Combined Instructor
The combined Swim Instructor and Lifesaving Instructor course allows candidates to develop, within a single training pathway, the skills required to teach and evaluate the Lifesaving Society’s swimming and lifesaving programs.
Candidates learn teaching methods adapted to swimming techniques, aquatic skills, lifesaving, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The course also develops observation, correction and evaluation techniques to effectively support participants throughout their learning and progression.
Once certified, instructors may teach the programs and courses authorized by their certifications, including:
Swim for Life programs;
Swim to Survive and Swim to Survive+ programs;
Canadian Swim Patrol;
Bronze Star;
Bronze Medallion;
Bronze Cross.
The Lifesaving Instructor certification also allows instructors to teach Aquatic Emergency Care, provided they hold a valid Lifesaving Society First Aid Instructor certification.
To participate in the course, candidates must:
Be at least 15 years old by the last day of the course;
Hold at least a Bronze Cross certification or a higher-level qualification.
The course and evaluation are conducted by an instructor trainer who holds the required swimming and lifesaving certifications.
A certification card is issued upon successful completion of the course requirements.
The course package includes the main documents required for instructor training:
Instructor Manual;
Swim for Life Award Guide;
Swim to Survive Award Guide;
Leadership Reference Manual;
Leadership Competencies Manual;
Canadian Swim Patrol Award Guide;
Bronze Awards Guide.
The Canadian Lifesaving Manual may also be used as a reference during the course.
The course consists of 40 hours, based on a reference class size of 12 to 16 candidates.
The duration may vary depending on the course format, the number of candidates and the learning activities offered. Additional time must be allocated for breaks.
The Swim Instructor and Lifesaving Instructor certifications are each valid for 2 years.