Become a Lifeguard
A Simple and Rewarding Pathway
Becoming a lifeguard is as easy as completing 4 steps:
1. Obtain your Bronze Medallion certification
2. Obtain your Bronze Cross certification
3. Obtain your Standard First Aid certification
4. Obtain your National Lifeguard – Pool certification
This straightforward pathway is recognized across Canada.
Bronze Medallion
The Bronze Medallion certification develops the four fundamental components of lifesaving: judgment, knowledge, skills and physical fitness.
Participants learn the techniques needed to respond to conscious and unconscious victims in increasingly complex rescue situations. The course covers towing, carrying, defensive techniques and releases.
Duration
15 hours (excluding the final examination)
Prerequisites
Be at least 13 years old at the time of the final examination or hold a Bronze Star certification;
Possess the skills and knowledge required at the Bronze Star level.
Certification Validity
2 years
Certification Renewal
Complete a recertification examination.
Next Level
Bronze Cross
Bronze Cross
The Bronze Cross certification allows participants to further develop their lifesaving skills and acquire basic knowledge of aquatic facility supervision.
Participants develop the techniques needed to respond to a victim with a spinal injury in deep water, as well as a submerged victim in cardiorespiratory arrest.
This certification allows individuals to work as assistant lifeguards starting at age 15 in swimming pools and age 16 at beaches.
Duration
20 hours (excluding the final examination)
Prerequisites
Hold a Bronze Medallion certification.
Certification Validity
2 years when used as a work qualification;
Valid for life as a prerequisite for National Lifeguard and Lifesaving Instructor courses.
Certification Renewal
Complete a recertification examination.
Next Level
National Lifeguard
Standard First Aid/AED
This course provides advanced first aid knowledge and develops the skills needed to respond effectively to various emergency situations.
Participants learn to quickly recognize abnormal signs and symptoms, use an automated external defibrillator (AED), and provide appropriate care while awaiting the arrival of emergency medical services.
Skills and Knowledge Covered
Assess a victim’s condition and determine the appropriate treatment:
- For primary emergencies: respiratory emergencies, cardiovascular emergencies, cardiac arrest, etc.
- For secondary emergencies: seizures, blood glucose emergencies, environmental emergencies, etc.
Use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Administer epinephrine using an auto-injector.
Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on adults, children, and infants.
Minimum Duration
16 hours
National Lifeguard – Pool
The National Lifeguard certification is recognized across Canada and allows certification holders to work as lifeguards in all provinces and territories, depending on the option held and applicable requirements.
This course provides an in-depth understanding of surveillance and prevention principles, develops sound judgment, and equips participants with the skills needed to respond effectively to emergency situations. It also prepares participants to responsibly fulfill their role as lifeguards at aquatic facilities.
Participants can specialize in one of the following four options:
Pool
Waterfront
Surf
Waterpark
The National Lifeguard certification allows individuals to work as lifeguards starting at age 16*.
Duration
40 hours for the Pool option (excluding the final examination)
20 hours for the other options (if the candidate holds the National Lifeguard – Pool certification)
Prerequisites
Be at least 15 years old at the time of the final examination
Hold a Bronze Cross certification
Hold a Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid/AED or Aquatic Emergency Care/AED certification
For the Surf option: hold a National Lifeguard – Waterfront certification
Certification Validity
2 years when used as a work permit
Advanced Certifications
Swim Instructor
Lifesaving Instructor
Discover Lifesaving Before the Bronze Levels
Young people who want to explore lifesaving before beginning the Bronze courses can start developing their skills in various ways, including lifesaving sport or courses adapted to their age and skill level.
Fast-Track Your Lifesaving Pathway
There are several ways to shorten the pathway to Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross certifications, particularly for individuals who already have strong aquatic skills.
The combined course allows candidates to complete both Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross training through a single pathway. Candidates may also challenge the examination directly to obtain a certification without completing the full course, provided they meet the prerequisites and successfully complete all evaluation requirements.
Regardless of the pathway chosen, all candidates must meet the same certification requirements to ensure they have the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively in lifesaving situations.
There's More!
In addition to providing participants with a unique experience, these courses open the door to: