Whether you’re a teen thinking about your first job or an adult looking for a new challenge, working as a lifeguard or swim instructor can be rewarding.
The first step for anyone interested in working in aquatics is to take a series of courses to certify you to work as a lifeguard or swim instructor. You’ll be able to work at the YMCA and other organizations that recognize your Lifesaving Society credentials.
To become a lifeguard in the GTA you must be at least 15 years old and have the following certifications:
Bronze Star (10 Hours)
In this course, children under 13 develop swimming proficiency, lifesaving skills, and personal fitness. Candidates will refine their stroke mechanics, gain self-rescue skills, and apply fitness principles in training workouts. Bronze Star is excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion and provides a fun introduction to lifesaving sport. It is intended for children under 13.
Prerequisite: None (Swim Patrol experience recommended).
Bronze Medallion (15 Hours)
In this course, candidates are challenged mentally and physically. The four components of water rescue - judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness – form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. Candidates acquire the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on, and around the water. Bronze Medallion is a prerequisite for assistant lifeguard training in Bronze Cross.
Prerequisite: A minimum age of 13 or Bronze Star certification (need not be current).
Bronze Cross (20 Hours)
In this course, candidates begin the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding. The course prepares candidates to be an assistant lifeguard. Candidates strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills and begin to apply the principles and techniques of active surveillance in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies. Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for advanced training in the Society’s National Lifeguard and leadership certification programs.
Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion and Lifesaving Society Emergency or Standard First Aid certifications (need not be current) or Emergency First Aid or Standard First Aid from one of these approved agencies.
National Lifeguard (40 Hours)
National Lifeguard is a legal certificate for lifeguarding across the country and is recognized by the province of Ontario for lifeguarding public swimming pools. National Lifeguard is recognized as the waterfront supervisory certification for Ontario Recreational Camp Regulation 503/17. National Lifeguard certification options include Pool, Waterpark, Waterfront, and Surf. The National Lifeguard Award Guide details the curriculum requirements and performance standards for National Lifeguard instructors and candidates.
Prerequisites: A minimum age of 15, Bronze Cross, and Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid (need not be current) or Standard First Aid from one of these approved agencies. National Lifeguard Pool certification is a prerequisite for the Waterpark option and National Lifeguard Waterfront is a prerequisite for the Surf option.
