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Aquatic leadership programs

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Lifeguarding and swim instructing can be one of the most valuable and rewarding training experiences of your life.

Lifeguards and swim instructors prevent incidents from occurring, perform rescues and first aid when accidents do happen, teach and promote water safety to community members of all ages, especially children. If you enjoy helping others, making a difference in people’s lives and being around the water, then lifeguarding and swim instructing may be for you. 

How to become a lifeguard

Here are the training requirements, in order, to become a certified lifeguard and swim instructor in British Columbia:​​

Prerequisites:

  • Ability to swim 13 years old OR Bronze Star

School credits:

  • N/A

Bronze Medallion teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles embodied in the four components of water rescue education: judgment, knowledge, skills and fitness. Rescuers learn advanced lifesaving techniques for challenging rescues of increased risk, involving conscious and unconscious victims in varying water depths. Participants develop stroke efficiency and endurance in timed swims (400 metres). Includes CPR-A.

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Prerequisites:
Proof of certifications must be provided on the first day of class

  • Bronze Medallion

School credits:

  • *2 Credits for Grade 11

Bronze Cross is designed for lifesavers who want the challenge of more advanced lifesaving training and an introduction to safety supervision. Candidates develop proficiency at performing patient assessments, managing aquatic spinal injuries, and preventing the loss of life in a variety of aquatic emergencies, while developing stroke endurance (includes a 400m timed swim) and fitness training skills. Bronze Cross includes the CPR-C certification and is one of the prerequisite awards for all advanced lifeguarding (National Lifeguard) and leadership (Lifesaving Instructor) training programs. 100% attendance and participation is mandatory to complete this course. 

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Swim For Life – Swim Instructor

Prerequisites:

  • Minimum of 12 years of age

This course includes comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid, CPR and AED use. Whether you need training for employment or simply want to be prepared to respond to life-threatening emergencies, this course will give you the skills and knowledge to act confidently. In addition to the material covered in Emergency First Aid, candidates will learn how to treat head/neck injuries, soft tissue and musculoskeletal injuries and medical emergencies.

For the purpose of using this certification as a prerequisite for the National Lifeguard certification, The Lifesaving Society of BC will only recognize SFA certifications from the Lifesaving Society, Canadian Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation and Canadian Ski Patrol.

Prerequisites:
Proof of certifications must be provided on the first day of class

  • SFA/CPR-C Within 1 Year
  • Bronze Cross
  • Minimum of 15 years old

The BC/Yukon Branch will only recognize SFA certifications from the Lifesaving Society, Canadian Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation and Canadian Ski Patrol.

School credits:

  • 2 Credits for Grade 12

The National Lifeguard Pool certification is designed to develop the fundamental values, judgment, knowledge, skills and fitness required by lifeguards. The National Lifeguard course emphasizes the lifeguarding skills, principles and practices, and the decision-making processes which will assist the lifeguard to provide effective safety supervision in swimming pool environments.

Prerequisites:

  • Bronze Cross
  • Minimum of 15 years old

School credits:

  • *1 Credit for Grade 11

The Lifesaving Instructor (LSI) award trains candidates to teach and evaluate the Canadian Swim Patrol program, the Bronze Medal awards, and a variety of specialized lifesaving programs (e.g. Lifesaving for Lay Rescuers).

Candidates are trained in aspects of learning as well as various approaches required to teach water rescue, first aid and related aquatic skills. Candidates also learn about long-range/short-term planning, class management, safety supervision and the principles of evaluation.  Lifesaving Instructor is also the base for all other Instructor certifications.

Prerequisites:

  • Bronze Cross
  • Minimum of 15 years old

School credits:

  • *1 Credit for Grade 11

The Lifesaving Instructor (LSI) award trains candidates to teach and evaluate the Canadian Swim Patrol program, the Bronze Medal awards, and a variety of specialized lifesaving programs (e.g. Lifesaving for Lay Rescuers).

Candidates are trained in aspects of learning as well as various approaches required to teach water rescue, first aid and related aquatic skills. Candidates also learn about long-range/short-term planning, class management, safety supervision and the principles of evaluation.  Lifesaving Instructor is also the base for all other Instructor certifications.

Recertifications and clinics

Have you already completed some or all of your courses to become a lifeguard in British Columbia? Find a course to keep your certification active, or brush up on your skills to prepare you for an upcoming course.

Registration options

  • Online
  • By phone at 604-935-PLAY (7529)
  • View upcoming registration dates/times and get prepared for registration day by visiting whistler.ca/register

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Whistler: A place where our community thrives, nature is protected and guests are inspired. More Info