Lifesaving Classes
Become a lifeguard or swim instructor and work in challenging and rewarding field.
Bronze Medallion
12 years + | Free*
Bronze Medallion is the first step and introduces the four basic components of lifesaving: judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness. In this 15 hour course, you will learn towing, carrying, defending, and disengaging techniques to be prepared to rescue conscious and unconscious victims in increasingly dangerous situations. The certification is valid for 2 years.
Requirements:
- 13 years old or 12 years old and holder of a Bronze Star certification, as of final exam date
- Strong swimming skills (can swim 400m without stopping, knows 4 strokes)
*course and certification fees are free; $50 deposit reimbursed upon completion of course
Bronze Cross
13 years + | Free*
The Bronze Cross certification provides more advanced training to learn lifeguarding fundamentals, the Bronze Cross certification is for you. This 20 hour course will also teach you how to rescue a victim with a spinal injury in the deep end and a submerged victim in cardiorespiratory arrest. The certification is valid for 2 years.
Requirements:
- Holder of a valid Bronze Medallion certificate
- Strong swimming skills (can swim 400m without stopping, knows 4 strokes)
*course and certification fees are free; $50 deposit reimbursed upon completion of course
National Lifeguard (Pool)
15 years + | Free*
The National Lifeguard award is a national performance standard and the only award recognized throughout Canada that allows its holder to work as a lifeguard anywhere in the country. This 40 hour course has been developed to better understand lifeguarding principles and develop good judgment and a responsible attitude regarding the lifeguard’s responsibilities in an aquatic facility. You can specialize in the following four options: pool, waterpark, waterfront and surf. The certification is valid for 2 years.
Requirements:
- To be at least 15 years old at the final evaluation
- Holder of a valid Bronze Cross award
- Holder of a valid First Aid/AED or an Aquatic Emergency Care/AED award (usually included in the course curriculum and fees)
* course and certification fees are free; a $50 deposit will be reimbursed upon completion of course
MIS Swim Instructor Course
14 years + | Free*
The MIS Swim Instructor Course is comprehensive course to train individuals to teach any swimmer to learn how to swim, and how to perfect their swimming skills. This 8 hour course will teach the principles of the MISway, our unique, innovative, and unrivaled learn-to-swim program. You will learn how to work with beginners to advanced swimmers, and to effective teach skills like water safety, floating, swimming and breathing techniques, stroke and deep water techniques, and more.
Requirements:
- To be at least 14 years old
- To hold at least a Bronze Medallion award
- Strong swimming skills (can swim 400m without stopping, knows 4 strokes)
* $100; fully reimbursed if you apply and are accepted for a job with MIS following the successful completion of the course
