Annul Forum
The Annual Gathering for the Lifesaving Community
The Lifesaving Society’s Annual Forum brings together the people who contribute to the development of lifesaving, first aid, aquatic safety and lifesaving sport in Quebec.
Managers, instructors, trainers, coaches, athletes, lifeguards, first aiders and volunteers come together to expand their knowledge, share their experiences and discuss the issues shaping the field.
On the program: training sessions, workshops, conferences, networking opportunities and recognition activities.
The Forum provides opportunities to:
Develop: Expand knowledge and discover new practices through workshops and conferences.
Share: Connect with people from different areas of the aquatic and lifesaving community.
Be inspired: Discover different perspectives and reflect collectively on current issues.
Celebrate: Recognize the people and organizations contributing to the growth and development of the lifesaving community.
2026 Theme | Making an Impact
Let’s place professionalism and accountability at the heart of our practices.
This year’s Forum invites the community to reflect on ways to advance practices with purpose, rigour and commitment, while collectively contributing to the development of the lifesaving community.
The Annual Forum offers a diverse program designed to provide opportunities for professional development, discussion and skill development. Workshops, conferences, recertifications and networking activities allow each participant to create an experience tailored to their interests and role within the aquatic community.
Each year, the Lifesaving Society’s Annual Forum provides an opportunity to meet speakers whose backgrounds and expertise reflect the realities of the lifesaving community. Their participation helps address current issues, encourage reflection and inspire participants to meet the challenges shaping the sector.
MARC-ANTOINE DEQUOY
An active player with the Montreal Alouettes, a 2023 Grey Cup champion and a former standout player with the Université de Montréal Carabins, Marc-Antoine Dequoy was also part of the Green Bay Packers organization before establishing himself as one of the CFL’s top defensive players. Known for his leadership, resilience and authenticity, he passionately shares a journey shaped by pushing beyond his limits, perseverance and overcoming adversity.
CATHERINE LAURIER
An associate professor in the Department of Psychoeducation at the Université de Sherbrooke, Catherine Laurier conducts research on the mental health of young offenders and the impact of traumatic events, whether or not they are related to delinquency. She is also interested in the psychosocial integration of adolescents, particularly through sport. Since 2020, she has studied how young people adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and post-traumatic growth. In 2025, she began collaborating with the Lifesaving Society to examine lifeguards’ reactions to potentially traumatic situations.
Schedule and Workshops
Several tickets and packages are available, allowing each participant to choose the option that best suits their needs, interests and the activities they wish to attend.
Whether attending Friday or Saturday activities, participating in the Annual Forum Banquet, completing one or more recertifications, or enjoying the full experience, several options are available.
Discover the available tickets and packages and choose the option that best suits your needs.
A complete package including Friday and Saturday activities, the Annual Forum Banquet and one recertification of your choice.
Lifeguards are also welcome and may participate in activities that match their interests.
For: managers, instructors, lifeguards and other aquatic professionals.
*Choice of one recertification on Friday or one on Sunday.
A day primarily designed for aquatic managers, with content focused on their realities, responsibilities and current issues in the sector.
A recertification is also offered during the day.
For: managers, aquatic professionals and anyone interested in the topics presented.
A day primarily designed for managers and instructors, with a program focused on professional development, sharing practices and exchanging ideas with others in the aquatic community.
Lifeguards are also welcome and may participate in activities that match their interests.
For: managers, instructors, lifeguards and other aquatic professionals.
An evening to come together, celebrate and recognize the people and organizations that contribute to the lifesaving community.
This year’s theme is AquaFlora. Guests are invited to embrace the theme and add a touch of AquaFlora to their attire.
For: recognition recipients, Lifesaving Sport Award nominees, Annual Forum participants, Lifesaving Society partners and volunteers.
Children’s tickets available.
The Forum continues on Sunday with a recertification activity, providing an additional opportunity to keep skills and certifications up to date.
A ticket that includes one recertification:
Friday: Lifesaving Instructor (LSI) or Swim to Survive Instructor
Sunday: National Lifeguard (NL) or First Aid Instructor
For: individuals eligible for recertification.
Choice of one recertification on Friday or one on Sunday.
A ticket that includes two recertifications:
Friday: Lifesaving Instructor (LSI) or Swim to Survive Instructor
Sunday: National Lifeguard (NL) or First Aid Instructor
For: individuals eligible for recertification.
Choice of one recertification on Friday and one on Sunday.
Annual Forum Banquet
The Annual Forum Banquet is a special opportunity to come together and celebrate the people and organizations contributing to the development and visibility of lifesaving in Quebec.
Each year, the Lifesaving Society takes this opportunity to recognize outstanding initiatives, achievements and commitment within the lifesaving community.
Recognizing Commitment
Several awards and distinctions highlight the contributions of members and organizations:
Lifesaving Sport Awards – Lifesaving Sport
Honorary Certificates – Aquatic Safety Workshops
Ambassadors – National Drowning Prevention Week
Brigade Splash Favourites
The evening will also feature one of its highlights as the Lifesaving Society recognizes acts of bravery through the presentation of Lifesaving Citations.
These distinctions reflect the diversity of the people and initiatives that, year after year, contribute to the advancement of the lifesaving community.
An Evening Inspired by AquaFlora
This year, the banquet dives into the world of AquaFlora, where water meets nature in bloom. Aquatic hues, greenery, floral patterns and water-inspired reflections will set the tone for the evening.
Guests are invited to add a touch of AquaFlora to their attire: blue, turquoise or aqua tones, floral or tropical patterns, flower accessories, or details inspired by the sea and nature.
There is no need for an elaborate outfit—a colour, a flower or a small accessory is all it takes to embrace the AquaFlora theme.
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Plaza Centre-Ville
777 Robert-Bourassa Blvd., Montreal
The Annual Forum offers partner organizations an opportunity to support the development of the lifesaving community and connect with the professionals and dedicated individuals who help it grow.
Various partnership and visibility opportunities are available.