Aquatic First Aid (AEC)
As part of the implementation of the new Public Pool Safety Regulation (2025), hotels and campgrounds with a pool of less than 100 m² will now be required to ensure that at least one employee qualified in aquatic first aid is present at all times.
In practice, anyone responsible for the safety of a pool in a tourist accommodation must hold the Aquatic First Aid (AFA) certification.
This regulation applies to pools that:
- Are less than 100 m² in area;
- Have a depth exceeding 1.4 meters (1400 mm).
See the full details of the regulation here : Regulation.
What training is required for which type of pool?
For pools with a depth of less than 1.4 meters, the "First Aid – General" training (16 hours) is sufficient.
Details here: First Aid (16) | Lifesaving Society
This training does not require pool practice.
- For pools deeper than 1.4 meters, the full Aquatic First Aid (AFA) training is mandatory. It includes a practical pool component.
- An abbreviated version of the training, the 6-hour AFA, is available to those who already hold a General First Aid certification or a workplace first aid certificate recognized by the Lifesaving Society.
Recognized certifications to access the 6-hour AFA training:
- General First Aid and CPR/AED Level C – Canadian Red Cross
- Workplace First Aid – CNESST
- General First Aid with CPR C & AED – St. John Ambulance
- Standard First Aid with CPR AED Level C – Heart & Stroke
- Canadian Ski Patrol
- Wilderness and Remote First Aid – Advanced & CPR/AED C – Canadian Red Cross
- First Responder – Canadian Red Cross
- First Responder recognized by a regional health agency
- Active Paramedic Technician
- Aquatic First Aid (other divisions)
- General First Aid/AED (other divisions of the Lifesaving Society)
Why take the Aquatic Emergency Care (AEC) training?
The AFA/AED (20 hours) or AFA/AED (6 hours) training effectively prepares your staff to respond to emergencies in an aquatic environment. It is designed to meet legal requirements and ensure the safety of your clients.
It includes, among other things:
- Basic rescue techniques in a swimming pool
- The safe approach to a victim in an aquatic environment
- Handling a spinal injury in the water
- Rescuing an unconscious or distressed person
- Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Administering epinephrine via auto-injector
- Basic care for common injuries (cuts, fractures, trauma, etc.)
- Quickly recognizing signs of medical distress
A mobile service tailored to your needs
Affiliates of the Lifesaving Society can travel directly to your hotel or campground to provide on-site training.
The practical component takes place in your pool, making it easier to integrate the learning into the real-life context of your environment.
Where to take the training?
This training is offered by several affiliates of the Société de sauvetage across Quebec.
To find a trainer or center near you, consult the list of our affiliates here:
1. Sécurmax Sauvetage et Secourisme Inc.
819 536-5854
www.securmaxsauvetageetsecourisme.ca/cours-et-requalifications-soins-d-u...
2. Élite Sauvetage
514 526-2975
www.elitesauvetage.ca/services/developpement-de-competences-avancees/
3. Formaction
1-888 668-7381, ext. 501
info@formaction.ca www.formaction.ca/
4. Formation Vitale
514 679-1616
Protect your clients. Train your staff.
Adopt a responsible approach that complies with regulations by ensuring your employees are certified in Aquatic Emergency Care.
To take the training
PREREQUISITES
AEC 20h: No prerequisite
AEC 6h: up-to-date Standard first aid certificate or up-to-date First aid from CNESST
AWARD VALIDITY
2 years
COURSE CONTENT
GENERAL ITEMS
Item 1 - Standard first aid principles
Item 2 - Legal aspects of an intervention
Item 3 - Emergency procedures
Item 4 - Carrying an injured victim
Item 5 - Communications with the emergency response services
Item 6 - Anatomy and physiology
Item 7 - Prehospital assessment
Item 8 - Primary assessment
RESUSCITATION
Item 10 - Chain of Survival™
Item 11 - Resuscitation techniques – Adult and child
Item 12 - Airway obstruction – Conscious adult and child
Item 13 - Airway obstruction – Unconscious adult and child
Item 14 - Rescue breathing complications or specific situations
Item 15 - AED operation
Item 16 - Two-rescuer CPR and AED
MEDICAL
Item 17 - Shock / fainting
Item 18a - Convulsions
Item 18b - Glycemia-related problems
Item 19a - Cardiovascular emergencies
Item 19b - Respiratory emergencies
Item 19c - Intoxication
Item 19d - Abdominal pains
ENVIRONMENTAL
Item 20a - Cold-related problems
Item 20b - Heat-related problems
Item 20c - Burns
Item 20d - Drowning
TRAUMA
Item 21 - Bleeding
Item 22 - Head and spinal injuries
Item 23a - Musculo-skeletal injuries – Upper limbs
Item 23b - Soft tissue injuries
Item 23c - Thoracic injuries
Item 23d - Facial injuries
RESCUE
Item 25 - Entries / Removals
Item 26- Management of a spinal injury in an aquatic environment
Item 27a - Rescue - Unconscious victim
Item 27b - Rescue - Non-swimmer victim
Item 27c - Rescue - Injured victim
Item 27d - Rescue - Submerged victim