Lifesaving Society requires all candidates taking leadership courses to verify their identity on the first day, whether for the first time or as a re-certification.
To support one’s identity, the identification must:
Acceptable forms of ID can include:
Bring proof of your prerequisite certifications and valid identification on the first day of the course. Without these documents, you won’t be able to continue in the course.
Bronze Star
Develops swimming proficiency, lifesaving skill, and personal fitness. Candidates refine their stroke mechanics, acquire 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 the lifesaving sport.
Basic First Aid (CPR C & AED) – Formerly Emergency First Aid CPR-B
Basic First Aid (CPR-C & AED), formerly Emergency First Aid, provides awareness, knowledge, and skills to respond to common first aid emergencies. The course includes scene and primary assessment, CPR-C, AED use, breathing emergencies, circulatory emergencies and the treatment of wounds.
Prerequisites: none
Materials: Canadian First Aid Manual is required and can be purchased at a community centre.
Intermediate First Aid (CPR C & AED) – Formerly Standard First Aid CPR-C
Intermediate First Aid (formerly Standard 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.
Prerequisites: none
Materials: Canadian First Aid Manual is required and can be purchased at a community centre.
Bronze Medallion
Challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgement, knowledge, skill, and fitness – the four components of water rescue – 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.
Candidate will learn rescue techniques, resuscitation and the history of the Lifesaving Society. Exam will be held on the last scheduled class.
Prerequisite: 13 years of age by the end of the course OR hold Bronze Star award (need not be current).
Materials: Canadian Lifesaving Manual is required and available for purchase at a community centre.
Bronze Cross
The Bronze Cross course is designed for lifesavers who want the challenge of more advanced training including an introduction to safe supervision in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross is the prerequisite for all advanced training programs including National Lifeguard and Instructor certification. Includes a 400 m timed swim. Bronze Cross is the prerequisite for the National Lifeguard Service Award and Instructors Course. Exam date to be confirmed at the pool.
Prerequisites:
Materials: Canadian Lifesaving Manual is required and available for purchase at a community centre. Whistle to be obtained by candidate.
Assistant Swim Instructor
Assistant Instructor Course prepares candidates to help certified instructors with swimming and lifesaving classes. This course introduces swimming instruction and some of the key competencies required in successful teaching. Candidates are introduced to key principles of learning and teaching, and they master basic progressions. The roles and responsibilities of instructors and their assistants are emphasized.
Prerequisites: a minimum of 14 years of age as of the last day of the course, and Bronze Cross (or higher) certification (need not be current). 100 per cent participation encouraged.
Swim & Lifesaving Instructor
The combined Swim and Lifesaving Instructor course prepares the instructor to teach and evaluate swim strokes and lifesaving skills. Through classroom learning and in-water practice, instructor candidates explore proven teaching methods; learning strategies and activities; a variety of stroke and skill drills; effective correction techniques; and evaluation criteria. Practice teaching is emphasized throughout.
Prerequisites: 15 years of age by the end of the course and Bronze Cross (or higher) certification (need not be current). 100 per cent participation required.
Materials: Will be provided on the first day (Swimming & Lifesaving Instructor Pack).
Please note: Candidates may be asked to complete a volunteer application for this course, requiring a reference letter and a Record of Offences Declaration to be done. This is to be confirmed by the instructor on the first day.
National Lifeguard – Pool
National Lifeguard certification is Canada’s professional lifeguard standard. National Lifeguard training develops a sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgement, and a mature and responsible attitude towards the lifeguard’s role. National Lifeguard training emphasizes prevention and effective rescue response in emergencies including first aid treatment. Candidates develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. Fitness requirements include a timed object recovery, 50 m sprint challenge, 50 m rescue drill and 400 m endurance challenge. Exam date and time to be confirmed at the pool -100 per cent participation strongly recommended.
Prerequisites: 15 years of age by the end of the course, Bronze Cross (need not be current), Intermediate First Aid (CPR-C & AED) formerly Standard First Aid (need not be current) from one of: Lifesaving Society, St. John Ambulance, Canadian Red Cross, Canadian Ski Patrol.
Materials: Alert Lifeguarding in Action Manual is required and available for purchase at a community centre. Whistle to be obtained by candidate.
No, you don’t have to finish all the swim levels before signing up for Bronze Medallion. If you’re close to turning 13, you should focus on getting fit, building endurance, and learning basic first aid. These are important things to think about instead of finishing all the swim levels.
Optional courses are classes you can choose to take, but you don’t have to. One example is the Assistant Instructor award. While it’s not required, it’s highly recommended because it teaches important skills about learning and teaching, along with basic swim lessons. Taking this course can help you in the certification process and when you’re volunteering for swim lessons.
You don’t have to take the National Lifeguard course before the Swim & Lifesaving/EFA Instructor course. You can choose the order based on your schedule when the courses are available, and how you want to plan your certifications.
No, your prerequisites don’t need to be current for the Lifesaving Society courses. Read the course description on activemississauga.ca before you register so you’re prepared. However, your certifications must be current if you want to apply for a job.
No, you don’t have to take the entire course again. Just like Bronze Medallion and National Lifeguard, Bronze Cross expires after 24 months. You have two options:
The Lifesaving Society has updated program requirements to better align with current industry standards and ensure participants are receiving the most relevant and up-to-date training.
No, these programs are now delivered separately as of the summer 2026. This change allows for more focused instruction and ensures that each certification meets updated standards and learning outcomes.
Yes, participants will still receive recognized certifications. However, they may now need to register for separate courses to complete all required components.
Affected participants will be contacted with updated options, which may include transferring into the new program structure or receiving further guidance on next steps.
Where possible, staff will assist with transfers. If an automatic transfer is not feasible, you will be provided with clear instructions and support.
Depending on your goals (e.g., certification pathway, employment requirements), you may need to register for both the First Aid and Bronze programs separately.
Pricing reflects the updated course structure with more in-depth training, instructional time, and certification requirements set by The Lifesaving Society. Each course is priced based on its individual components and standards
Yes, course content has been updated to reflect current best practices, safety standards, and Lifesaving Society requirements.
Course lengths may vary depending on the specific program and updated curriculum requirements. Details will be outlined at the time of registration.
The Workplace and Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) has made changes effecting programs across Ontario. The Life Saving Society is a WSIB-certified trainer and has to follow the mandated changes to ensure training programs remain current, effective, and aligned with industry standards.
You can contact your local facility or visit the City of Mississauga website for the latest program details and registration support
There are opportunities for volunteers in many of our recreation programs and classes. You can help with our learn to swim program! You require a current Emergency First Aid CPR B, Bronze Medallion and be a minimum of 13 years of age.
The first time you apply for a position, you’ll be asked to make a profile which you can use in future to apply for other opportunities.
Visit the Volunteer at the City page for more information.
