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Interested in becoming a lifeguard? Want to wear that red-and-white shirt and patrol the borders of the pool? There's a lot more to lifeguarding/lifesaving than meets the eye; all certified lifeguards have gone through rigorous training and testing to ensure that they can adapt to any situation and help in any way necessary. There's a lot of responsibility on their shoulders -- you never know when you'll need to save a life! If you think you're interested in becoming a lifeguard, then our series of pre-lifeguarding programs are for you. The Patrol programs introduce water responsibility and rescue abilities, while the Junior Lifeguard Club allows children to learn about lifeguarding skills. The Bronze programs are a series of levels that teach the required skills to become a lifesaver and swim instructor, including lifesaving skills, CPR, and the principles of emergency procedures.

Visit Swim Lessons to find out more about registered swim programs. Pool Closures and Service Alerts will list any disruptions or changes to outdoor pools, indoor pools or wading pools.

Bronze Cross

This course is generally offered in an extended 9-class format. Bronze Cross teaches the difference between lifesaving and lifeguarding, the principles of emergency procedures and teamwork. Candidates must be able to swim 400 metres in 11 minutes or less by the course exam date.

Please bring Canadian Lifesaving manual received in Bronze Medallion.

Prerequisites (current or expired): Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid with CPR-B or Standard First Aid with CPR-C from an approved provider.

Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid (CPR B)

This course is generally offered in an extended 9-class format. The Bronze Medallion component teaches how to manage complex water rescues through the development of physical fitness and judgment skills. Candidates must be able to swim 400 metres in 12 minutes or less by the course exam date. The Emergency First Aid (CPR-B) component teaches victim assessment, CPR and choking, and first aid treatment of external bleeding, heart attack, stroke and wound and burns.

Prerequisite: Minimum age 13 years old or Bronze Star. Candidates with Bronze Star, that are under 13 years of age, can register for this course by calling 416-396-7378 or visiting an in-person registration site.

Bronze Star and Basic First Aid (CPR A)

This course serves as an excellent preparation for Bronze Medallion. Participants develop problem solving and decision making skills, learn one-rescuer adult CPR and obstructed airway response, how to contact Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and develop Water Smart confidence and Lifesaving skills.

Prerequisite: Minimum 9 years old.

Junior Lifeguard Club

The Junior Lifeguard Club (JLC) offers a unique aquatic alternative for children who love the water and wish to complement the skills they are learning in swimming lessons or swim team.

Participants receive a water log to store seals which acknowledge their accomplishments. Children participate in activities that are similar to those of real lifeguards. In a safe, fun and controlled setting they will learn about lifesaving and lifeguarding, challenge themselves for personal bests, get fit, make friends, and have a great time.

Prerequisite: Minimum 8 years old and able to swim at least one length of the pool (e.g. 25 metre) and tread water for two minutes.

Ranger Patrol

Second level of the Swim Patrol Program which focuses on 200 metre timed swim, 100 metre fitness medley, assessment of unconscious victims, treatment for shock and obstructed airway procedures.

Prerequisite: Must be 9+ years old and successful completion or skill ability equal to Ultra Swim 9.

Rookie / Ranger / Star Patrol Combined

The Swim Patrol Program is a three-level program that allows swimmers to develop skills to prepare them for the Bronze Leadership Program. Focus on distanced timed swims, fitness medley and a variety of first aid treatments and assessments. The levels are Rookie, Ranger and Star.

Prerequisite: Must be 9+ years old and successful completion or skill ability equal to Ultra Swim 9.

Rookie Patrol

First level of the Swim Patrol Program which focuses on 100 metre timed swim, 350 metre workouts, assessment of conscious victims, contacting Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and treatment of bleeding.

Prerequisite: Must be 9+ years old and successful completion or skill ability equal to Ultra Swim 8.

Star Patrol

Third level of the Swim Patrol Program which focuses on 300 metre timed swim, 600 metre workouts, treatment of bone and joint injuries and respiratory emergencies including asthma and allergic reactions.

Prerequisite: Must be 9+ years old and successful completion or skill ability equal to Ultra Swim 9.