Foreign lifeguard
Certification Equivalency and Recognition
The Lifesaving Society recognizes lifesaving program certifications issued by other Lifesaving Society branches across Canada.
However, certifications or training obtained from other organizations in Canada or abroad are not automatically recognized. Individuals wishing to obtain Lifesaving Society certifications must complete the applicable equivalency process.
Recognition of Training Obtained from Another Organization
The equivalency process allows candidates to demonstrate previously acquired skills while completing the training required to meet Lifesaving Society standards.
The steps must be completed in order, as certain courses are prerequisites for subsequent training.
The first step is to find an aquatic facility that offers Lifesaving Society courses and evaluations.
Candidates must successfully complete a challenge examination for the following certifications:
Bronze Medallion
Bronze Cross
A challenge examination allows candidates to proceed directly to the final evaluation without completing the full course beforehand. All certification requirements are evaluated and must be successfully completed.
Adequate preparation is therefore recommended before attempting the evaluation.
After obtaining the required Bronze certifications, candidates must successfully complete the 16-hour Standard First Aid course.
The final step is to complete and successfully pass the National Lifeguard – Pool course, which consists of 40 hours of training, excluding the final evaluation.
Successfully completing this pathway provides the qualifications needed to work as a lifeguard, subject to applicable requirements.
Teaching Lifesaving Society Programs
Obtaining lifesaving certifications through the equivalency process does not automatically qualify individuals to teach Lifesaving Society programs.
Individuals wishing to teach these programs must complete the corresponding Leadership courses and meet the applicable prerequisites.
Certification from Another Canadian Branch
With the VITA platform, lifeguards holding Lifesaving Society certifications issued in another Canadian province or territory no longer need to request the transfer of their records to the Quebec branch.
Aquatic facility managers can directly access the records and qualifications of members from other Canadian branches through VITA, making it easier to verify certifications and recognize qualifications across the country.
For questions regarding certification equivalency or record transfers, the Lifesaving Society's customer service team can be reached by phone or email.