Safety supervision training for guardians (e.g., day camp counsellors, counsellors-in-training and others) who accompany groups of young people to pools or waterfronts. The course stresses the responsibility undertaken by these group leaders for safeguarding the young people in their care even when under lifeguard supervision. Safeguard focuses on water safety awareness, accident prevention and the principles of aquatic safety supervision. Safeguard teaches participants how to identify hazards and at-risk behaviours, how to recognize potential victims, and how to respond safely in an aquatic emergency. The Safeguard course length is 3.5 hours.

Ratio: up to 6:1

Delivery format: online

The Lifesaving Society’s Bronze Medallion challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. Candidates acquire the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on, and around the water. Bronze Medallion is a prerequisite for assistant lifeguard training in Bronze Cross. The Bronze Medallion course length is 15 hours, and candidates should order the Canadian Lifesaving Manual for reference. 

Prerequisites: 13 yrs, completion of Sunfish 12 (or equivalent)

Ratio: up to 5:1

Delivery format: in person

The Lifesaving Society’s Bronze Cross begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as assistant lifeguards. Candidates strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills and begin to apply the principles and techniques of active surveillance in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies. Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for advanced training in the Society’s National Lifeguard and leadership certification programs. The Bronze Cross course length is 20 hours, and candidates should order the Canadian Lifesaving Manual for reference.

Prerequisites: Bronze Medallion, Emergency First Aid with CPR-B

Ratio: up to 5:1

Delivery format: in person

The Examiner course is the first step in the three-step process to become certified as an Examiner for the Lifesaving Society. The Examiner course prepares candidates to apprentice as a Bronze, Standard First Aid, or National Lifeguard Examiner Candidate, and it builds on the experience candidates have attained in instructor-evaluated awards. The Examiner course length is 6 hours, and candidates should order the Examiner Handbook for reference as well as award guides for their preferred stream.

Prerequisite: Lifesaving Instructor, Standard First Aid Instructor, or National Lifeguard Instructor

Ratio: up to 6:1

Delivery format: online and in person