Aquatics Careers

Aquatics Careers FAQs

• How do I become a lifeguard?

  To become a lifeguard, you must complete:

  • Intermediate First Aid (CPR-C & AED)
  • Bronze Medallion
  • Bronze Cross
  • National Lifeguard Certification 

  Visit the Programs & Camps page to register for lifeguard certification courses today.  See more information about the path to becoming a lifeguard below.

  Becoming a Lifeguard

  Step One: Intermediate First Aid (CPR-C & AED)

  • See requirements from individual course providers.

  Step Two: Bronze Medallion

  • Ages 13 and older.
  • Intermediate First Aid.

  Step Three: Bronze Cross

  • Ages 13 and older.
  • Bronze Medallion (current not required).
  • Intermediate First Aid.

  Step Four: National Lifeguard Certification

  • Ages 15 and older.
  • Bronze Cross.
  • Intermediate First Aid.

  Please note: courses are subject to the City's Recreation and Culture Cancellation and Refund Policy.

• How do I become a swim instructor?

  To become a swim instructor, you must complete:

  • Intermediate First Aid (CPR-C & AED)
  • Bronze Medallion
  • Bronze Cross
  • Swim Instructor Certification

  Visit the Programs & Camps page to register for lifeguard certification courses today.  See more information about the path to becoming a lifeguard below.

  Becoming a Swim Instructor

  Step One: Intermediate First Aid (CPR-C & AED)

  • See requirements from individual course providers.

  Step Two: Bronze Medallion

  • Ages 13 and older.
  • Intermediate First Aid.

  Step Three: Bronze Cross

  • Ages 13 and older.
  • Bronze Medallion (current not required).
  • Intermediate First Aid.

  Step Four: Swim Instructor Certification

  • Ages 15 and older.
  • Bronze Cross or higher.

  Please note: courses are subject to the City's Recreation and Culture Cancellation and Refund Policy.

• How do I become an aquatic assistant?

  To become an aquatic assistant, you must complete:

  • Intermediate First Aid (CPR-C & AED)

  Aquatic experience is an asset to becoming an aquatic assistant at the Eastlink Centre.

  Visit the Programs & Camps page to register for lifeguard certification courses today.  See more information about the path to becoming a lifeguard below.

  Becoming an Aquatic Assistant

  Required: Intermediate First Aid (CPR-C & AED)

  • See requirements from individual course providers.

  Optional asset: Bronze Medallion

  • Ages 13 and older.
  • Intermediate First Aid.

  Please note: courses are subject to the City's Recreation and Culture Cancellation and Refund Policy.

• What are the different lifesaving courses?

  Bronze Medallion

  This course teaches an understanding of judgement, knowledge, skill and fitness. Begin learning about different methods to rescue swimmers.

  Bronze Cross

  An introduction to safe supervision in aquatics facilities. 

  National Lifeguard Certification

  Develop basic lifeguarding skills, principles and decision-making processes to evaluate and adapt to different aquatics facilities and emergencies. Learn how to prevent emergency situations and how to resolve emergencies in a timely and effective way. 

• What are the fitness and other requirements for lifesaving courses?

  Bronze Medallion

  • Ages 13+ OR completed Bronze Star.
  • 400-metre swim in 12 minutes.
  • 25-metre head up swim.
  • 25-metre manikin rescue (surface water).

  Bronze Cross

  • Ages 13+.
  • Bronze Medallion (does not need to be current).
  • 400-metre swim in 11 minutes.
  • 20-metre swim and manikin rescue in two minutes.
  • 15-metre swim, rescue a 10-pound brick and carry 5 metres within one minute.
  • Intermediate First Aid (CPR-C & AED).

  Swim Instructor Course

  • Ages 15+.
  • Stroke proficiency.
  • Bronze Cross (does not need to be current).

  National Lifeguard Certificate

  • Ages 16+
  • Bronze Cross (does not need to be current)
  • 400-metre swim in 10 minutes.
  • 15-metre swim, rescue a 20-pound brick and carry 5 metres in 40 seconds.
  • Submerged manikin rescue in under 90 seconds. 
  • 50-metre sprint in one minute.
  • Performance of guarding, awareness, spinal recoveries and more.
  • Intermediate First Aid (CPR-C & AED).
• What are the age requirements?

  Course	Age Requirement
  Intermediate First Aid	See requirements from individual course providers.
  Bronze Medallion	Ages 13 and older.
  Apply as an Aquatic Assistant (ages 16 and older).
  Bronze Cross	Ages 13 and older.
  Swim Instructor	Ages 15 and older.
  Apply as a Swim Instructor (ages 16 and older).
  National Lifeguard	Ages 16 and older.
  Apply as a Lifeguard (ages 16 and older).

   

• Where can I register for advanced aquatics courses at the Eastlink Centre?

  Register for the National Lifesaving Society's advanced aquatics courses offered at the Eastlink Centre by visiting the Online Booking Portal on our website.