Aquatic Leadership

As a lifeguard, you will learn about the fundamentals of accident prevention and safety supervision. Essentially, your job is to create a safe yet enjoyable aquatic environment for individuals of all ages and abilities to explore and play; and be prepared to respond to any type of emergencies that come your way. As a swim instructor, you will learn and apply various teaching methods and strategies to meet the unique needs of the learners in a pool setting. This job challenges you to use critical thinking skills and to make a difference in your community by solving real-life problems. When you work for the Town as an Aquatic staff, you are not just representing your community, but you are an ambassador of community drowning prevention efforts. You are more of a hometown hero than you think.

• Develop leadership and communication skills, and opportunity to working in a team setting.
• Transferable skills to various career paths (for example - educator, nurses, firefighters, paramedics).
• Hands-on experience in dealing with children and vulnerable populations.
• On-site training and opportunities to take advanced aquatic leadership courses and certifications with employee discounts.

The Second Chance Program assists candidates who were unsuccessful in passing one of the key leadership courses designed to help them become a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor. 

Candidates will get a "second chance" to register for the course they were unsuccessful on with a 50% cost reduction. Conditions apply. 

Applicable Courses

• Bronze Medallion
• Intermediate First Aid
• Bronze Cross
• National Lifeguard
• Swim & Lifesaving Instructor 

Note: Applicable courses must have been taken with the Town of Aurora Aquatics division.
For more information, please email our Aquatics staff.

Check out the Aquatic Leadership Flowchart to learn how you can become a lifeguard or swim instructor.

A temporary award card is given to successful candidates. This card is valid for 90 days after the date of issue.

The Lifesaving Society will issue a 2-year award card within the 90-day validity period. If the new award card has not been received in that time frame, please contact the Lifesaving Society.

Lifesaving Society - Contact Information

• Telephone: 416-490-8844
• Email: experts@lifeguarding.com

The ID number in the bottom right corner of this card may be used to look up your Lifesaving Society record on their Find A Member webpage. Note: The ID number is a combination of numbers and letters.

Please refer to the Lifesaving Society’s Prerequisite Policies webpage to determine if you have the requirements for future courses.

Registration Starts: Monday, August 18, 2025
All 2026 seasons - Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall. Same date for residents and non-residents.
Register Online
Simply click on the code # for the program you are interested in registering for. You will automatically be directed to our e-PLAY online registration system where you can register online for that particular program of your choice.
Register In-Person
Please visit the A.F.L.C. | A.R.C. | A.T.S. to register and pay in-person.

BRONZE

BRONZE MEDALLION & BASIC FIRST AID

Age: 13+ years

This course works to embody the 4 components of water rescue: judgment, fitness, knowledge, and skill. Candidates will be prepared for risky and challenging rescues. Fitness items include a 400-metre swim (16 lengths) within 12 minutes. Prerequisite: 13 years or Bronze Star

Location: A.F.L.C. – SUMMER            

BRONZE CROSS

Age: 13+ years

This course continues the training learned in Bronze Medallion. It emphasizes the ability to work as a team in aquatic emergencies, while also developing an understanding of the difference between lifesaving and lifeguarding. Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion & Emergency First Aid with C.P.R. “B” (or higher).

Location: A.F.L.C. – SUMMER           

FIRST AID

LIFESAVING SOCIETY’S INTERMEDIATE FIRST AID WITH CPR-C & AED

Age: 10+ years

Comprehensive training in first aid & CPR-C. Topics include medical and legal considerations, spinal injury management, environmental injuries, bone and joint injuries, abdominal and chest injuries, burns and other medical emergencies. LSS Intermediate First Aid with CPR-C & AED is recognized by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).

Location: A.F.L.C. – SUMMER            

LIFESAVING SOCIETY’S INTERMEDIATE FIRST AID WITH CPR-C RECERTIFICATION

Age: 10+ years

Holders of Intermediate (formerly Standard) First Aid certificates from other agencies may not recertify their certificate on a Lifesaving Society recertification course. Current Standard First Aid award holders may recertify with an IFA recert once. For subsequent renewal the full IFA course must be repeated.

Location: A.F.L.C. – SUMMER            

NATIONAL LIFEGUARD: POOL

NATIONAL LIFEGUARD: POOL

Age: 15+ years

This certification is designed to develop a candidate’s judgment, knowledge, skills and fitness which is required to be a lifeguard. These principles will be applied to assist in the decision process and assist in learning effective safety supervision. Prerequisite: 15 years, Bronze Cross, and Standard First Aid with C.P.R. “C” recognized by W.S.I.B.

Location: A.R.C. – SUMMER           

NATIONAL LIFEGUARD: POOL RECERTIFICATION

Age: 15+ years

Certification is current for two years. Prerequisite: National Lifeguard: Pool (does not have to be current).

Location: A.R.C. – SUMMER           

SWIM AND LIFESAVING INSTRUCTORS

SWIM AND LIFESAVING INSTRUCTORS

Age: 15+ years

This course encompasses 2 instructor certifications within the Lifesaving Society. The Swim Instructor course prepares the instructor to teach and evaluate basic swim strokes and related skills, while the Lifesaving Instructor course prepares them to organize, plan, teach and evaluate the lifesaving and first aid skills and resuscitation techniques in the Society’s lifesaving awards. Prerequisite: 15+ years, Bronze Cross

Location: A.F.L.C. – SUMMER            

LIFESAVING INSTRUCTOR RECERTIFICATION

Age: 15+ years

This new in-person recertification course focuses on the competencies learned in the instructor, coach and examiner courses and provides a refresher to those competencies. Course content will be updated every two years. This course provides the 4 points required to complete the leadership recertification for instructors, coaches, examiners and examiner mentors. This course does not automatically recertify a candidate. Following successful course completion candidates must complete the recertification process to be recertified. Prerequisite: Current or expired instructor (any), coach, examiner (any), or examiner mentor.

Location: A.F.L.C. – SUMMER            

Registration Starts: Monday, August 18, 2025
All 2026 seasons - Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall. Same date for residents and non-residents.
Register Online
Simply click on the code # for the program you are interested in registering for. You will automatically be directed to our e-PLAY online registration system where you can register online for that particular program of your choice.
Register In-Person
Please visit the A.F.L.C. | A.R.C. | A.T.S. to register and pay in-person.

BRONZE

BRONZE MEDALLION

Age: 13+ years

This course works to embody the 4 components of water rescue: judgment, fitness, knowledge, and skill. Candidates will be prepared for risky and challenging rescues. Fitness items include a 400-metre swim (16 lengths) within 12 minutes. Prerequisite: 13 years or Bronze Star

Location: A.F.L.C. – FALL

Location: A.R.C. – FALL

BRONZE CROSS

Age: 13+ years

This course continues the training learned in Bronze Medallion. It emphasizes the ability to work as a team in aquatic emergencies, while also developing an understanding of the difference between lifesaving and lifeguarding. Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion & Basic OR Emergency First Aid with C.P.R. “B” (or higher).

Location: A.F.L.C. – FALL

Location: A.R.C. – FALL

FIRST AID

LIFESAVING SOCIETY’S INTERMEDIATE FIRST AID WITH CPR-C & AED

Age: 10+ years

Comprehensive training in first aid & CPR-C. Topics include medical and legal considerations, spinal injury management, environmental injuries, bone and joint injuries, abdominal and chest injuries, burns and other medical emergencies. LSS Intermediate First Aid is recognized by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).

Location: A.F.L.C. – FALL                   

LIFESAVING SOCIETY’S INTERMEDIATE FIRST AID WITH CPR-C RECERTIFICATION

Age: 10+ years

Holders of Intermediate (formerly Standard) First Aid certificates from other agencies may not recertify their certificate on a Lifesaving Society recertification course. Current Standard First Aid award holders may recertify with an IFA recert once. For subsequent renewal the full IFA course must be repeated.

Location: A.F.L.C. – FALL                   

NATIONAL LIFEGUARD: POOL

NATIONAL LIFEGUARD: POOL

Age: 15+ years

This certification is designed to develop a candidate’s judgment, knowledge, skills and fitness which is required to be a lifeguard. These principles will be applied to assist in the decision process and assist in learning effective safety supervision. Prerequisite: 15 years, Bronze Cross, and Intermediate OR Standard First Aid with C.P.R. “C” recognized by W.S.I.B.

Location: A.R.C. – FALL                   

NATIONAL LIFEGUARD: POOL RECERTIFICATION

Age: 15+ years

Certification is current for two years. Prerequisite: National Lifeguard: Pool (does not have to be current).

Location: A.R.C. – FALL                   

SWIM AND LIFESAVING INSTRUCTORS

SWIM AND LIFESAVING INSTRUCTORS

Age: 15+ years

This course encompasses 2 instructor certifications within the Lifesaving Society. The Swim Instructor course prepares the instructor to teach and evaluate basic swim strokes and related skills, while the Lifesaving Instructor course prepares them to organize, plan, teach and evaluate the lifesaving and first aid skills and resuscitation techniques in the Society’s lifesaving awards. Prerequisite: 15+ years, Bronze Cross

Location: A.R.C. – FALL                   

Location: A.F.L.C. – FALL                   

ADVANCED AQUATIC LEADERSHIP

LIFESAVING SOCIETY’S AQUATIC SUPERVISOR

Age: 16+ years

This Lifesaving Society course is for deck-level supervisory staff and provides the knowledge and skills to manage a safe aquatic environment. Prerequisite: National Lifeguard or Swim Instructor or Lifesaving Instructor certification, and a letter of proof of a minimum of 100 hours experience as a lifeguard and/or instructor.

Location: A.F.L.C. – FALL                   

LIFESAVING SOCIETY’S COACH LEVEL 1 - POOL

Age: 16+ years

Lifesaving Sport Coach Level 1 provides training for Lifesaving Instructors who wish to coach Lifesaving Sport at the community level.  This course focuses on the fundamentals of coaching and Lifesaving Sport skills in the pool or in open water. Prerequisite: Lifesaving Society’s Lifesaving Instructor

Location: A.R.C. – FALL                   

LIFESAVING SOCIETY’S SEE AUDITOR

Age: 16+ years

The Supervision Evaluation and Enhancement (SEE) Auditor course is designed to give individuals the knowledge, training and tools required to evaluate the effectiveness of lifeguard and instructor safety supervision using Lifesaving Society SEE checklists. Prerequisite: National Lifeguard certification and 100 hours lifeguarding experience as a lifeguard or National Lifeguard Examiner or Aquatic Supervisor or Aquatic Manager.

Location: A.R.C. – FALL                   

Registration Starts: Monday, August 17, 2026
All 2027 seasons - Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall. Same registration date for residents and non-residents.
Register Online
Simply click on the code # for the program you are interested in registering for. You will automatically be directed to our e-PLAY online registration system where you can register online for that particular program of your choice.
Register In-Person
Please visit the A.F.L.C. | A.R.C. | A.T.S. to register and pay in-person.
Course Locations
> A.F.L.C. - Aurora Family Leisure Complex (135 Industrial Parkway N.)
>A.R.C. - Aurora Recreation Complex (1400 Wellington St. E.)

BRONZE

BRONZE MEDALLION

Age: 13+ years

Judgment, 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. Fitness items include a 400-metre swim (16 lengths) within 12 minutes. Prerequisite: 13 years or Bronze Star 

Location: A.F.L.C.  – WINTER              

Location: A.R.C. – WINTER                  

BRONZE CROSS

Age: 13+ years

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. Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion and Basic (formerly Emergency) First Aid or higher.

Location: A.F.L.C.  – WINTER              

Location: A.R.C. – WINTER                  

FIRST AID

INTERMEDIATE FIRST AID WITH CPR C & AED

Age: 13+ years

Comprehensive training in first aid & CPR C. Topics include medical and legal considerations, spinal injury management, environmental injuries, bone and joint injuries, abdominal and chest injuries, burns and other medical emergencies. Lifesaving Society’s Intermediate (formerly Standard) First Aid is recognized by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).

Location: A.F.L.C. – WINTER               

AIRWAY MANAGEMENT

Age: 15+ years

Airway Management certification provides senior and experienced lifeguards with specific knowledge and training in the use of oxygen, suction devices, oral airways and bag-valve-masks. Prerequisite: Intermediate (or Standard) First Aid

Location: A.F.L.C.  – WINTER              

NATIONAL LIFEGUARD: POOL

NATIONAL LIFEGUARD: POOL

Age: 15+ years

This certification is designed to develop a candidate’s judgment, knowledge, skills and fitness which is required to be a lifeguard. These principles will be applied to assist in the decision process and assist in learning effective safety supervision. Prerequisite: 15 years, Bronze Cross, and Intermediate (or Standard) First Aid with C.P.R. “C” recognized by W.S.I.B.

Location: A.R.C. – WINTER                  

NATIONAL LIFEGUARD: POOL RECERTIFICATION

Age: 15+ years

Certification is current for two years. Prerequisite: National Lifeguard: Pool (does not have to be current). 

Location: A.R.C. – WINTER                  

SWIM AND LIFESAVING INSTRUCTORS

LIFESAVING INSTRUCTOR RECERTIFICATION

Age: 15+ years

This course does not automatically recertify a candidate. This in-person recertification course focuses on the competencies learned in the instructor, coach and examiner courses and provides a refresher to those competencies. Course content will be updated every two years. This course provides the 4 points required to complete the leadership recertification for instructors, coaches, examiners and examiner mentors. Following successful course completion candidates must complete the recertification process to be recertified. Prerequisite: Lifesaving Instructor, Coach, or Examiner

Location: A.F.L.C. – WINTER               

ADVANCED AQUATIC LEADERSHIP

EXAMINER COURSE

Age: 15+ years

This course is for experienced Instructors who will undergo specific training in examination methodology and standards prior to certification. Candidates must have teaching experience and taught or co-taught at least one course in the stream in which they are seeking certification as an examiner. Prerequisite: Experienced Instructor

Location: A.F.L.C. – WINTER               

Registration Starts: Monday, August 17, 2026
All 2027 seasons - Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall. Same registration date for residents and non-residents.
Register Online
Simply click on the code # for the program you are interested in registering for. You will automatically be directed to our e-PLAY online registration system where you can register online for that particular program of your choice.
Register In-Person
Please visit the A.F.L.C. | A.R.C. | A.T.S. to register and pay in-person.
Course Locations
> A.F.L.C. - Aurora Family Leisure Complex (135 Industrial Parkway N.)
>A.R.C. - Aurora Recreation Complex (1400 Wellington St. E.)

BRONZE

BRONZE MEDALLION

Age: 13+ years

Judgment, 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. Fitness items include a 400-metre swim (16 lengths) within 12 minutes. Prerequisite: 13 years or Bronze Star

Location: A.F.L.C. – SPRING               

Location: A.R.C. – SPRING                  

BRONZE CROSS

Age: 13+ years

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. Prerequisites: Bronze Medallion and Basic (formerly Emergency) First Aid or higher. 

Location: A.F.L.C. – SPRING               

Location: A.R.C. – SPRING                  

FIRST AID

INTERMEDIATE FIRST AID WITH CPR C & AED

Age: 13+ years

Comprehensive training in first aid & CPR C. Topics include medical and legal considerations, spinal injury management, environmental injuries, bone and joint injuries, abdominal and chest injuries, burns and other medical emergencies. Lifesaving Society’s Intermediate (formerly Standard) First Aid is recognized by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).

Location: A.F.L.C. – SPRING               

INTERMEDIATE FIRST AID w/CPR C & AED Recert

Age: 13+ years

Holders of Intermediate First Aid certificates from other agencies may recertify their certificate on a Lifesaving Society recertification course.  IFA award holders may recertify their IFA once and for subsequent renewals, the full IFA course must be taken. Prerequisite: Intermediate First Aid – current within 3 years.

Location: A.F.L.C. – SPRING               

AIRWAY MANAGEMENT

Age: 15+ years

Airway Management certification provides senior and experienced lifeguards with specific knowledge and training in the use of oxygen, suction devices, oral airways and bag-valve-masks. Prerequisite: Intermediate (or Standard) First Aid

Location: A.F.L.C.  – SPRING              

NATIONAL LIFEGUARD: POOL

NATIONAL LIFEGUARD: POOL

Age: 15+ years

This certification is designed to develop a candidate's judgement, knowledge, skills and fitness which is required to be a lifeguard. The National Lifeguard course emphasizes the lifeguarding skills, principles and practices, and the decision-making processes that will assist the lifeguard to provide effective safety supervision in swimming pool environments. Prerequisite: 15 years, Bronze Cross and Intermediate (formerly Standard) First Aid. 100% attendance is required.

Location: A.R.C. – SPRING                  

NATIONAL LIFEGUARD: POOL RECERTIFICATION

Age: 15+ years

Certification is current for two years. Prerequisite: National Lifeguard: Pool (does not have to be current). 

Location: A.R.C. – SPRING                  

SWIM AND LIFESAVING INSTRUCTORS

SWIM AND LIFESAVING INSTRUCTORS

Age: 15+ years

This course encompasses the 2 instructor certifications within the Lifesaving Society. The Swim Instructor course prepares the instructor to teach and evaluate basic swim strokes and related skills, while the Lifesaving Society Instructor course prepares them to organize, plan, teach and evaluate the lifesaving and first aid skills and resuscitation techniques in the Society's lifesaving awards. Prerequisite: 15 years, Bronze Cross. 100% attendance is required.

Location: A.R.C. – SPRING                  

LIFESAVING INSTRUCTOR RECERTIFICATION

Age: 15+ years

This course does not automatically recertify a candidate. This in-person recertification course focuses on the competencies learned in the instructor, coach and examiner courses and provides a refresher to those competencies. Course content will be updated every two years. This course provides the 4 points required to complete the leadership recertification for instructors, coaches, examiners and examiner mentors. Following successful course completion candidates must complete the recertification process to be recertified. Prerequisite: Lifesaving Instructor, Coach, or Examiner

Location: A.F.L.C. – SPRING               

Registration Starts: Monday, August 17, 2026
All 2027 seasons - Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall. Same registration date for residents and non-residents.
Register Online
Simply click on the code # for the program you are interested in registering for. You will automatically be directed to our e-PLAY online registration system where you can register online for that particular program of your choice.
Register In-Person
Please visit the A.F.L.C. | A.R.C. | A.T.S. to register and pay in-person.
Course Locations
> A.F.L.C. - Aurora Family Leisure Complex (135 Industrial Parkway N.)
>A.R.C. - Aurora Recreation Complex (1400 Wellington St. E.)

BRONZE

BRONZE MEDALLION

Age: 13+ years

Judgment, 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. Fitness items include a 400-metre swim (16 lengths) within 12 minutes. Prerequisite: 13 years or Bronze Star

Location: A.F.L.C. – SUMMER            

BRONZE CROSS

Age: 13+ years

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. Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion and Basic (formerly Emergency) First Aid or higher. 

Location: A.F.L.C. – SUMMER            

FIRST AID

INTERMEDIATE FIRST AID WITH CPR C & AED

Age: 13+ years

Comprehensive training in first aid & CPR C. Topics include medical and legal considerations, spinal injury management, environmental injuries, bone and joint injuries, abdominal and chest injuries, burns and other medical emergencies. Lifesaving Society’s Intermediate (formerly Standard) First Aid is recognized by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).

Location: A.F.L.C. – SUMMER            

INTERMEDIATE FIRST AID w/CPR C & AED Recert

Age: 13+ years

Holders of Intermediate First Aid certificates from other agencies may recertify their certificate on a Lifesaving Society recertification course. IFA award holders may recertify their IFA once and for subsequent renewals, the full IFA course must be taken. Prerequisite: Intermediate First Aid – current within 3 years.

Location: A.F.L.C. – SUMMER            

AIRWAY MANAGEMENT

Age: 15+ years

Airway Management certification provides senior and experienced lifeguards with specific knowledge and training in the use of oxygen, suction devices, oral airways and bag-valve-masks. Prerequisite: Intermediate (or Standard) First Aid

Location: A.R.C.  – SUMMER              

NATIONAL LIFEGUARD: POOL

NATIONAL LIFEGUARD: POOL

Age: 15+ years

This certification is designed to develop a candidate's judgement, knowledge, skills and fitness which is required to be a lifeguard.  The National Lifeguard course emphasizes the lifeguarding skills, principles and practices, and the decision-making processes that will assist the lifeguard to provide effective safety supervision in swimming pool environments. Prerequisite: 15 years, Bronze Cross and Intermediate (formerly Standard) First Aid. 100% attendance is required.

Location: A.R.C. – SUMMER               

NATIONAL LIFEGUARD: POOL RECERTIFICATION

Age: 15+ years

Certification is current for two years. Prerequisite: National Lifeguard: Pool (does not have to be current). 

Location: A.R.C. – SUMMER               

SWIM AND LIFESAVING INSTRUCTORS

SWIM AND LIFESAVING INSTRUCTORS

Age: 15+ years

This course encompasses the 2 instructor certifications within the Lifesaving Society. The Swim Instructor course prepares the instructor to teach and evaluate basic swim strokes and related skills, while the Lifesaving Society Instructor course prepares them to organize, plan, teach and evaluate the lifesaving and first aid skills and resuscitation techniques in the Society's lifesaving awards. Prerequisite: 15 years, Bronze Cross. 100% attendance is required.

Location: A.F.L.C. – SUMMER            

LIFESAVING INSTRUCTOR RECERTIFICATION

Age: 15+ years

This course does not automatically recertify a candidate. This in-person recertification course focuses on the competencies learned in the instructor, coach and examiner courses and provides a refresher to those competencies. Course content will be updated every two years. This course provides the 4 points required to complete the leadership recertification for instructors, coaches, examiners and examiner mentors. Following successful course completion candidates must complete the recertification process to be recertified. Prerequisite: Lifesaving Instructor, Coach, or Examiner

Location: A.F.L.C. – SUMMER            

Registration Starts: Monday, August 17, 2026
All 2027 seasons - Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall. Same registration date for residents and non-residents.
Register Online
Simply click on the code # for the program you are interested in registering for. You will automatically be directed to our e-PLAY online registration system where you can register online for that particular program of your choice.
Register In-Person
Please visit the A.F.L.C. | A.R.C. | A.T.S. to register and pay in-person.
Course Locations
> A.F.L.C. - Aurora Family Leisure Complex (135 Industrial Parkway N.)
>A.R.C. - Aurora Recreation Complex (1400 Wellington St. E.)

BRONZE

BRONZE MEDALLION & EMERGENCY FIRST AID

Age: 13+ years

Judgment, 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. Fitness items include a 400-metre swim (16 lengths) within 12 minutes. Prerequisite: 13 years or Bronze Star

Location: A.F.L.C. – FALL                     

Location: A.R.C. – FALL        

BRONZE CROSS

Age: 13+ years

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. Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion and Basic (formerly Emergency) First Aid or higher. 

Location: A.F.L.C. – FALL                     

Location: A.R.C. – FALL        

FIRST AID

INTERMEDIATE FIRST AID WITH CPR C & AED

Age: 13+ years

Comprehensive training in first aid & CPR C. Topics include medical and legal considerations, spinal injury management, environmental injuries, bone and joint injuries, abdominal and chest injuries, burns and other medical emergencies. Lifesaving Society’s Intermediate (formerly Standard) First Aid is recognized by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).

Location: A.F.L.C. – FALL                     

INTERMEDIATE FIRST AID w/CPR C & AED Recert

Age: 13+ years

Holders of Intermediate First Aid certificates from other agencies may recertify their certificate on a Lifesaving Society recertification course. IFA award holders may recertify their IFA once and for subsequent renewals, the full IFA course must be taken. Prerequisite: Intermediate First Aid – current within 3 years.

Location: A.F.L.C. – FALL                     

AIRWAY MANAGEMENT

Age: 15+ years

Airway Management certification provides senior and experienced lifeguards with specific knowledge and training in the use of oxygen, suction devices, oral airways and bag-valve-masks. Prerequisite: Intermediate (or Standard) First Aid

Location: A.F.L.C.  – FALL                    

NATIONAL LIFEGUARD: POOL

NATIONAL LIFEGUARD: POOL

Age: 15+ years

This certification is designed to develop a candidate's judgement, knowledge, skills and fitness which is required to be a lifeguard. The National Lifeguard course emphasizes the lifeguarding skills, principles and practices, and the decision-making processes that will assist the lifeguard to provide effective safety supervision in swimming pool environments. Prerequisite: 15 years, Bronze Cross and Intermediate (formerly Standard) First Aid. 100% attendance is required.

Location: A.R.C. – FALL        

NATIONAL LIFEGUARD: POOL RECERTIFICATION

Age: 15+ years

Certification is current for two years. Prerequisite: National Lifeguard: Pool (does not have to be current). 

Location: A.R.C. – FALL        

SWIM AND LIFESAVING INSTRUCTORS

SWIM AND LIFESAVING INSTRUCTORS

Age: 15+ years

This course encompasses the 2 instructor certifications within the Lifesaving Society. The Swim Instructor course prepares the instructor to teach and evaluate basic swim strokes and related skills, while the Lifesaving Society Instructor course prepares them to organize, plan, teach and evaluate the lifesaving and first aid skills and resuscitation techniques in the Society's lifesaving awards. Prerequisite: 15 years, Bronze Cross. 100% attendance is required.

Location: A.R.C. – FALL        

Location: A.F.L.C. – FALL                     

LIFESAVING INSTRUCTOR RECERTIFICATION

Age: 15+ years

This course does not automatically recertify a candidate. This in-person recertification course focuses on the competencies learned in the instructor, coach and examiner courses and provides a refresher to those competencies. Course content will be updated every two years. This course provides the 4 points required to complete the leadership recertification for instructors, coaches, examiners and examiner mentors. Following successful course completion candidates must complete the recertification process to be recertified. Prerequisite: Lifesaving Instructor, Coach, or Examiner

Location: A.F.L.C. – FALL                     

ADVANCED AQUATIC LEADERSHIP

AQUATIC SUPERVISOR

Age: 16+ years

Aquatic Supervisor certification is the Lifesaving Society training standard for instructors and lifeguards who wish to assume deck-level supervisor responsibilities for overseeing instructional and recreational programs and day-to-day operations at aquatic facilities. Prerequisite: Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor OR Lifesaving Instructor, AND National Lifeguard certifications.

Location: A.F.L.C. – FALL                     

COACH LEVEL 1 – POOL

Age: 16+ years

Lifesaving Sport Coach Level 1 provides training for Lifesaving Instructors who wish to coach Lifesaving Sport at the community level. This course focuses on the fundamentals of coaching and Lifesaving Sport skills in the pool or in open water. Prerequisite: Lifesaving Society’s Lifesaving Instructor

Location: A.R.C. – FALL        

SEE AUDITOR

Age: 16+ years

The Supervision Evaluation and Enhancement (SEE) Auditor course is designed to give individuals the knowledge, training and tools required to evaluate the effectiveness of lifeguard and instructor safety supervision using Lifesaving Society SEE checklists. Prerequisite: National Lifeguard certification and 100 hours lifeguarding experience as a lifeguard or National Lifeguard Examiner or Aquatic Supervisor or Aquatic Manager.

Location: A.F.L.C. – FALL                     

• It’s a rewarding experience.
• It’s an opportunity to meet new friends and start networking.
• You receive hours for community involvement or a 25% discount towards future aquatic leadership courses.

• This workshop is mandatory for anyone looking to volunteer at either the A.F.L.C. or A.R.C in the pool. The workshop will prepare the volunteer with knowledge about the Town of Aurora, the Department’s program policies, roles, responsibilities and expectations. This includes an in-water session.
• Prerequisite: 14 years of age and Bronze Medallion.

Registration Starts: Monday, August 17, 2026

2027 Workshops

Additional dates coming soon. For more information, please email our Aquatics Team.

Aquatic Employment - Application Periods

For more information on aquatic employment and our Job Fair, please visit our Recreation Jobs webpage.

1. You must hold a current Lifesaving Society's National Lifeguard Pool certicicate; and a Ministry approved Standard First Aid (or higher) certificate.
2. Apply for the specific job posting by submitting your cover letter and resume.
3. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted after the application period for an interview. Note: No technical or in-water skill testing is required.
4. Successful applicants will be contacted with a conditional offer and will be required to attend mandatory trainings prior to the first day of work.

Earn high school credits with YRDSB’s Aquatic Leadership Program and the Town of Aurora.

The two-part program is conducted in a blended learning format, which includes pool instruction, in-class instruction and online learning. Upon completion, successful students may earn certifications to be used to work as a lifeguard or a swim instructor.

Reasons to take the Aquatic Leadership Program

1. Get the training and experience needed to become a certified lifeguard or swim instructor in Ontario at significantly reduced costs.

2. This course counts as a credit towards graduating high school. Learn real-life skills while advancing towards graduation.

3. Build your leadership skills and become job ready with in-demand lifeguard certifications.

Note: This is a 2-step registration process. You must first register through the YRDSB website and then also register through the Town of Aurora website.

How can I register for the course?
Students must register for the course using both links provided below.

1. Register through YRDSB’s Continuing Education website.
2. Once successfully registered into the YRDSB Continuing Educating program, then register through the Town of Aurora’s e-PLAY website.

Am I allowed to take the course if I’m not a YRDSB student?
Yes, as this is a ministry approved credit and offered through Continuing Education, this course is available to YRDSB students, non-YRDSB students (i.e. YCDSB) and non-students.

Where and when does the course take place?
The course is being offered at the Aurora Recreation Complex (1400 Wellington Street East) on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

What is the cost of the course?
Part 1 (PAQ2O1) $225; Part 2 (PLF4M) $325.

What happens if I failed a certification component of the course?
Students may be unsuccessful in certain certification components of the course, but can still pass the course and earn the credit, provided the student meets all the criteria.

Can I get exempted from taking certain components of the course if I already have a few of the certifications listed?
No, all students must take the entire course to obtain the high school credit.