Open the door to employment opportunities

Open the door to employment and volunteer possibilities through our YMCA Aquatic Certifications programs. Certification as a lifeguard or swimming instructor can lead to employment opportunities at the YMCA and elsewhere. You'll also develop leadership skills that can have a profound impact on your future success.

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Certification Programs

Excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion. Participants develop problem-solving and decision-making skills individually and in partners. Candidates learn CPR and develop the lifesaving skills needed to be their own lifeguard. Includes a timed 400 m swim.

Prerequisite: None (Swim Patrol experience recommended.)

In Bronze Medallion we emphasize the lifesaving principles embodied  in the four components of water-rescue education: judgement, knowledge, skill, and fitness.

Rescuers will learn tows and carries as well as defence methods and releases, preparing themselves for challenging rescues involving conscious and unconscious victims of various types.

Bronze Medallion is a Lifesaving Society (LS) certification offered through the YMCA.

Prerequisite: Must be 13 years or older, or have completed Bronze Star

Upcoming Courses

Bronze Medallion and EFA Certificate Courses

Date: Feb 25 - Mar 24

Time: 2 - 6 pm, Sunday
Location: Les Chater Family YMCA 
Fee: $195 for YMCA Members | $210 for non-members

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We offer Bronze Cross classes for lifesavers who want the challenge of more advanced training, including an introduction to safe supervision in aquatic facilities.

In this class we focus on the principles of teamwork, procedures, and the use of special equipment.

Bronze Cross is a Lifesaving Society (LS) certification offered through the YMCA. It is a prerequisite for all LS advanced training programs, including National Lifeguard and Instructor Certifications (YMCA, Lifesaving Society and Red Cross).

Prerequisite: Must have completed Bronze Medallion and Emergency and CPR B certifications.

Upcoming Courses

Bronze Cross

Date: Feb 25 - Mar 24

Time: 2 - 6 pm, Sundays
Location: Les Chater Family YMCA
Fee: $155 for YMCA members | $170 for non-members

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Learn how to fulfill your role as a professional facilitator of safe, enjoyable aquatics for everyone.

The National Lifeguard (NL) course emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and communication in the prevention of accidents and in first aid treatment of medical emergencies. 

National Lifeguard is a Lifesaving Society (LS) certification offered through the YMCA. National Lifeguard is the only nationally recognized lifeguard certification in Canada.

Prerequisite: Must be 15 years or older and have completed Bronze Cross, Standard First Aid and CPR C certifications.

Upcoming Courses

National Lifeguard Course

Date: March 11 - 15
Time: 10:30 am - 7 pm, Mon - Fri
Location: Les Chater Family YMCA
Fee: $285 for YMCA members | $300 for non-members

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National Lifeguard Recertification Course

Date: February 18th 
Time: 2 - 7 pm, Sunday
Location: Les Chater Family YMCA
Fee: $80 for YMCA members

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Standard First Aid incorporates all the emergency First Aid and is designed for those who require a more in-depth understanding including: legal implications of first aid treatment, spinal injuries, heat or cold injuries, bone, joint or chest injuries, and medical emergencies. Includes CPR C certification.

Standard First Aid + CPR C is a Lifesaving Society (LS) certification offered through the YMCA.

Upcoming Courses

LSS Standard First Aid & CPR C

Date: Feb 17th - 18th 
Time: Saturday/Sunday, 9am - 5:30pm
Location: Les Chater Family YMCA
Fee: $115 for YMCA members | $125 for non-members

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LSS Standard First Aid & CPR C - RECERTIFICATION

 

Take the next step towards employment in Aquatics! Candidates will acquire proven teaching methods, planning skills, and a variety of stroke development drills and correction techniques This course offers a dual certification: Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor certification – prepares candidates to teach and evaluate swimming strokes and related skills found in the Lifesaving Society’s Swim for Life program.

LSS Swim & Lifesaving Instructor (Combined) is a Lifesaving Society (LS) certification offered through the YMCA.

 

LSS Swim & Lifesaving Instructor (Combined)

Date: Feb 25 - March 24th
Time: Sundays, 9:30am - 6pm
Location: Les Chater Family YMCA
Fee: $375.00 for YMCA Members | $390.00 for non-members
Prerequisite(s): Must be 15 years of age or older; Must hold Bronze Cross certification or higher.

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