The Bronze Star course, offered by the Lifesaving Society, is an entry-level lifesaving program designed to prepare candidates for future lifeguard training while building strong swimming skills, personal fitness, and safety awareness. Ideal for youth aged 8 to 12, Bronze Star develops essential water rescue skills, stroke efficiency, and the ability to make safe decisions in aquatic emergencies. The program emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving, and judgment, with participants learning self-rescue techniques, safe entries, and simulated rescues. Though there are no formal prerequisites, it is recommended that candidates have completed the Swim Patrol program or Swim Level 6. The course comprises both classroom and water activities, requiring 100% attendance and participation. All course components are evaluated by certified instructors, and successful participants receive a Bronze Star medal, certification card, and crest. Completion of Bronze Star is excellent preparation for the Bronze Medallion course, the next step in the Lifesaving Society’s training continuum.

**Participants 13 or older, should register for Bronze Medallion, or Bronze Medallion/Cross Combo**

The Bronze Medallion course, offered by the Lifesaving Society, is a comprehensive program that challenges candidates both mentally and physically, focusing on the four key components of water rescue: judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness. Designed for individuals aged 13 and older, or those holding a Bronze Star certification, this course equips participants with the assessment and problem-solving skills necessary to make informed decisions in aquatic environments. Training includes simulated rescues, effective victim recognition, and the development of self-rescue techniques. A timed 400-meter swim is also part of the curriculum. The course comprises both classroom and water activities, requiring 100% attendance and participation. Successful completion of the course earns candidates a Bronze Medallion medal, an award crest, and a certification card. This certification is valid for two years and is a prerequisite for the Bronze Cross program, which is the next step toward becoming a certified lifeguard.

The Lifesaving Society’s Bronze Cross course marks the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding, preparing candidates for assistant lifeguard responsibilities. Designed for individuals aged 13 and older, or those holding a Bronze Medallion certification, this course emphasizes the application of active surveillance techniques in aquatic facilities. Participants will enhance their lifesaving skills, focusing on teamwork and communication to effectively prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. The course includes practical training in two-rescuer rescues, spinal injury management, and endurance challenges, such as a 400-meter swim to be completed within 11 minutes. The course comprises both classroom and water activities, requiring 100% attendance and participation.  Successful candidates will receive a Bronze Cross medal, award crest, and certification card. Completion of this course is a prerequisite for advanced training in the Society’s National Lifeguard and leadership certification programs.

**Successful completion of this course is worth TWO (2) Grade 11 Credits**

The Lifesaving Society’s Bronze Medallion & Cross Combo course offers a streamlined pathway for individuals aiming to become certified lifeguards. Designed for those aged 13 and older, or those holding a Bronze Star certification, this combined program merges the comprehensive training of both Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross into a single, intensive course. Participants will develop advanced lifesaving skills, including effective victim recognition, two-rescuer rescues, spinal injury management, and active surveillance techniques in aquatic facilities. The course emphasizes teamwork, communication, and decision-making in high-pressure situations, preparing candidates for the responsibilities of assistant lifeguards. The course comprises both classroom and water activities, requiring 100% attendance and participation. Successful completion of the course earns participants both the Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross certifications and serves as a prerequisite for the National Lifeguard program.

**Successful completion of this course is worth TWO (2) Grade 11 Credits**

The Lifesaving Society’s National Lifeguard Pool course is Canada’s professional lifeguard certification, tailored for those aiming to provide effective safety supervision in swimming pool environments. Designed for individuals aged 15 and older, this course focuses on developing essential lifeguarding skills, including judgment, knowledge, and fitness. Training emphasizes prevention, effective rescue response, and first aid treatment, fostering teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. Fitness assessments include timed object recovery, 50-meter sprint and rescue drills, and a 400-meter endurance challenge. The course comprises both classroom and water activities, requiring 100% attendance and participation. Successful candidates receive a National Lifeguard certification card and crest, valid for two years. Standard First Aid with CPR C/AED from an approved agency is a prerequisite, and candidates must provide proof of certification.

Recognized Organizations for First Aid include: Canadian Red Cross, Lifesaving Society, Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation, St. John Ambulance, Canadian Ski Patrol

**Successful completion of this course is worth TWO (2) Grade 12 Credits**

This course requires 100% attendance. Missing any portion of the course will require the student to take the course again as per LSS.

The National Lifeguard Waterpark course, offered by the Lifesaving Society, is designed to prepare lifeguards for effective supervision in waterpark environments. Building upon the foundational skills developed in the National Lifeguard Pool certification, this course focuses on the unique challenges and features of waterparks, such as slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. Candidates will learn specialized lifeguarding techniques, including safe entry and removal methods, effective scanning and observation, and appropriate rescue procedures for various waterpark attractions. The course also emphasizes team coordination, communication, and the management of aquatic emergencies in a dynamic setting. The course comprises both classroom and water activities, requiring 100% attendance and participation. Successful completion of the course awards candidates the National Lifeguard Waterpark certification, valid for two years. This certification is recognized across Canada and is a prerequisite for employment in waterpark lifeguarding positions.

This course requires 100% attendance. Missing any portion of the course will require the student to take the course again as per LSS.

The Lifesaving Society’s Swim Instructor course is designed to prepare candidates to teach and evaluate swimming skills in the Society’s Swim for Life and Canadian Swim Patrol programs. This course emphasizes effective teaching techniques, stroke development, lesson planning, and class management. Through a combination of classroom learning and in-water practice, participants develop the necessary skills to deliver engaging and safe swim instruction. To be eligible, candidates must be at least 15 years old by the end of the course and hold a current Bronze Cross certification. The program includes a minimum of 40 hours of instruction, which features 8 hours of practical co-teaching experience. Successful completion of the course, which requires 100% attendance and participation, leads to Swim Instructor certification, valid for two years. Certified instructors are then qualified to teach all levels of the Swim for Life program.

This course requires 100% attendance. Missing any portion of the course will require the student to take the course again as per LSS.

The Lifesaving Society’s Lifesaving Instructor course is designed to prepare candidates to teach and evaluate the Society’s Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, and Bronze Cross awards. This course focuses on effective teaching methods, stroke development, lesson planning, and class management. Through a combination of classroom learning and in-water practice, participants gain the skills needed to deliver engaging and safe swim instruction. Candidates must be at least 15 years old by the end of the course and hold a current Bronze Cross certification. The program includes a minimum of 36 hours of instruction, which requires 100% attendance and participation. Successful candidates receive Lifesaving Instructor certification, valid for two years, and are eligible to teach all levels of the Lifesaving Society’s programs. Required reference materials include the Lifesaving Instructor Pack, which contains the Instructor Manual, Swim Patrol Award Guide, Bronze Medals Award Guide, First Aid Award Guide, and Leadership Binder. Candidates should verify with their course provider whether these materials are provided or need to be purchased separately. For more information and to register, please visit the Lifesaving Society’s official website or contact your local aquatic centre.

**Successful completion of this course is worth ONE (1) Additional Grade 11 Credit (Bronze Cross provides TWO (2) Credits)**

This course requires 100% attendance. Missing any portion of the course will require the student to take the course again as per LSS.

The Lifesaving Society’s Lifesaving Instructor Upgrade course is designed for experienced Lifesaving Society Swim Instructors who wish to expand their qualifications to include teaching and evaluating the Society’s Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, and Bronze Cross awards. This course focuses on advanced teaching methods, lesson planning, and evaluating techniques specific to lifesaving programs. Through a combination of classroom learning and in-water practice, participants refine their skills to deliver effective and engaging lifesaving instruction. The program includes a minimum of 16 hours of instruction, which requires 100% attendance and participation. Successful candidates receive Lifesaving Instructor certification, valid for two years, and are qualified to teach all levels of the Lifesaving Society’s lifesaving programs.

**Successful completion of this course is worth ONE (1) Additional Grade 11 Credit (Bronze Cross provides TWO (2) Credits)**

This course requires 100% attendance. Missing any portion of the course will require the student to take the course again as per LSS.

The YMCA Swim Instructor course is designed to prepare candidates to teach and evaluate swimming strokes and related water skills for children aged 3 to 12. This course combines self-directed online learning with in-person practical and classroom sessions, providing a comprehensive foundation in swimming instruction. Participants will learn effective teaching techniques, class management, utilize effective communication and foster a healthy child development.  Candidates must be at least 15 years old, hold a current Bronze Cross certification and current Standard First Aid, with CPR (within 1 year) to enroll in this course. The program includes a minimum of 26 hours of instruction, which features 8 hours of practical teaching experience, which requires 100% attendance and participation. Successful completion of the course leads to YMCA Swim Instructor certification, valid for two years, and qualifies individuals to teach swimming lessons at YMCA facilities.

The Lifesaving Society’s Swim Instructor Transfer course is designed for experienced swim instructors who are certified through another organization and wish to transfer their certification to teach and evaluate swimming skills in the Lifesaving Society’s Swim for Life and Canadian Swim Patrol programs. This course focuses on effective teaching techniques, stroke development, lesson planning, and class management, tailored to the Lifesaving Society’s programs. Through a combination of classroom learning and in-water practice, participants refine the necessary skills to deliver engaging and safe swim instruction. To be eligible, candidates must be at least 15 years old by the end of the course and hold a current swim instructor certification from another recognized certification. The program includes a minimum of 8 hours of instruction, which features 2 hours of practical teaching experience. Successful completion of the course, which requires 100% attendance and participation, leads to Swim Instructor certification, valid for two years. Certified instructors are then qualified to teach all levels of the Swim for Life program.

Recognized Certifications for Transfer include: Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, YMCA Swim Instructor, NCCP Swimming Teaching, I Can Swim Teacher

The Lifesaving Society Bronze Medallion Challenge Course is designed for individuals who have attempted the Bronze Medallion exam within the last six months but did not pass, as well as those who hold a lifesaving or lifeguarding certification from another country and wish to obtain Canadian certification. This fast-tracked, 4-hour evaluation-based course provides an opportunity to demonstrate competency in the required Bronze Medallion skills without completing the full-length program. Participants will be assessed on their water rescue techniques, endurance and fitness standards, CPR and emergency first aid knowledge, as well as their understanding of risk assessment and emergency response principles. No instruction will be provided—this course is assessment-only.

The Lifesaving Society Bronze Cross Challenge Course is designed for individuals who have previously attempted the Bronze Cross exam within the last six months but did not pass, as well as those who hold an equivalent lifesaving or lifeguarding certification from another country and wish to earn Canadian certification. This 4-hour assessment-based course allows experienced candidates to demonstrate their proficiency in Bronze Cross skills without completing the full-length program. Participants will be evaluated on advanced water rescue techniques, endurance and fitness standards, teamwork in aquatic emergencies, spinal injury management, and CPR and first aid application in Assistant Lifeguard situations. This is a testing-only course, and no instruction will be provided.

**Successful completion of this course is worth TWO (2) Grade 11 Credits**

The Lifesaving Society Bronze Combo Challenge Course is designed for individuals who have attempted both the Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross exams within the last six months but did not pass. This 8-hour assessment-based course provides a streamlined opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their proficiency in both certifications without retaking the full-length programs. Participants will be evaluated on their water rescue skills, endurance and fitness requirements, teamwork in aquatic emergencies, spinal injury management, and CPR and first aid application. No instruction will be provided—this course is for assessment purposes only. Successful candidates will earn both the Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross certifications, essential steps toward lifeguard training in Canada.

**Successful completion of this course is worth TWO (2) Grade 11 Credits**