Aquatics Leadership

Aquatics Leadership Registration

For information about courses and registration, please check the Health and Active Living Guide.

Pre-registration is required for our courses. Registration is available online on i-Reg, by calling 905-478-4282 or in-person at Customer Service at the EG Sports Complex (E.G.S.C.) or Civic Centre.

Advanced aquatic and leadership course registration is currently open for the year.

Lifeguard and Swim Instructor Pathway

Course Descriptions

Advanced Aquatic Courses

Bronze Star

This is an excellent course to prepare for the Lifesaving Society Bronze Medallion course. Participants can develop problem-solving and decision-making skills individually and with partners. Candidates learn basic first aid and develop lifesaving skills.

Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid

Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid challenges, the candidate both mentally and physically developing candidates 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 and Emergency First Aid is a prerequisite for Bronze Cross.
This course requires 100% attendance and the prerequisites: age 13 or older or successful completion of Bronze Star.

Bronze Cross

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.
Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for the National Lifeguard and Swim Instructor courses.
This course requires 100% attendance and the prerequisites: Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid.

Standard First Aid with CPR C

Standard First Aid provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR C. Standard First Aid incorporates all of Emergency First Aid and is designed for those who require a more in-depth understanding of first aid. Standard First Aid is a prerequisite for the National Lifeguard course.
This course requires 100% attendance.

Assistant Instructor

Assistant Instructor provides classroom learning and in-water practice preparing candidates to become certified assistant instructors with swimming and lifesaving classes.
This course requires 100% attendance and the prerequisite: 14 years of age and Bronze Cross.

Swim, Lifesaving and Emergency First Aid (EFA) Instructor

The Lifesaving Society Swim, Lifesaving and EFA Instructor course prepares the instructor to organize, plan, teach and evaluate individuals in the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life, Lifesaving and First Aid programs. Candidates acquire proven teaching methods, planning skills, and a variety of stroke development drills and correction techniques. Successful candidates will receive three certification cards: Swim Instructor, Lifesaving Instructor and Emergency First Aid Instructor.
This course requires 100% attendance is required and the prerequisite: 15 years of age and Bronze Cross.

National Lifeguard

The National Lifeguard course develops the fundamental values, judgment, knowledge, skills and fitness required by lifeguards in a pool setting. The National Lifeguard course emphasizes the lifeguarding skills, principles and practices, and the decision-making processes that will assist the lifeguard to provide effective safety supervision in swimming pool environments. Candidates will be evaluated throughout the course and have a final exam at the end of the course.
This course requires 100% attendance and the prerequisites: 15 years of age or older, Bronze Cross, current Standard First Aid with CPR-C (provided by an approved agency).

$National Lifeguard Logo$

Advanced Aquatic Leadership Courses

Aquatic Supervisor Training

Aquatic Supervisor introduces participants to the knowledge, skills and tools require to effectively guide fellow staff members in the safe delivery of aquatic programs and services, and to prepare for effective emergency response.

This course requires 100% attendance and the prerequisites: Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor or Lifesaving Instructor and National Lifeguard certifications (need not be current).

Examiner Course

The Examiners course is the first step in a three step process to become a certified Examiner for the Lifesaving Society. Examiners are experienced instructors who undergo specific training in examination methodology and standards.

This course requires 100% attendance and the prerequisites: Experienced Instructor.

Certification as an Examiner is a three-step process:

Successfully complete an Examiner course with a current Trainer.
Successfully apprentice with an Examiner Mentor on one exam in the stream(s) in which you seek to be certified as an Examiner.
Submission of the completed Examiner Training Record and the certification fee to the Society.

Standard First Aid Instructor

The Lifesaving Society First Aid Instructor course prepares candidates to teach first aid courses up to and including Workplace Standard First Aid. Current First Aid Instructors may teach and certify Basic and Emergency First Aid, CPR-A,-B,-C and AED. They may teach (but not certify) Standard First Aid candidates (see Examiners).

This course requires 100% attendance and the prerequisites: 16 years of age and Standard First Aid.

Trainer Course

The Trainer course is the first step in a three step process to become a certified Trainer for the Lifesaving Society. Lifesaving Society Trainers teach, evaluate and certify instructor candidates.

Certification to be appointed as a Trainer is a 3-step process:

Successfully complete the Society's Trainer course led by a current National Trainer.
Successfully apprentice with an experienced Trainer on one Instructor course in the stream you wish to be appointed as a Trainer.
Submit your completed Training Record and certification fee with a positive recommendation from the experienced Trainer with whom you apprenticed.

Tips and Information

Registration Period

Registration for all Aquatic Leadership Programs closes seven days in advance of the course start date.

Advanced Aquatic Leadership Refund Policy

Due to Aquatic Leadership programs requiring 100% attendance, late admissions cannot be granted.
Non-medical related refund requests for all Aquatic Leadership courses will only be accepted a minimum of seven days prior to the start of the first scheduled class. For refunds due to medical issues, a doctor's note is required to receive a full refund.

Aquatic Leadership Lending Library (COMING SOON)

The Town of East Gwillimbury and East Gwillimbury Public Library have created the Aquatic Leadership Lending Library. This service is aimed at providing loaned aquatic leadership manuals to aquatics candidates. More information on this service coming soon.

Advanced Aquatic Pathway

Swimmer Levels

Swimmer levels are a great start and help prepare you for Bronze Star or Bronze Medallion

Bronze and First Aid Levels

Bronze Star (Prerequisites: None)
Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid (Prerequisites: 13 years or Bronze Star)
Bronze Cross (Prerequisites: Bronze Medallion and EFA)
Standard First Aid (Prerequisites: None)

Lifeguard and Instructor Levels

Assistant Instructor (Prerequisites: 14 years and Bronze Medallion)
Swim, Lifesaving and Emergency First Aid Instructor (Prerequisites: 15 years and Bronze Cross)
National Lifeguard (Prerequisites: 15 years and Bronze Cross)

Aquatic Volunteer Process

Our Pool Pals is a free registered program where participants age 12+ can start developing their swim instructor skills to pursue their interest in the aquatics field. The program provides Pool Pals participants with the opportunity to gain experience in the aquatic environment and prepare them for the future. Participants will receive in and out of water training, earn rewards towards future leadership courses and share their passion of aquatics with swimmers. Pool Pals will assist Swim Instructors with games and skills and model appropriate pool behaviour.

Aquatic Employment Process

Application Steps

You must hold a current Lifesaving Society's National Lifeguard - Pool, Lifesaving Society's Swim, Lifesaving and Emergency First Aid Instructor and a Ministry approved Standard First Aid certificate.
Apply for the job position by submitting your cover letter and resume.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted after the application period for an interview.
Successful applicants will be contacted with a conditional offer and will be required to attend mandatory trainings prior to the first day of work.

Application Period