Aquatic Leadership

Junior lifeguard

Leadership drop-ins

Bronze Star 

Develops swimming proficiency, lifesaving skills, and personal fitness. Candidates refine stroke mechanics, learn self-rescue techniques, and apply fitness principles through structured training.

Prerequisite: None (Swim Patrol experience recommended) 

Required for lifeguarding: No 

Note: Strongly recommended as preparation for younger candidates to prepare for higher certifications. 

Bronze Medallion 

Challenges candidates both mentally and physically. Focuses on the four components of water rescue: judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness. Candidates develop assessment and problem-solving skills for aquatic emergencies.

Prerequisite: Minimum 13 years of age or Bronze Star  

Required for lifeguarding: Yes

Note: Challenge exams are available for candidates who wish to re-certify or reattempt a course without completing the full program. 

Basic First Aid (with CPR-C & AED)  

Provides foundational first aid knowledge and emergency response skills.

Prerequisite: None

Required for lifeguarding: No (strongly recommended)

Note: Helps candidates build confidence before advancing to higher-level first aid training. Open to both aquatic and non-aquatic participants. 

Bronze Cross 

Begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding. Candidates develop advanced rescue skills and learn active surveillance techniques used in aquatic facilities. Emphasizes teamwork and communication.

Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion and Basic or Intermediate First Aid  

Required for lifeguarding: Yes

Note: Challenge exams are available for candidates who wish to re-certify or reattempt a course without completing the full program. 

Intermediate First Aid 

Builds on Basic First Aid with more advanced emergency care skills, including medical/legal aspects of first aid treatment, spinal injuries, heat or cold injuries, bone and joint injuries, abdominal and chest injuries, burns and medical emergencies. CPR skills for adult, child and infant are taught.  AED skills are included in this course. This course is recognized by WSIB.  Prerequisite:   All candidates must present proof of identity at the start of the course (i.e., health card with photo, passport).  

Required for lifeguarding: Yes

Note: Open to both aquatic and non-aquatic participants. 

National Lifeguard - Pool

Canada’s professional lifeguard certification, recognized across Ontario for supervising public swimming pools.  

Prerequisite: Minimum 15 years of age, Bronze Cross and Intermediate First Aid 

Required for lifeguarding: Yes 

Swim Instructor

Prepares candidates to teach and evaluate swimming skills in the Lifesaving Society’s Swim for Life program.  

Prerequisite: 15 years of age by course end and Bronze Cross (not required to be current)

Required for lifeguarding: Often required—check employer requirements. 

Lifesaving Instructor

Prepares candidates to teach Canadian Swim Patrol, Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, and Bronze Cross

Prerequisite: 15 years of age by course end Bronze Cross (not required to be current)

Required for lifeguarding: Often required—check employer requirements. 

Airway Management  

Airway Management certification provides senior and experienced lifeguards with specific knowledge and training in the use of oxygen, suction devices, oral airways and bag-valve-masks.

Prerequisite: Intermediate or Standard First Aid

Required for lifeguarding: Not mandatory, but required by some employers (including the City of Burlington) 

Become a Volunteer

Eligibility Requirements:

Candidates must be at least 13 years old and hold a Bronze Cross Certification. 

How to Apply:

Apply through our web portal