Aquatic Leadership Courses

Bronze Star is an excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion. Participants develop problem-solving and decision making skills individually and in partners. Candidates develop the lifesaving skills needed to be their own lifesaver. Includes a timed 400m swim. Basic First Aid and CPR-A is included. No prerequisites required. Life Saving Society Swim Patrol level or YMCA Canada Star program experience is recommended.

This program teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles and the four components of water-rescue education; judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness. Rescuers learn tows and carries, defense methods and releases in preparation for rescues of increased risk involving conscious and unconscious victims. Lifesavers develop stroke efficiency and endurance in a 500m timed swim. Bronze Medallion includes emergency first aid with CPR-B.

Bronze Cross is designed for lifesavers who want the challenge of more advanced training including an introduction to safe supervision in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for all advanced training programs including National Lifeguard and Instructor certification. Includes a timed 600m swim.

National Lifeguard Service (NLS) Course 

National Lifeguard training builds on fundamental skills, knowledge and values taught in previous lifesaving awards to develop the practical skills and knowledge required by lifeguards. Recognized as the standard measurement of lifeguard performance in Canada, National Lifeguard education is designed to develop a sound understanding of life guarding principles, good judgment and a mature and responsible attitude toward the role of the lifeguard.

The National Lifeguard's primary role is the prevention of emergency situations and where this fails, the timely and effective resolution of emergencies. The National Lifeguard program is designed to prepare lifeguards to fulfill this role as professional facilitators of safe, enjoyable aquatics. The National Lifeguard course cannot in theory or practice prepare candidates for every situation which might be encountered by NLS guards working in Canadian aquatic environments and facilities. National Lifeguard training is designed to develop the basic life guarding skills, principles and decision-making processes which will assist the lifeguard to evaluate and adapt to different aquatic facilities and emergencies. 

Lifesaving Instructors

The Lifesaving Instructor Course prepares instructors to teach the following Life Saving Society Courses:

• Canadian Swim Patrol Program
• Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, Wading Pool Attendant
• Lifesaving Fitness, Distinction, Diploma
• Basic and Emergency First Aid, and CPR-A, CPR-B and CPR-C
• Current Lifesaving Instructors evaluate all items and certify candidates in Canadian Swim Patrol, Bronze Star, Lifesaving Fitness, Basic and Emergency First Aid, and CPR-A, -B, -C. Instructors evaluate some items in Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross and Distinction, but only Examiners may certify candidates in these awards.

Participants will learn communication skills such as giving and receiving feedback, planning and organizing skills which will assist you them in prioritizing and setting goals as well as give them insight on maintaining quality standards and prioritizing. 

Standard First Aid Instructors and Advanced Core Instructors 

Prerequisites: Minimum of 18 years, LSS SFA with CPR C and Lifesaving Instructor

Required reference material: Current First Aid Award Guide, Current Canadian First Aid Manual and Current First Aid Instructor Resource CD