Accreditation
Accreditation allows individuals and clubs to participate in lifesaving sport activities recognized by the Lifesaving Society, according to their respective roles.
Athletes, coaches, officials, and clubs must hold the appropriate accreditation to participate in sanctioned training sessions or competitions, in accordance with the requirements specific to each role. Accreditations are valid for the sports season, from September 1 to August 31.
Accreditation is mandatory to participate in sanctioned lifesaving sport training sessions and competitions in Quebec and Canada.
Accreditation confirms an athlete's active status and includes liability insurance coverage. However, this coverage does not constitute insurance against injuries or accidents.
Clubs must ensure that every athlete holds a valid accreditation from their first supervised activity of the season.
Discovery accreditation allows individuals to try lifesaving sport during a training session or a competition day.
It can only be obtained once and does not allow participation in provincial or national championships. Regular accreditation is required to continue participating in activities afterward.
To be eligible to participate in the pool and beach events of the Quebec Lifesaving Championships (QLC) or other sanctioned competitions, athletes must fall into one of the following categories:
10 and Under Category (Mixed)
Be 10 years old or younger as of December 31 of the current year.
11–12 Age Category (Girls and Boys)
Be at least 11 years old and under 13 years old as of December 31 of the current year.
If the number of participants is insufficient, heats will be mixed, but results will be recorded separately.
13–14 Age Category (Girls and Boys)
Be at least 13 years old and under 15 years old as of December 31 of the current year.
To be eligible to participate in the pool and beach events of the QLC or other sanctioned competitions, athletes aged 15 to 29 must hold one or more valid Lifesaving Society certifications (e.g., Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, National Lifeguard, etc.) as of the first day of the competition and fall into one of the following categories:
15–18 Age Category (Girls and Boys)
Be at least 15 years old and under 19 years old as of December 31 of the current year.
Senior Category (Women and Men)
Be at least 19 years old as of December 31 of the current year.
To be eligible to participate in the QLC or other sanctioned competitions, athletes must have previously held one or more Lifesaving Society certifications (e.g., Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, National Lifeguard, etc.) and be at least 30 years old as of December 31 of the current year.
Masters Category (Women and Men)
Be at least 30 years old as of December 31 of the current year.
Accreditation is mandatory to supervise training sessions and participate in sanctioned lifesaving sport competitions in Quebec and Canada.
Certain training and screening requirements must be met to obtain accreditation.
Here are the steps to becoming a coach:
A criminal record check is required every two years for individuals subject to this requirement. Minors are exempt from this screening. The Lifesaving Society can provide the information needed to complete the process.
The Lifesaving Society uses Trustii to conduct criminal record checks. The associated fees are the responsibility of the club or coach.
To request a criminal record check or submit the results of an existing check, please contact us.
This course provides the knowledge and skills needed to coach and develop lifesaving sport athletes.
It includes both theoretical and practical components in Pool and/or Surf, depending on the discipline selected.
The Making Head Way in Sport course, offered through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), is also part of the currently required training pathway.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows individuals with significant coaching experience to have certain competencies recognized.
This process is intended for experienced coaches and does not replace the required training pathway for new coaches. Each application is evaluated based on the applicant's experience, competencies, and supporting documentation.
Maintaining Certification
Certification is valid for two years. Professional development activities and active involvement in lifesaving sport help maintain certification in accordance with the requirements established by the Lifesaving Society.
Accreditation is mandatory to serve as an official at sanctioned lifesaving sport competitions in Quebec and Canada.
It provides official recognition of the individual's role and includes liability insurance coverage. Every official must hold a valid accreditation before performing their duties at a competition.
To Become an Official:
Complete the required training: Level 1 and Level 2 Official courses provide the knowledge and skills needed to perform various roles at lifesaving sport competitions.
Obtain accreditation: Once the required training has been completed, accreditation grants the status needed to serve as an official at sanctioned competitions.
Recognition of Prior Learning
A Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process is available to experienced officials who have already completed the required training and gained significant experience at competitions.
Applications are evaluated based on the applicant's competencies, experience, and supporting documentation.
Maintaining Certification
Certification is valid for two years. Active participation in competitions and recognized lifesaving sport activities allows officials to maintain their certification according to established criteria.
Detailed requirements, including the required hours of involvement and eligible activities, may be grouped in an accordion section.
Club affiliation is mandatory for clubs wishing to offer training sessions and participate in sanctioned lifesaving sport competitions in Quebec and Canada.
Club accreditation is valid for the sports season, from September 1 to August 31.
What Club Affiliation Includes
Affiliation provides several benefits, including:
Recognition as an affiliated club of the Lifesaving Society;
Inclusion in the Lifesaving Society's communication channels;
Opportunities to promote certain club events;
Access to equipment loans for certain activities;
Access to resources and professional development activities;
Eligibility for certain applicable insurance coverage.
For New Clubs
When affiliating a new club, certain information and documents must be submitted to the Lifesaving Society, including the Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ), letters patent, and a list of the members of the board of directors.