NVRC offers all the courses you need to qualify to teach swimming and be a lifeguard. Both swim instruction and lifeguarding certifications are needed in order to be employed at our pools. All courses require 100% attendance. Withdrawals must be made at least eight days before the start of a course to receive a full refund. Many of these courses require re-certification - please see certification chart below.
Please take the following courses in order:
Lifesaving certifications
- Bronze Star (optional) - pre-requisite: 12 years of age
- Bronze Medallion - pre-requisite: 13 years of age or Bronze Star
- Bronze Cross (includes CPR-C) - pre-requisite: Bronze Medallion
Lifeguard certifications
- Standard First Aid - includes CPR-C - pre-requisite: 15 years of age
- National Lifeguard Pool Option - pre-requisite: 15 years of age, Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid
Instructor certifications
- Lifesaving Instructor - pre-requisite: 16 years of age, Bronze Cross
- Swim Instructor - pre-requisite: 15 years of age, Bronze Cross
NVRC offers Swim Instructor and Lifesaving Instructor together as one course - click the 'Register online' button below to see what courses are currently being offered.
Please note: We only accept Standard First Aid and CPR-C certifications from the following providers:
- Lifesaving society
- St-Johns Ambulance
- Canadian Red Cross
- Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation
- Canadian Ski Patrol
Once you've completed the above certifications, you can apply online to work with us!
To find out more about becoming a lifeguard or swim instructor, talk to the aquatic staff at one of our pools or email us at swim@nvrc.ca.
