The Lifesaving Society’s Bronze Star develops swimming proficiency, lifesaving skill, and personal fitness. Candidates refine their stroke mechanics, acquire self-rescue skills, and apply fitness principles in training workouts. Bronze Star is excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion and provides a fun introduction to lifesaving sport.

Prerequisites: 8+ years old; we recommend having taken Swimmer 5+, and/or Patrols 

The Lifesaving Society’s Bronze Medallion challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgement, knowledge, skill, and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. Candidates acquire the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on, and around the water.

Prerequisites: Bronze star OR 13+ years old; we recommend having taken Swimmer 5+ and/or Patrols

Intermediate First Aid (formerly called Standard First Aid) is an Alberta Workplace Approved First Aid course covering all aspects of first aid and CPR. This is a mandatory prerequisite to continue with further Lifeguarding or Instructing Courses.

Includes CPR-C and AED certification.

The Lifesaving Society’s Bronze Cross begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as an assistant lifeguard. Candidates strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills and begin to apply the principles and techniques of active surveillance in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies. Bronze Cross is a pre-requisite for advanced training in the Society’s National Lifeguard and leadership certification programs. 

Prerequisites: Successful completion of your Bronze Medallion AND Intermediate First Aid. 

The Lifesaving Society’s Swim Instructor course is an in-person program that prepares candidates to become Swim for Life instructors that can work in a variety of facilities across Alberta. Swim Instructor courses include a mandatory in-class portion followed by an optional, but recommended, in-water teaching experience.  

Prerequisite: 15 years of age and Bronze Cross (need not be current) 

This course is designed for those who have successfully completed their Swim Instructor certification and would like to get some hands-on experience in the pool! Registrants will be paired with an aquatic instructor and complete a teaching shift with them for the swim session. Their mentor instructors will help them put their knowledge and skills from their swim instructor course into an actual swimming lesson and gain some valuable experience. This is a great opportunity for those looking to become employed as a swim instructor - you get some practice and get to know our team too! You can register and complete a Swim Instructor practicum more than once.

The primary role of the National Lifeguard certification is the prevention of emergency situations and the timely and effective resolution of aquatic emergencies. The National Lifeguard certification prepares lifeguards to fulfil this role as professional facilitators of safe, enjoyable aquatic activities in a pool setting.

The National Lifeguard program develops the basic lifeguarding skills, principles, and decision-making process to help lifeguards evaluate and adapt to different aquatic facilities and emergencies. 

Prerequisites: 16+ years of age, Bronze Cross (need not be current) and a current Alberta Workplace Approved Intermediate First Aid