Lifeguard &
Swim Instructor Courses

• This course provides you with the strong foundation you need to succeed in Bronze Medallion.
• You'll work on to solve problems and make decisions efficiently and effectively, while learning CPR and lifesaving skills.
• A timed 400 metre swim is included.
  
  
• Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites to take this course.
• Price:$100

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• This course is the prerequisite for Bronze Cross.
• You'll learn tows and carries, and defense methods and releases in preparation for challenging rescues involving conscious and unconscious victims.
• A timed 500 metre swim is included.
  
  
• Prerequisites: You must be at least 13 years old to participate. Bronze Star is recommended, but not required, so long as participants are 13 years of age or older.
• Price:$120
• Bonus! Bundle your Bronze Medallion with your Emergency First Aid certification to save $40. Check out our pricing guide for details.

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• Emergency First Aid is for people who want a general knowledge of first aid principles and the emergency treatment of injuries.
  Skills include:
  • Victim assessment
  • CPR
  • How to respond to choking and external bleeding
  • Heart attack and stroke response
• Includes CPR-B certification.
  
  
• Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites to take this course.
• Price: $75

Learn more about First Aid Courses

Bonus! Bundle your Emergency First Aid certification with Bronze Medallion to save. See our pricing guide for details.

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• This course is the prerequisite for National Lifeguard.
• You'll enjoy more advanced training, including an introduction to safe supervision in aquatic facilities.
• A timed 600 metre swim is included.
  
  
• Prerequisites: You must have Bronze Medallion and valid Standard or Emergency First Aid certification.
• Price:$120

Don’t forget to bundle your Bronze Cross with your Standard First Aid certification to save $20! See our pricing guide for details.

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• Standard First Aid provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR.
  Standard First Aid incorporates all of Emergency First Aid and is designed for those who require a more in-depth understanding of first aid including:
  • Medical/legal aspects of first aid treatment
  • Spinal injuries, heat or cold injuries, bone and joint injuries, abdominal and chest injuries, burns and medical emergencies.
• Includes CPR-C certification.
  
  
• Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites to take this course.
• Price: $99

Learn more about First Aid Courses

Make sure you bundle your Standard First Aid course with Bronze Cross to get a discount! Head to our pricing guide to learn more.

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• This is the industry standard for lifeguards in Canada.
• National Lifeguards are water rescue professionals trained in emergency care.
• Prerequisites: You must be at least 16 years old and have your Bronze Cross Certification and a valid Standard First Aid with CPR-C certifications to participate. Standard First Aid certification can be one of the following: Accredited Lifesaving Society, St.John Ambulance, Canadian Red Cross, or Canadian Ski Patrol. 
• Price:$200

To become a swim instructor, you must complete steps 1-5 as well as the YMCA Swim Instructor Course.

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• The credential you need to work as a swim instructor.
• You'll learn effective lesson planning, teaching techniques, and how to work in a team environment.
  
  
• Prerequisites: You must be at least 16 years old and have your Bronze Cross and valid Standard First Aid certifications to participate.
• Price:$150

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Lifeguards and swim instructors play a key role in ensuring a safe environment for swimmers. An important part of that role is making to stay up to date with first-aid and lifeguarding skills. We offer the following re-certification courses:

• National Lifeguard: $75
• Standard First Aid: $75

Did you take some courses to become a lifeguard a while ago, but didn’t complete them all? We also offer Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross re-certs for $50 (each) to get you back on track. Visit our pricing guide to see what you’ll save by re-certifying with us.

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 Working at the Y means making lifelong friends, building new skills, getting ongoing learning opportunities — and helping a charity thrive. It also means you get to enjoy plenty of staff perks:

• FREE YMCA gym membership
• Morning, daytime, and evening shifts available
• Competitive wages
• Health and dental benefits after one year of service*
• Discounts on courses you need to obtain or renew your certifications
• Discounted personal training

* Min. average of 15 hours/week to qualify