Part of undergoing lifeguard training revolves around knowing that there are a number of scenarios that you should expect. These are enactments created for the purpose of training so that individuals are able to know what to expect and how to act when emergency strikes.
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Lifeguard First Aid Training
Future lifeguards need to complete several courses in order to be qualified to work in Canada. Candidates must complete a minimum of 4 courses in order to meet lifeguarding requirements for Canada, regardless of what province. However, most candidates will have a difficult time finding employment without being certified as a water safety instructor. Water safety instructors can teach swimming lessons to adults, children and infants. In order to be certified to teach St Mark James water safety program candidates are required to have two certifications. Very few life guards find employment without being certified as water safety instructors. To become a lifeguard and water safety instructor candidates must complete a total of 6 courses ranging from first aid and CPR training to water safety instructor. This website will outline the different courses candidates must take and the providers that offer them.
Bronze Star
If a life guard candidate is under the age of 13 and would like to get a head start on becoming a lifeguard, he or she can take Bronze Star. This is the prerequisite to bronze medallion for candidates that are under the age of 13. This course teaches candidates basic life saving skills and basic CPR skills. It is offered exclusively through the Lifesaving Society of Canada. The majority of this course is taught in a aquatic environment where candidates must demonstrate basic swimming skills.
Bronze Medallion
For most candidates this is the first course in becoming a lifeguard. Candidates in this most aquatics course will learn basic lifesaving skills and methods of staying safe around all bodies of water. Candidates will also learn basic first aid and CPR training. This course is also offered exclusively through the Lifesaving Society.
Bronze Cross
Candidates that successfully complete Bronze Medallion can take the next step to becoming a lifeguard which is Bronze Cross. This course is fairly similar to bronze medallion but with more advanced first aid components and CPR skills involved. Candidates will meet the most stringent swimming endurance standards out of all the lifeguarding courses in Bronze Cross. This course is also offered exclusively through the Lifesaving Society.
Standard First Aid with CPR level “C”
Prior to attending the final course to becoming a life guard candidates must take a standard first aid with CPR level “C” course. This course can be taken through any major provider such as the Lifesaving Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, St Mark James or St. Johns Ambulance. More information.
National Lifesaving Society (NLS)
This is the final course to becoming a certified lifeguard in Canada. Candidates must have a current standard first aid certificate earned within the past 2 years, a CPR level “C” certificate within the past year and a bronze cross certificate. This final course teaches candidates how to be life guards which includes training in how to rescue a variety of victims in aquatic environments. Strong swimming skills are a asset. This course is offered exclusively through the Lifesaving Society of Canada.
Assistant Water Safety Instructor
This course is designed to prepare candidates to become water safety instructors and to teach St Mark James water safety program. This St Mark James course teaches candidates the necessary skills and builds a foundation for candidates to become swimming instructors.
Water Safety Instructor
Candidates must have a assistant water safety instructor certificate to be eligible to take a water safety instructor course. This course teaches candidates more lesson skills and includes teaching experience into its program. This course is also offered exclusively through St Mark James.
In order to start your career or part time job as a lifeguard candidates should possess the certificates posted above. These courses will prepare life guards and swimming instructors to be prepared for almost any aquatics scenario.