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Lifeguarding and Swim Instruction
The City of Oshawa offers courses for those interested in becoming a lifeguard or swim instructor or those interested in developing water safety knowledge and awareness.
Register for an aquatic leadership course
Sign up for an activeOshawa aquatic leadership, safety or first aid course and start your journey to become a City of Oshawa lifeguard or swim instructor.
Pathway to becoming a lifeguard
If you want to become a lifeguard, the pathway below shows you the courses to complete to reach your goal. We offer lifeguarding courses across many of our recreation facilities. View our activeOshawa Guide for details.
| Course | Details | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
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Bronze Star – Optional |
Bronze Star develops swimming proficiency, lifesaving skill and personal fitness in preparation for Bronze Medallion. In addition, participants refine their stroke mechanics, acquire self-rescue skills, and apply fitness principles in training workouts. |
For candidates 13 years and younger. This is an optional step on the path to lifeguarding. |
|
Step one |
Bronze Medallion is the prerequisite for Bronze Cross. Participants develop stroke efficiency and endurance in a 400 m timed swim. |
Minimum 13 years of age by exam date or hold a Bronze Star certification. |
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Step two
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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. |
Minimum 13 years of age by the end of the course and hold a Bronze Medallion certification. Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for advanced training in the Society's National Lifeguard and leadership certification programs. |
|
Step three Standard First Aid |
You must complete this course through a Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (W.S.I.B.) certified agency and current within two years. We offer Lifesaving Society First Aid programming. |
none |
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Step four |
As Canada's professional lifeguard standard, National Lifeguard training develops a sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgment, and a mature and responsible attitude towards the lifeguard's role. The course emphasizes prevention and effective rescue response in emergencies including first aid treatment. Candidates develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. Fitness requirements include:
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Minimum 15 years of age by the exam date, hold a Bronze Cross certification and a current W.S.I.B. approved Standard First Aid certification. |
Pathway to becoming a swimming instructor
If you want to become a swimming instructor, follow the pathway below to reach your goal. We offer swimming instructor courses across many of our recreation facilities. View our activeOshawa Guide for details.
| Course | Details | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|
|
Swim for Life Instructor |
Lifesaving Society Swim for Life Instructor training prepares the instructor to teach and evaluate basic swim strokes and related skills. |
Minimum 15 years or older by the end of the course and hold a Bronze Cross certification. Candidates are encouraged to complete their Lifesaving Society Assistant Instructor certification before taking this course. |
|
Lifesaving / Emergency First Aid Instructor |
Lifesaving Instructor and Emergency First Aid Instructor course prepares the instructor to organize, plan, teach and evaluate lifesaving and first aid skills and resuscitation techniques in the Society's lifesaving and first aid awards. Upon successful completion, candidates will receive both certifications. |
Minimum 15 years or older by the end of the course and hold a Bronze Cross certification. |
Employment opportunities
We hire lifeguards and swim instructors to deliver our aquatic programs and services.
Need more information?
Contact the Aquatic Coordinator of a facility offering a lifeguarding course:
- Email: Civic Recreation Complex, Call: 905-436-3311 ext. 2787
- Email: Delpark Park Homes Centre, Call: 905-436-3311 ext. 5031/5032
- Email: Donevan Recreation Complex, Call: 905-436-3311 ext. 5707
- Email: South Oshawa Community Centre, Call: 905-436-3311 ext. 5308