Lifesaving and first aid

The Bronze Star is the first level of bronze certification. It allows you to get started in lifeguarding by learning how to find solutions to various problems and make decisions as an individual and as part of a team.

You will learn how to perform CPR on a victim who has stopped breathing and develop the necessary rescue skills to become your own rescuer.

Duration: Between 10 and 12 hours in the pool

Prerequisites:
– Ability to swim 100 meters (recommended)
– Young Expert Lifeguard (recommended)

Certification validity period: 2 years (valid for life to enroll in the Bronze Medallion certification)

Procedure to maintain certification: Challenge

Next level: Bronze Medallion

The Bronze Medallion introduces the four basic components of lifeguarding: judgment, knowledge, skills, and physical fitness.

You will learn towing, carrying, defense, and release techniques to be prepared to rescue conscious and unconscious victims in increasingly risky situations.

The Bronze Medallion certification allows you to work as an assistant lifeguard around a pool from the age of 15.

Duration: 15 hours (excluding the final exam)

Prerequisites:
– Be at least 13 years old at the time of the final exam or hold the Bronze Star certification
– Demonstrate the skills and knowledge of the Bronze Star certification.

* If you are a strong swimmer and can demonstrate all the swimming strokes and techniques at the Bronze Star level, then you can enroll in the Bronze Medallion. An assessment will be conducted during the first class.

Certification validity period: 2 years as a work permit
Valid for life to enroll in the Bronze Cross certification

Procedure to maintain certification: Pass a requalification exam

Next level: Bronze Cross

If you are looking for more advanced training to acquire basic knowledge in aquatic facility surveillance, the Bronze Cross certification is for you.

You will also learn how to rescue a victim with a spinal injury in deep water and a submerged victim in cardiac arrest.

The Bronze Cross certification allows you to work as an assistant lifeguard around a pool from the age of 15 and on a beach from the age of 16.

Duration: 20 hours (excluding the final exam)

Prerequisites: Hold the Bronze Medallion certification

Certification validity period: 2 years as a work permit
Valid for life to enroll in the National Lifeguard and Lifesaving Instructor courses

Procedure to maintain certification: Pass a requalification exam

Next level: National Lifeguard, Lifesaving Instructor

Do you want to acquire advanced first aid skills to be able to take on the role of a prehospital responder in emergency situations?

With this comprehensive 16-hour training, you will be able to quickly recognize abnormal signs and symptoms and apply necessary emergency measures.

During the course, you will delve into various topics such as assessing the clinical condition of a victim and administering treatments for priority emergencies (respiratory emergencies, cardiovascular emergencies, cardiac arrest, etc.) and secondary emergencies (seizures, blood sugar problems, environmental issues, etc.).

Additionally, you will learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED), administer epinephrine via auto-injector, and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on adults, children, and infants.

Minimum duration: 16 hours

Certification validity period: 3 years

The National Lifeguard certification is the only one recognized throughout Canada. It represents a performance standard that ensures holders of this certification the opportunity to work in any part of the country.

This course is designed to develop a thorough understanding of surveillance principles, good judgment, and a responsible attitude as a lifeguard in an aquatic facility.

The National Lifeguard certification allows you to work as a lifeguard from the age of 17*.

Duration: 40 hours for the pool option (excluding the final exam)

Prerequisites:
– Be at least 15 years old at the time of the final exam
– Hold the Bronze Cross certification
– Hold the Standard First Aid/CPR-AED or Aquatic Emergency Care/CPR-AED certification

Certification validity period: 2 years as a work permit

Next level: Lifesaving Instructor

Pass on your experience and passion for lifesaving by becoming a Swim Instructor. In this role, you will train future lifeguards by teaching them first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, techniques, and lifesaving skills.

The Swim Instructor can teach the following certifications: Junior Lifeguard, Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, Lifesaving Fitness, Distinction, and CPR.

The Swim Instructor can also teach Aquatic Emergency Care when holding a Lifesaving Society First Aid Instructor certification.

Duration:
– 32 hours for a candidate holding a current Bronze Cross certification, or
– 16 hours for a candidate holding a current Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor or Aquatic Safety Instructor certification

Prerequisites:
– Be at least 15 years old
– Hold the Bronze Cross certification

Certification validity period: 2 years

Higher level: National Lifeguard Instructor, Instructor Trainer, Emergency Care/DEA Instructor (20 hours)