Aquatic Leadership

Offers serious fun for kids 10 years and up who can swim at least 25 meters and tread water for 2 minutes. The Jr. Lifeguard Club provides an action-packed challenge for kids who love the water but who want more than a ‘lesson’. Open to members and non-members. Registration required.

Prerequisites: None
What to Bring: Bathing suit(s), towel and goggles.

This course is an excellent first step towards becoming a lifesaver. Swimmers will develop strokes and techniques, while building endurance using a variety of different training methods. First aid basics are taught and practiced with both partner and individuals scenarios. Participants are introduced to lifesaving skills and the sport of lifesaving while building communication and problem-solving skills. It is great preparation before taking Bronze Medallion.

Prerequisites: 12 years of age (on or before the exam date)

This course 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, defense methods and releases in preparation for challenging rescues of increased risk involving conscious and unconscious victims of various types. Lifesavers develop stroke efficiency and endurance in a 400m timed swim.

Prerequisites: Bronze Star Certification (need not be current), or 13 years of age (on or before the exam date)
What to Bring: Lunch, bathing suit(s), towel, whistle (Fox 40), goggles.

This course 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 400m swim.

Prerequisites: Bronze Medallion
What to Bring: Bathing suit(s), towel, goggles, proof of Bronze Medallion and Basic First Aid taken and Canadian Lifesaving Manual

Intermediate First Aid provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR. Intermediate First Aid incorporates all of Basic First Aid and is designed for those who require a more in-depth understanding of first aid including: legal implications of first aid treatment, spinal injuries, heat or cold injuries, bone and joint injuries, chest injuries, and medical emergencies. This course is recognized by WSIB and is not restricted to those in aquatics. This course is required before you are able to take the National Lifeguard Certification.

Prerequisites: None
What to Bring: Lunch, notebook and pen

Intermediate First Aid with CPR-C & AED RECERT.

Prerequisites: Valid/Current Intermediate First Aid with CPR-C & AED certification.

National Lifeguard certification is Canada’s professional lifeguard standard. National Lifeguard training develops a sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgment, and a mature and responsible attitude towards the lifeguard’s role. National Lifeguard training emphasizes prevention and effective rescue response in emergencies including first aid treatment. Candidates develop teamwork, leadership and communication skills. Fitness requirements include a timed object recovery, 50m sprint challenge, 50m rescue drill and 400m timed endurance challenge. The National Lifeguard training program is designed for lifesavers who wish to obtain a responsible job and leadership experience. Successful candidates are certified by the Lifesaving Society – Canada’s lifeguarding experts.

Prerequisites: 15 years of age (on or before the exam date), Bronze Cross, and Intermediate First Aid with CPR-C & AED from one of the following (need not be current): Lifesaving Society, Red Cross, St John Ambulance, or Canadian Ski Patrol.
What to Bring: Bathing suit(s), towel, whistle (Fox 40), goggles, proof of age (16+), copies of Bronze Cross and Intermediate First Aid with CPR-C & AED certifications taken.

Prerequisites: Proof of National Lifeguard Course taken (need not be current)
What to Bring: Bathing suit, towel, whistle (Fox 40), goggles, proof of age (16+), copies of NL and Intermediate First Aid with CPR-C & AED certifications taken.

The YMCA Swim Instructors program prepares participants to teach swimming skills and promote water safety in a supportive learning environment. The certification process begins with a self-led online training component, allowing participants to learn foundational knowledge at their own pace, followed by in-class training where they practice teaching techniques, develop instructional skills, and complete hands-on assessments under the guidance of a certified trainer.

Prerequisites: 15 years of age (on or before the exam date), Bronze Cross, and Intermediate First Aid with CPR-C & AED from one of the following (need not be current): Lifesaving Society, Red Cross, St John Ambulance, or Canadian Ski Patrol.

At our North Bay location, this course also includes Lifesaving Swim Instructor certification.

The Lifesaving Instructor (LSI) program prepares candidates to teach and evaluate lifesaving, leadership, and rescue skills. Participants learn effective instructional techniques, lesson planning, risk management, and candidate evaluation while maintaining a safe and engaging learning environment. Upon successful completion, Lifesaving Instructors are certified to teach Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, and Bronze Cross courses, helping develop confident, skilled aquatic leaders and promoting water safety in their communities.