The Junior Lifeguard Club (JLC) is for quick learners and those between levels or programs who thrive in an energetic learning environment. JLC members work to develop and improve swimming and other aquatic skills, with an emphasis on swim and lifesaving knowledge, leadership and teamwork, community education, competition, and personal fitness. JLC members must be able to swim two lengths of the pool comfortably.
Lifeguarding, Leadership and First Aid
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.
Get on the path to becoming a Clarington lifeguard or swim instructor
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 become a lifeguard
Learn the steps to becoming a lifeguard.
Junior Lifeguard Club (optional)
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.
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.
Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion & Emergency First Aid
This is a prerequisite for Clarington's Assistant Lifeguard positions, all advanced instructor programs and for National Lifeguards. 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.
This course is for both the general public and all National Lifeguard 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.
Prerequisites: Age 15 years, Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid
This National Lifeguard 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.
Path to become a swim instructor
Learn the steps to becoming a swim instructor.
Prerequisite: Minimum 15 years of age, Bronze Cross
The Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor course prepares the instructor to teach and evaluate basic swim strokes and related skills. Candidates acquire proven teaching methods, a variety of stroke development drills and correction techniques. Current Swim Instructors teach and certify candidates in all levels of the Swim for Life (Parent and Tot Levels 1 to 3, Preschool Levels 1 to 5, Swimmer Levels 1 to 9, and Teen and Adult Swimming).
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.
Grants and discounts
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.
Take 25 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:
- Bronze Star
- Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid
- Bronze Cross
- National Lifeguard
- Swim and Lifesaving Instructor
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.
Join our team today!
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.
Benefits of becoming a lifeguard or swim instructor
- Gain hands-on experience in a rewarding role in your community.
- Develop leadership and communication skills.
- Obtain transferable skills you can use in your future career.
- Flexible shift schedules.
- Discounted re-certification courses.
View our current job openings.
Learn about our two-step interview process
After you submit your application online, qualified candidates will be contacted for an 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:
- Wet interviews typically last three hours.
- It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge, judgement and emergency response skills.
- After you apply, check your email regularly for information about your interview.
- Practising your physical skills before the interview will assist you in being successful.
What to bring to the interview:
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Whistle
- Current qualifications
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:
- Dry interviews typically last 20 to 30 minutes.
- Preparing for interview questions ahead of time will assist you on the day of the interview. Come prepared to speak about your experience, accomplishments, and examples of when you demonstrated job-related skills.
Bring in your qualifications to the dry interview.
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.
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.
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.
