Clarington offers courses for individuals interested in becoming a lifeguard and swimming instructor or for those interested in enhancing their water safety knowledge and basic lifesaving/first aid skills in various aquatic environments.
View or print our How to become a Clarington Swim Instructor or Lifeguard PDF for a quick reference guide on to the steps to becoming a certified swim instructor or lifeguard!
Path to becoming a lifeguard | ||||||||||
Learn the steps to becoming a lifeguard.
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Path to becoming a swim instructor | ||||||||||
Learn the steps to becoming a swim instructor.
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We know becoming a lifeguard or swim instructor isn’t easy. To help remove barriers and make becoming a Clarington lifeguard or swim instructor more accessible, we’ve created some grants and discounts so more people can access the courses required to get certified. Explore below to see if you qualify.
Leadership Course Discount |
Take 20 per cent off any lifeguarding or leadership course if you've taken any swimming lesson, lifesaving or leadership course in Clarington within the past three years. Eligible courses include:
Register in a lifeguarding or leadership course now If applicable, the Leadership Course Discount is applied automatically at check out. Does not include Standard First Aid. Age requirements and prerequisites apply. |
Leadership Program Grant |
Becoming a lifeguard can be expensive for individuals and families facing financial challenges. That’s why we are seeking to make becoming a lifeguard easier for those in need. In partnership with Jumpstart, we are excited to offer Leadership Program Grants to cover registration costs for Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross for fall 2023. All program prerequisites apply. For registration in Bronze Star, we recommend that you have completed Swimmer 7 or higher. Apply for a Leadership Program Grant About Jumpstart Founded in 2005, Jumpstart helps kids overcome financial and accessibility barriers to sport and recreation to provide inclusive play for kids of all abilities. Through their mission of enriching kids’ lives through sports and physical activity, Jumpstart provides opportunities for kids from families in financial need to participate in sports and activities. For fees and course dates, visit www.clarington.net/BeActive. |
Lifeguarding at Any Age Grant |
The Lifeguarding at Any Age Grant looks to take advantage of the experience and knowledge of our adult and older adult community. The grant offers financial support to adults aged 18+ who sign up for fall 2023 lifeguarding and leadership courses. All program prerequisites apply. Participants must be able to swim. Assessments are available to evaluate participants for program readiness. Apply for the Lifeguarding at Any Age Grant ![]() |
Become an Aquafit Instructor with a WaterART Fitness Grant |
The WaterART Fitness Grant looks to train new Aquafit Instructors. This shallow water program trains instructors to design and teach fun and engaging Aquafit classes. Learn how to incorporate equipment like pool noodles and dumbbells into your lessons. No swimming ability is needed. The grant is open to adults 18+ for fall 2023 WaterART courses. Apply for the WaterART Fitness Grant ![]() |
Lifeguarding and teaching swimming lessons are great ways to gain experience, develop skills and work directly with the community. Working on our team also helps you reach your goals and lets you showcase your skills when you apply for post-secondary opportunities and build your resume.
After you submit your application online, qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Wet interview |
The wet interview is the first step of our hiring process. Come prepared to demonstrate a wide variety of skills you learned in your lifeguarding and leadership courses. During the wet interview, we will evaluate your CPR, spinal injury management, instructional skills and other National Lifeguard skills. Things to know about the wet interview:
What to bring to the interview:
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Dry interview |
Once you successfully pass the wet interview, you will be invited to a dry interview. This is our opportunity to learn more about you and the strengths you can bring to our team. Things to know about the dry interview:
Bring in your qualifications to the dry interview. |
Do you know what to do in an emergency? Do you want to enhance your existing first aid knowledge? Take first aid. Our standard first aid program provides comprehensive training, covering all aspects of first aid, including CPR-C.
Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) recognizes this program.
Standard First Aid certification is a prerequisite for anyone taking NL (National Lifeguard).
For fees and course dates, visit www.clarington.net/BeActive.
Emergency First Aid and CPR B vs. Standard First Aid and CPR C |
Emergency First Aid is included as a part of the Bronze Medallion certification. Standard First Aid is a 16-hour comprehensive first aid certification offered as a stand-alone program. It is a prerequisite for National Lifeguard. For more information, contact the Aquatic Programmer at 905-623-3379 ext. 2527. |
Candidates are introduced to key principles of learning and teaching while they master basic swimming progressions. The roles and responsibilities of instructors and assistant instructors are emphasized.
Join us at Diane Hamre Recreation Complex for this weekly Bronze Star course.
Prepare for Bronze Medallion by working on fitness, swimming skills, and rescues.
Join us at Diane Hamre Recreation Complex for this weekly Bronze Cross course.
Focus on principles of emergency procedures, deep water spinal injury management, teamwork, and using special equipment.
Join us at Alan Strike Aquatic and Squash Centre for this twice weekly Bronze Medallion & Emergency First Aid & CPR B course.
Physical fitness, decision making, and judgement skills are developed in order to prepare candidates for rescues of greater risk.
Join us at Courtice Community Complex for this weekly Bronze Cross course.
Focus on principles of emergency procedures, deep water spinal injury management, teamwork, and using special equipment.
Join us at Courtice Community Complex for this weekly Bronze Medallion & Emergency First Aid & CPR B course.
Physical fitness, decision making, and judgement skills are developed in order to prepare candidates for rescues of greater risk.
Join us at Alan Strike Aquatic and Squash Centre for this weekly Swim for Life Instructor & Lifesaving Instructor course.
Learn how to teach swimming lessons and leadership courses of all levels.
Join us at Courtice Community Complex for this weekly Bronze Star course.
Prepare for Bronze Medallion by working on fitness, swimming skills, and rescues.
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