Lifesaving, Leadership and First Aid

In addition to the safety measures we implemented at our aquatic facilities, and in consultation with the Lifesaving Society, the following has changed:

• Equipment will be assigned to each participant for the duration of each lesson, whenever possible.
• The use of weighted mannequins will be used for in-water skills, whenever possible, to reduce physical contact between participants.
• Due to the nature of these programs, certain skills require physical contact. In these instances, participants will be asked to work in pairs or trios for the duration of the class/course.

Register for spring programs

Our spring programs begin the week of April 2, 2022. View programs online starting on Wednesday, March 2, and add them to your wish list. Registration begins on Wednesday, March 23, at 7 a.m. 

For online registration, visit www.clarington.net/BeActive. Know your username and password. For assistance, contact communityservices@clarington.net or 905-623-3379 ext. 2552.

Becoming a Lifeguard or Swimming Instructor

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.

Starting this fall, Clarington will offer swimming, lifeguarding and aquatic leadership programs provided by the Lifesaving Society of Canada. The Canadian Red Cross announced in January that it is transitioning to focus on its humanitarian efforts and will end swim programming. This means that our swim program names and levels will change as we adjust our lessons to follow the plan set out by the Lifesaving Society. This is a great opportunity for our budding lifeguards as the lifeguarding and leadership programs will be more streamlined and cost-effective. Stay tuned for more information on this important change.

Path to becoming a Lifeguard

Bronze Star

Ages 10 to 12 years Get a head start by taking Bronze Star. This program is excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion by working on swimming skills, physical fitness and rescues. Register for Bronze Star

Bronze Medallion with Emergency First Aid and CPR B

Prerequisite: Ages 13 years + or completed Bronze Star This is a prerequisite for all advanced lifesaving programs. Physical fitness, decision making and judgement skills are developed in order to prepare candidates for rescues of greater risk. Provides knowledge and skills to care for the ABCs of life. Exam on the 11th week of class. Certification fee included. Materials extra. Register for Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid

Bronze Cross

Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion & Emergency First Aid This is a prerequisite for Clarington's Assistant Lifeguard positions, all advanced instructor programs and for NLS. Focus on principles of emergency procedures, deep water spinal injury management, teamwork and use of special equipment. Exam on the 11th week of class. Certification fee included. Register for Bronze Cross

Standard First Aid and CPR C

This course is for both the general public and all NLS candidates. Standard First Aid provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR level C (adult, child, infant, two rescuer). This Lifesaving Society first aid program is recognized by Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Materials and certification fee included. Register for Standard First Aid and CPR C

National Lifeguard (NL)

Prerequisites: Age 15 years, Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid This NLS certification is the industry-accepted standard for lifeguards in Canada. Training provided in this course is designed to develop the basic lifeguarding skills, principles and decision-making processes which will assist the lifeguard in evaluating and adapting to different aquatic facilities and emergencies. Candidates work in a team environment allowing them to develop leadership and communication skills. Physical fitness is a basic component of the program. Standard First Aid prerequisite must be from Lifesaving Society, Canadian Red Cross or St. Johns Ambulance. No exceptions. Materials and certification fee included. Register for National Lifeguard

For fees and course dates, visit www.clarington.net/BeActive.

Path to becoming a Swimming Instructor

The new Red Cross Water Safety Instructor program is designed to provide candidates with the knowledge and skills to teach swimming and water safety while promoting water-safe attitudes in, on, and around the water. This program provides candidates with instructional knowledge and theories on topics, including teaching methods, learning styles, swimming skills, communication, safety supervision, injury prevention, and feedback. The program includes four steps for completion:

1. Skills Evaluation
2. Online
3. Teaching Experience
4. Classroom and Pool

Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI)

The Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Course is designed to provide candidates with the knowledge and skills to teach swimming and water safety while promoting water-safe attitudes in, on, and around the water. This course will provide you with instructional knowledge and theories on teaching methods, learning styles, swimming skills, communications, safety supervision, injury prevention, and feedback. The course includes WSI – Skills Evaluation, WSI – Online, WSI – Teaching Experience and WSI – Classroom and Pool components. Upon successful completion of the course, candidates will be certified to teach the Red Cross swim program. Register for Red Cross Water Safety Instructor

Lifesaving Society Instructor (LSI)

Prerequisites: Age 16 years, Bronze Cross Upon completing this program, candidates will be able to instruct the awards of the Lifesaving program (Canadian Swim Patrol program, Bronze Medal Awards, Wading Pool Attendant, Lifesaving Fitness and Distinction). Materials and certification fee included. Register for Lifesaving Society Instructor

First aid

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.

Important information about Lifesaving, Leadership and First Aid aquatic programs

• Exam times have been extended to ensure sufficient test time.
• Anything less than 100 per cent attendance may affect the completion of the course.
• Program prerequisites, including age and other required certifications, are strictly upheld. Please ensure you have reviewed the requirements carefully in the description of the course you are registering in. Candidates must bring prerequisites on the first day.
• Requests for cancellations/refunds from programs must be received a minimum of three business days prior to the first class, to be considered. Exceptions will not be made.

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 905-404-1525 ext. 2527.