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Aquatic Certifications

Courses for becoming a lifeguard, swim instructor, or to recertify.

Note: Participants must provide proof of certification for courses where prerequisites are required.

Bronze Star


A fun introduction to lifesaving sport. Participants will refine their stroke mechanics, acquire self-rescue skills, and apply fitness principles in training workouts. Bronze Star is excellent preparation for Bronze Medallion.

Prerequisite: none

Bronze Medallion with CPR-C and AED


This course challenges participants mentally and physically, teaching them to assess situations and solve problems in, on, and around the water. It is based on the four components of water rescue: judgement, knowledge, skill, and fitness. Participants will also learn CPR techniques and AED use.

Prerequisite: Must be 13 years of age or older or have completed Bronze Star

Bronze Cross with First Aid and O2


This course transitions participants from lifesaving to lifeguarding, preparing them for the role of an assistant lifeguard. They’ll strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills and begin applying key principles of active surveillance in aquatic settings. Includes Intermediate First Aid (IFA) and Oxygen Administration (O2) certifications.

Equipment Required: Fanny pack, pocket mask and whistle

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Bronze Medallion

National Lifeguard


This course teaches fundamental lifeguarding skills, principles, and decision-making to equip lifeguards with the ability to assess and respond to various aquatic facilities and emergencies.

Equipment Required: Fanny pack, pocket mask and whistle

Prerequisite: Must be 15 years of age or older and have completed Bronze Cross (need not be current) and possess a current Intermediate First Aid certification from a Government of Alberta approved training agency

National Lifeguard Recertification


Participants in this course have the opportunity to take recertification exams for their Intermediate First Aid (IFA), Oxygen Administration (O2) and National Lifeguard (NL) certifications.

Prerequisite: Must have previously completed National Lifeguard (need not be current) and possess a current Intermediate First Aid certification from a Government of Alberta approved training agency.

National Lifeguard Instructor


This course explores teaching approaches and techniques and prepares participants to teach the National Lifeguard course.

Prerequisite: Current National Lifeguard certification (any option, must be held for a minimum of two years) and Lifesaving Instructor certification (need not be current). Experience teaching Lifesaving Society certification programs is recommended.

National Lifeguard Instructor Recertification


The National Lifeguard Instructor Recertification course evaluates Level 3 leadership competencies, facilitates networking and provides instructors with updates from the Lifesaving Society.

Prerequisite: National Lifeguard Instructor, all mandatory updates

Swim and Lifesaving Instructor


This certification allows candidates to teach and evaluate Swim for Life® programs, Canadian Swim Patrol, Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross and Lifesaving Society CPR programs.

Prerequisite: Must be 15 years of age or older and have successfully completed Bronze Cross or higher (need not be current)

SwimAbilities Instructor


This course equips swim instructors with advanced skills and strategies for teaching children with additional needs, emphasizing safety, independence, and enjoyment in the water.

Prerequisite: Current Swim for Life Instructor or Lifesaving Instructor

Intermediate First Aid


This Government of Alberta approved first aid course provides comprehensive training in all aspects of first aid and CPR including spinal, environmental, bone, joint, abdominal and chest injuries, as well as burns and medical emergencies. Includes CPR-C and AED certification.

Prerequisite: none

Intermediate First Aid Recertification


This recertification requires both a theory and practical examination of all Intermediate First Aid skills.

Prerequisite: Current Government of Alberta workplace-approved Intermediate First Aid certification.

First Aid Instructor/Examiner


This 16-hour course prepares participants to teach and evaluate candidates in Lifesaving Society CPR, First Aid, Aquatic Emergency Care, CPR-HCP, and Oxygen (O2) Administration programs. Participants also learn class management, safety supervision, principles of evaluation and long/short-term planning.

Prerequisite: Lifesaving Society Instructor certification and current Intermediate First Aid certification from the Lifesaving Society or a Government of Alberta approved training agency

First Aid Instructor Recertification


This recertification course evaluates Instructor Level 1 leadership competencies, facilitates networking and provides instructors with updates from the Lifesaving Society.

Prerequisite: Current Lifesaving Society Intermediate First Aid and First Aid Instructor with all mandatory updates (as required)