Lifesaving & Swim Certifications

Classes are both in and out of the pool. Depending on the course, there may be written study material, theory and sessions on practical application. You'll be expected to show water proficiency, learn recognition and rescue techniques, and tain in CPR and/or First Aid skills.

Come prepared:

Participants must wear swim wear and bring a towel. Swim goggles are optional. All other required equipment and lifejackets are provided. Lifeguard on duty on pool deck.

Junior Lifesaving Club

In the pool and on the deck, this program provides challenges in an energetic learning environment. Youth will develop skills in swimming, lifesaving, fitness, knowledge, leadership, and teamwork. Community involvement and competition can also be part of the program. Swimming 50-metre and treading water for one minute are prerequisites.

Bronze Star

Bronze Star is the pre-Bronze Medallion training standard and excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion. In Bronze Star, participants develop problem-solving and decision-making skills as individuals and with partners. They learn CPR and develop Water Smart® confidence and the lifesaving skills needed to be their own personal lifeguard. Includes CPR A. Prerequisite: 12 years and older.

Bronze Medallion

Bronze Medallion Award teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles embodied in the four components of water rescue education: judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness. Rescuers learn tows and carries, and defense and release methods in preparation for challenging rescues of increased risk involving conscious and unconscious victims of various types. Lifesavers develop stroke efficiency and endurance in a timed swim. Includes CPR C and AED. Prerequisite: Bronze Star or 13 years old prior to the last day of the course. This course requires 100% attendance and participation to complete.

Bronze Cross

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. Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion Award and a current Alberta workplace approved Intermediate First Aid Certification. Proof of prerequisite will be requested on the first day of this course. This course requires 100% attendance and participation to complete. Please bring your manual used in Bronze Medallion.

Bronze Cross - Recertification

This course is designed for lifesavers who have an expired Bronze Cross Award. This course covers updated water rescue techniques, CPR skills and knowledge, and includes an exam. Prerequisite: Previously held a Bronze Cross Award. Proof of prerequisite will be requested on the day of this course. This course requires 100% attendance and participation to complete.

Lifesaving/Swim for Life Instructor

This certification allows candidates to teach and evaluate Swim for Life® programs, Canadian Swim Patrol, Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross. Completion of this course also includes Lifesaving CPR Instructor certification. Prerequisite: 15 years old and current Bronze Cross or higher. Apprenticeship: In course. Certification Currency: two years from the date of certification.

Lifesaving/Swim for Life Instructor - Recertification

This is a recertification course for the Lifesaving/Swim for Life® Instructor Award. Prerequisites: Swim for Life® 2015 Mandatory update and First Aid and Resuscitation Content 2016 mandatory update/2021 Bronze update. Proof of prerequisites will be requested on the day of the course.

National Lifeguard

The Lifesaving Society’s National Lifeguard certification builds on the fundamental skills, knowledge, fitness, judgment and values taught in the prerequisite Bronze Cross award. Prerequisite: Bronze Cross, current Intermediate First Aid and minimum 15 years of age.

National Lifeguard - Recertification

This is a recertification course for the National Lifeguard Award. Proof of prerequisite will be requested on the day of course.

Swim Patrol - Ranger

Enhances capability in the water, including stride entry, underwater forward and backward somersaults, lifesaving eggbeater kick and increased fitness levels to meet a 200 m timed swim. Rescue skills involve an increased skill level in ABC first aid basics, victim recognition and non-contact rescues. Prerequisite: Swim Patrol - Rookie.

Swim Patrol - Rookie

Develops individual fitness levels to meet a timed 100 m swim and 350 m workout. Water proficiency skills include: swims with clothes, ready position, foot-first and head-first surface dives. Demonstrating an ability to conduct a primary assessment and initiating EMS are included as first aid skills. Victim recognition and throwing assists are other key elements of the program. Prerequisite: Swimmer 6

Swim Patrol - Rookie, Ranger & Star

Canadian Swim Patrol is a pre-Bronze program with three modules: water proficiency, first aid skills and recognition and rescue. Skills include timed swims, endurance swims, swimming with clothes on, Water Smart® behaviour, rescue skills and first aid performance. Prerequisite: Swimmer 6

Swim Patrol - Ranger & Star

Enhances water proficiency, first aid skills and recognition and rescue. Skills include timed swims, endurance swims, further refining of strokes, rescue skills and first aid performance. Prerequisite: Swim Patrol - Rookie.

Swim Patrol - Star

An excellent preparation for the Bronze Star award, Star Patrol demands good physical conditioning and lifesaving judgment. Participants develop lifesaving and first aid skills; further refine front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke (100 m each); and complete 600 m workouts and for 300 m timed swims. Prerequisite: Swim Patrol - Ranger.

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