Open the door to employment and volunteer possibilities through our YMCA Aquatic Certifications programs. Certification as a lifeguard or swimming instructor can lead to a rewarding, fun job where you'll develop leadership skills that will set you up for the future.
Earn High School Credits
Certifications count as part of the "external credit program"" towards high school graduation. Your School Counsellor can help process the credits with your certifications.
Learn lifesaving skills that will last a lifetime. Whether for personal interest or to become a lifeguard, the Bronze Medal awards provide important water safety messages and develop proficiency in lifesaving, resuscitation and water rescue. The Bronze Medal Awards include: Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross. The Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross awards are required prerequisites for the National Lifeguard program.
Register here for Bronze Medal Courses
Bronze Medallion teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles embodied in the four components of water rescue education: judgment, knowledge, skills and fitness. Rescuers learn advanced lifesaving techniques for challenging rescues of increased risk, involving conscious and unconscious victims in varying water depths. Participants develop stroke efficiency and endurance in timed swims (500m). Includes CPR-A. Pre-requisite: 13 years old by final day of course. 100% participation required.
Bronze Cross is designed for lifesavers who want the challenge of more advanced lifesaving training and an introduction to safety supervision. Candidates develop proficiency at performing patient assessments, managing aquatic spinal injuries, and preventing the loss of life in a variety of aquatic emergencies, while developing stroke endurance (includes a 600m timed swim) and fitness training skills. Bronze Cross includes the CPR-C certification and is one of the prerequisite awards for all advanced lifeguarding (National Lifeguard) and leadership (Lifesaving Instructor) training programs. Bronze Cross is also worth 2 Grade 11 High School Credits. Pre-requisite: Bronze Medallion. 100% participation required.
VIEW UPCOMING COURSES
The National Lifeguard® (NL) award builds on the skills, knowledge and values that the Lifesaving Society teaches in its pre-Bronze and Bronze Medal awards to develop the practical skills and knowledge required by lifeguards. Recognized as the standard measure of lifeguard performance in Canada, NL education is designed to develop a sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgment, and a mature and responsible attitude toward the role of the lifeguard.
Prerequisites: NL Pool certification (need not current). Completion of Airway Management & Oxygen Administration Fast Track course (online through Lifesaving Society) prior to the start of recertification. Must bring proof of completion to the start of class.
Swim Instructor/Lifesaving Instructor (SI/LSI) Certification- FULL COURSE **This includes ALL modules required for SI and LSI certifications in one course**
Candidates are to bring their bathing suit, towel, goggles, water bottle, lunch and snack. Course books and packages are provided. This is a WET and DRY course each day, so please be prepared to get into the water.
Prerequisites: 15+ years +, Bronze Cross - 100% attendance required.
Standard First Aid (SFA) is the most comprehensive first aid program for the public and is a prerequisite for the National Lifeguard program. Standard First Aid trains rescuers in the skills and knowledge needed to assess and provide basic life support to patients with airway, breathing or circulatory emergencies as well as how to manage medical, muscle-skeletal and environmental emergencies.
Standard First Aid (SFA) is the most comprehensive first aid program for the public and is a prerequisite for the National Lifeguard program. Standard First Aid trains rescuers in the skills and knowledge needed to assess and provide basic life support to patients with airway, breathing or circulatory emergencies as well as how to manage medical, muscle-skeletal and environmental emergencies. Prerequisites: SFA Certification
Prerequisites: CPR-C/AED Certification
The YSI course is designed to teach candidates about how to effectively teach people how to swim and improve swimming techniques. Candidates will learn about the YMCA Healthy Child Development, Swimming Progressions and Activities, E.G.G.S., Swimming strokes and skills, and much more. Candidates who successfully complete the course will be certified as a YMCA Swim Instructor. 100% participation and attendance is required.
Contact the Aquatics Department at 250-372-7725 ext.202 for more information and upcoming course dates.
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Whether new to the work force or a skilled professional, a YMCA career is the right fit.
Through the gift of time and skills, volunteers are an integral part of the YMCA team.