Through structured in-water interaction between parent and child, we stress the importance of play in developing water-positive attitudes and skills. We provide Lifesaving Society Water Smart® tips on keeping your child safe in any aquatic setting. Certified instructors provide guidance and answers to your questions.
Give your child a head start on learning to swim. The Lifesaving Society Preschool Program develops an appreciation and healthy respect for the water before these kids get in too deep.
In our basic aquatic progressions, we work to ensure 3 to 5 year old children become comfortable in the water and have fun, gaining and developing a foundation of water skills. We incorporate Lifesaving Society Water Smart® education in all Preschool levels.
The Swim for Life program makes sure your children learn how to swim before they get in too deep. Swimmer progressions accommodate children 5 years and older including true beginners as well as swimmers who want to build on the basics.
We stress lots of in-water practice to develop solid swimming strokes and skills. We incorporate Water Smart® education at all levels.
The Adult Program is for the young at heart, no matter what your age. Set your own goals. Work with certified instructors to learn to swim, or improve your current swimming ability and water fitness. You won’t be going to the Olympics, but you’ll develop water confidence and smooth recognizable strokes good enough for lane swimming and fit enough for the beach. We incorporate Lifesaving Society Water Smart® education in all Adult levels.
The Fitness Swimmer program is for swimmers of any age who want to improve their overall physical fitness in the water. Fitness Swimmer provides a structured approach based on accepted training principles and practices including interval training. Participants set their own goals.
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.
Bronze Medallion & EFA CPR-B
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.
Bronze Cross & SFA CPR-C
Begins the transition from lifesaving to life-guarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as assistant lifeguards. 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.
Assistant Swim Instructor
Through classroom learning and in-water practice, the Lifesaving Society Assistant Instructor course prepares candidates to help instructors with swimming and lifesaving classes. Candidates are introduced to key principles of learning and teaching while they master basic progressions. The roles and responsibilities of instructors and their assistants are emphasized.
Swim & Lifesaving / EFA Instructor
The Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor course prepares the instructor to teach and evaluate the swimming strokes and related skills found in the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life Candidates acquire proven teaching methods, planning skills and a variety of stroke development drills and correction techniques.
National Lifeguard
National Lifeguard certification is Canada’s professional lifeguard standard. National Lifeguard training develops a solid 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.
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.
Swim assessments will be available for those who may not be sure of what level to register for. Please visit the customer service desk at your closest community centre for details.
