Your Next Course is: Bronze Star

Bronze Star is an optional course for young lifesavers looking to take their swim skills to the next level. It is the first stepping stone to becoming a lifeguard. Candidates should be strong swimmers who are able to swim 200 metres continuously. See all requirements for Bronze Star.

Your Next Course is: Bronze Medallion 

Bronze Medallion is the first mandatory course on your journey to becoming a Lifeguard. Candidates must be at least 13 years old, or have completed Bronze Star, and be strong swimmers who are able to swim at least 400 metres continuously. See all requirements for Bronze Medallion.

Your Next Course is: Bronze Cross

Bronze Cross is the second mandatory lifesaving course on your journey to becoming a lifeguard. Candidates must have completed Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid to be eligible to take the Bronze Cross course. There is no minimum age requirement but we recommend that candidates are 14 years old to take Bronze Cross. Candidates should have a strong lifesaving kick and be able to swim at least 400 metres continuously. 

See all requirements for Bronze Cross.

Your Next Course is: Standard First Aid

Standard First Aid is the highest level of First Aid required to become a Lifeguard or Swim Instructor. There are no pre-requisites to this course, but we recommend candidates are at least 14 years old to take this course. 

Once you're at least 15 years old and have completed Standard First Aid, you'll be ready to take the National Lifeguard and Swim Instructor courses.

Your Next Course is: National Lifeguard OR Swim Instructor

Congratulations! You're ready to become a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor. Candidates for both the National Lifeguard and Swim Instructor courses must be at least 15 years old and have completed Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid certifications. Candidates for both courses should have strong swim skills and be able to swim at least 400 metres continuously. Candidates for the Swim Instructor course should be proficient in all swim strokes and skills. 

See all requirements for National Lifeguard.

Not 15 years old yet? 

Congratulations on completing your certifications so quickly! If you've completed Bronze Medallion or Bronze Cross and you're at least 14 years old, you're eligible to become a Volunteer Assistant Swim Instructor at the Y! This volunteer position is a great way to launch your Aquatic career and gain valuable experience in the Aquatic environment. Becoming part of the Volunteer team will help you grow and develop leadership skills that will be essential to your success in the National Lifeguard and Swim Instructor courses.  Learn more and apply today!

Your Next Course is: Swim Instructor

Congratulations! You're ready to become a Swim Instructor. Candidates for the Swim Instructor courses must be at least 15 years old and have completed Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid certifications. Candidates should have strong swim skills and be able to swim at least 400 metres continuously. Candidates for the Swim Instructor course should be proficient in all swim strokes and skills. 

Already certified as a Swim Instructor? 

Congratulations on completing your certifications so quickly!

If you're at least 16 years old, and have completed your National Lifeguard and Swim Instructor courses, you're eligible to apply to join our Aquatic Team as a Lifeguard and Swim instructor. Check out our open positions and apply today!

Not 16 years old yet?

If you've completed your National Lifeguard certification but you aren't yet 16 years old, you're still eligible to become a Volunteer Assistant Swim Instructor at the Y! This volunteer position is a great way to launch your Aquatic career and gain valuable experience in the Aquatic environment. Becoming part of the Volunteer team will help you grow and develop leadership skills that will be an excellent addition to your resume.  Learn more and apply today!

Not sure what your last course was?

Use the Find a Member tool on the Lifesaving Society website to find your qualifications. You'll need your Member ID (found on the bottom of your certification cards) to look up your certifications. 

If you've taken a lifesaving or first aid course at the Y before and can't find your certification card, please contact the Lifesaving Society to find your Member ID.

Thank you for your interest in Aquatic Leadership at the Y! We hope to see you in the pool soon.

See Upcoming Courses