Let’s follow Melina on her journey to becoming a lifeguard and swim instructor.
Recently, Melina, now 15 years old, heard from her mom that she should become a lifeguard. She was already considering getting a job and wants to learn more.
In her research, Melina learns many benefits of working in the aquatic industry.
- Lifeguards develop Healthy
- Habits and critical thinking skills.
- Lifeguards and Swim Instructors are highly paid.
- There is a large job market.
- It can become a lifelong career.
- Many teens and young adults already work in the aquatic industry.
- Becoming a lifeguard opens a world of possibilities.
- Many lifeguards specialize in becoming swim instructors, swim team coaches, artistic swimming coaches, and diving instructors.
- Lifeguards feel pride in keeping their community safe.
Becoming a lifeguard is one of the best jobs for teens and young adults, but sometimes the process can seem confusing.
Let’s follow Melina on her journey to becoming a lifeguard and swim instructor. First, Melina took swimming lessons as a child, but now she needs to know if she has the right skills.
Melina should have the following requirements before applying:
Requirements to become a Lifeguard:
Note: While it’s common to have learned to swim through one of the above programs, these are not a requirement but more of a guideline.
Age:
13 years + (Can complete Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid.)
15 years + (Can complete National Lifeguard, and become a Swim Instructor)
Swim Program Level Completed:
- MISway Advanced or higher or;
- Red Cross Junior 10 or higher or;
- YMCA Star 6 or higher or;
- Olympic Way Gold or higher or;
- Bronze Star
Swimmers should be able to:
- Swim on their own.
- Know the four strokes (Front Crawl, Back Crawl, Breast Stroke, and Butterfly).
- Be able to swim at least 200 meters non-stop (8 lengths of an aquatic centre-sized pool.)
Melina is happy to find out that she meets the requirements! So, what’s her first step?
To become a fully-fledged lifeguard, Melina must complete Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, Standard First Aid, and National Lifeguard. Does that seem like a lot? While it might seem overwhelming initially, Melina shouldn’t worry; below, we’ll share some tips and tricks to speed up the process.
The Life Saving Society of Canada provides lifeguard certifications and courses; each province has a dedicated team and website.
Required Courses and Certifications:
- Bronze Medallion (13 years +)
- Bronze Cross (13 years +)
- Standard First Aid
- National Lifeguard (15 years +)
Find a Course:
There are several places to look for these courses. MIS now offers Bronze courses several times per year.
Working with MIS:
MIS offers even more for young lifeguards like Melina. After completing her courses, she applies to become a lifeguard and swim instructor with MIS.
What she can expect:
- MIS offers Melina a free and complete swim instructor training certification when hired. (MIS-SI).
- A high starting salary, with many opportunities to grow.
- Guaranteed working hours, with the flexibility to work around her school schedule.
- She’ll work with an organization that understands the needs of teens and young adults.
- End-of-term bonuses.
- And so much more!
Ready to Sign Up?
Are you inspired to start your journey to becoming a lifeguard? We’re here to help. Ask our team any questions about the available courses, job opportunities or what it’s like to work in the aquatic industry.
Ask Us: jobs@swim-montreal.com.
