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Nationally accredited aquatics leadership courses, available at your local Y.
Getting certified is the first step towards working as an aquatics leader. After finishing our courses—at some of the lowest rates in the GTA!—you’ll be qualified to work at the YMCA and many other organizations that recognize our well-established Lifesaving Society credentials.
The Y is your one-stop shop for the credentials you need to be a lifeguard and swim instructor. Our courses give you the knowledge you need to lifeguard or teach effectively, as well as opportunities to hone your leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills — crucial competencies for building your career.
To become a lifeguard, you need to complete:
To become a swim instructor, you need to complete all of the above, as well as the 7. Swim Instructor certification.
Bonus! Bundle your Emergency First Aid certification with Bronze Medallion to save. See our pricing guide for details.
Don’t forget to bundle your Bronze Cross with your Standard First Aid certification to save $20! See our pricing guide for details.
Make sure you bundle your Standard First Aid course with Bronze Cross to get a discount! Head to our pricing guide to learn more.
To become a swim instructor, you must complete steps 1-5 as well as the YMCA Swim Instructor Course.
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:
We're always looking for qualified, enthusiastic staff and volunteers to join the Y as lifeguards and swim instructors. Think you have what it takes? Send us your resume today!
Jump start your career by building leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, all while gaining hands-on experience and learning the ropes from experts in your field.
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:
* Min. average of 15 hours/week to qualify
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