Aquatic Leadership
Become a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor
Lifeguards do more than just swim well—they are skilled professionals in water rescue and emergency care. Their role goes beyond preventing accidents and injuries; they also play a key part in educating the public about water safety and promoting Water Smart practices. The job of a lifeguard is both exciting and fulfilling, as they hold the crucial responsibility of safeguarding all swimmers. To be prepared, lifeguards participate in comprehensive lifesaving programs and engage in regular training.
| Upcoming and Current Programs | |||||||||||||||
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Descriptions and prerequisite information can be found under 'Programs Offered' section below. Upcoming/Current Programs:
Some Aquatic Leadership courses may fall outside of the regular session schedules. |
Questions? Call or email complex@leamington.ca with Aquatic Leadership 2025 in the subject line.
Programs Offered
| Bronze Star (Swimmer 10) |
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This training develops swimming proficiency, lifesaving skill and Recommended: Ages 10-14. |
| Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid CPR-B |
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General Information: The Bronze Medallion course (15 hours) is a rigorous training Prerequisites: Minimum 13 years of age or Bronze Star Certification. Reminder: Participants are required to bring a bathing suit, towel, goggles (if desired), notebook and pen.
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| Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid |
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General Information: The Bronze Cross course (20 hours) marks the transition Prerequisites: Minimum 13 years of age, Bronze Medallion, and emergency first aid certifications. Reminder: Participants are required to bring a bathing suit, towel, goggles (if desired), notebook and pen.
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| Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor |
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General Information: This course prepares the instructor to teach and evaluate the swimming strokes and related skills found in the LSS Swim for Life program. Candidates acquire proven teaching methods, planning skills, and a variety of stroke development and correction techniques. Prerequisites: Minimum of 15 years of age by the end of the course, Bronze Cross, and standard first aid certifications. |
| National Lifeguard |
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General Information: The National Lifeguard course provides essential training in the Certification: Upon successful completion, participants will receive certification in National Lifeguard and Standard First Aid with CPR-C. Course Requirements:
Note: National Lifeguard and Instructor School courses can be taken in any order; neither is a prerequisite for the other.
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personal fitness. Candidates refine their stroke mechanics, acquire self-rescue skills, and apply fitness principles in training workouts. 
program designed to challenge candidates both mentally and physically. It focuses on developing judgment, knowledge, skills, and fitness essential for effective water rescue. Participants will gain critical assessment and problem-solving abilities for making sound decisions in aquatic environments. This course is a prerequisite for advancing to assistant lifeguard training in Bronze Cross.
from lifesaving to
Lifesaving Society's Lifeguard program, preparing candidates to work as lifeguards in pool settings. Emphasizing teamwork, leadership, communication, and physical fitness, this course equips participants with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective lifeguarding. Candidates will develop a deep understanding of lifeguarding principles, sound judgment, and a responsible approach to water safety.
We recommend taking the courses at the following ages:
- Bronze Star - 10-12 years
- Bronze Medallion - 13 years
- Bronze Cross - 14 years
- Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor - 15 years
- Lifesaving Society Aquatic Instructor programs will be run as 2 separate programs at the NFFRC
- Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor gives successful participants the qualification to instruct Learn to Swim and Canadian Swim Patrol Levels. This is the required Swim Instructor certification needed to work at the NFFRC.
- Lifesaving Society Lifesaving Instructor gives successful participants the qualification to instruct Bronze level programs.
- Lifesaving Society Aquatic Instructor programs will be run as 2 separate programs at the NFFRC
- National Lifeguard - 15 years
- Getting started late? Many of our courses run one after the other so you could fast track and take multiple in one year (as long as all prerequisites are met).
Aquatic Leadership Pathway Flyer
Interested in working at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre Pool?
Applicants are encouraged to have both Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor and Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard certifications. Due to public pool regulations, all aquatic staff must be at least 15 years of age.
Contact(s)
