerequisites: National Lifeguard - Pool.

Upcoming Dates for the NL Recert:

Sunday, November 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

National Lifeguard - Pool Recert Registration

Lifesaving Swim Instructor

This course enables successful participants to become a Swim Instructor and teach the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life programs. Prepares candidates to teach and evaluate basic swim strokes and related skills.

Prerequisites: 15 years old and Bronze Cross.

Upcoming Dates for Lifesaving Swim Instructor:

October 23, 24, 25, 2026

Times:

Lifesaving Instructor

The Lifesaving Instructor award prepares instructors to teach the Lifesaving Society's:

• Canadian Swim Patrol Program
• Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross
• Lifesaving Fitness, Distinction
• Basic and Intermediate First Aid, and CPR-A, CPR-B and CPR-C

Only candidates with a current award may teach and certify candidates.

Prerequisites: Lifesaving Swim Instructor, Bronze Cross and 15 years of age by the end of the course.

Upcoming Dates for Lifesaving Instructor:

Check back soon for upcoming dates.

Times:

• Friday: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Lifesaving Instructor Registration

Intermediate First Aid with CPR-C & AED

This course used to be called Standard First Aid. As of June 22, 2026, it is renamed to Intermediate First Aid. If you hold a Standard First Aid certification, it will still be valid for 36 months from your certification date.
Intermediate First Aid includes all aspects of Basic First Aid and provides additional comprehensive first aid training. Candidates demonstrate first aid care for anaphylaxis, shock, stroke, amputations, facial injuries, burn injuries, fractures and dislocations, neck or spinal column injuries, seizures, diabetic emergencies, and environmental injury and illness. Includes CPR-C with AED certification for adult, child and infant. It is recognized by Ontario's Workplace Safety & Insurance Board.

This course runs over 2 weekends.

Upcoming Dates for Intermediate First Aid

Sunday, September 20, and 27, 2026: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Intermediate First Aid Registration

Intermediate First Aid with CPR-C & AED Recert

Recertification: (8 hr.) Intermediate First Aid certification remains current for 36 months from the date of certification.

Upcoming Dates for Intermediate First Aid Recert

Sunday, September 27 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Intermediate First Aid Recert Registration