Aquatics and Safety Programs

Prerequisite(s):

• Participant must be age 9 years old and/or completed Grade 3.

This program focuses on giving youth the applicable and age-appropriate skills they require, while simultaneously increasing their capacity to improve safety and respond to challenges accordingly.

Prerequisite(s):

• Participant must be age 11 years old and/or completed Grade 5.

Learn about providing care for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children and know that they are all at different development stages and have different needs. Develop skills to solve problems that may occur while babysitting by using leadership and decision-making skills. Practice knowledge and skills covered in basic first aid and CPR. 

Bronze Star:

•  The Lifesaving Society's 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 lifesaving sport.

Bronze Medallion:

Prerequisite(s):

• Bronze Star

The Lifesaving Society's Bronze Medallion challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgment, 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 pre-requisite for assistant lifeguard training in Bronze Cross.

Bronze Cross:

Prerequisite(s):

• Bronze Medallion

The Lifesaving Society's Bronze Cross begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as 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 emphasized the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies. Bronze Cross is a pre-requisite for advanced training in the Society's National Lifeguard and leadership certification programs.

 The Lifesaving Society’s National Lifeguard certification builds on the fundamental skills, knowledge, fitness, judgment and values taught in the prerequisite Lifesaving Society lifesaving certifications.

Recognized as the standard for lifeguards in Canada, National Lifeguard training develops a sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgment, and a mature and responsible attitude toward the role of the lifeguard.

The primary role of the National Lifeguard is the prevention of emergency situations and the timely and effective resolution of emergencies. The National Lifeguard certification prepares lifeguards to fulfill this role as professional facilitators of safe, enjoyable aquatics.

The National Lifeguard program develops the basic lifeguarding skills, principles, and decision-making process to help lifeguards evaluate and adapt to different aquatic facilities and emergencies. The National Lifeguard program cannot in theory or practice prepare candidates for every situation that might occur. Employers must provide in-service training to familiarize their staff with the unique aspects of their aquatic facility.

The National Lifeguard certification reflects the Lifesaving Society’s standards, publications, and research into drowning and injury prevention, water rescue, and aquatic safety systems.

Canadian Red Cross core First Aid & CPR courses offer lifesaving first aid skills. All courses cover cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for adults, children, and babies (according to the level of CPR included). Courses meet legislation requirements for provincial/territorial worker safety and insurance boards. Courses offer skills for individuals needing training for the workplace or for those interested in having first aid skills so they can respond to emergencies at home.