Get Certified with Us!
This year, we will be offering aquatic certifications ranging from Bronze Cross, all the way to National Lifeguard. Stay tuned to see course dates and times for each certificate offered.
Complement your certification course with a Fitness Swimmer course
For participants aged 11-17 with a minimum of Swimmer 4/Adult 2 completed. In this course, swimmers will work on their fitness and endurance by completing pre-set workouts from their instructor and learning to design their own workout that includes a warm up, a main set and a cool down. Swimmers work to beat their own previous achievements, and can continue to develop their stroke technique as they work towards further distances. This is a great course to take in conjunction with leadership courses or Swimmer levels 5 – 9.
Register here
Refunds/ Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made at least 5 days prior to the start of the certification will be fully refunded. All refund requests must be made in writing to rawcwelcome@utoronto.ca
See the chart below for specific aquatic certification information as well as a course breakdown:
| Certification | Description | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze Star | Bronze Star works to develop swimming proficiency, lifesaving skills and personal fitness. Participants will refine their stroke mechanics, acquire self-rescue skills and apply fitness principles. Prerequisite: None This course is excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion. | Register for Bronze Star |
| Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid | Bronze Medallion is the first step in becoming a lifeguard or swim instructor. This course will challenge the participants both mentally and physically. Judgement, knowledge, skill and fitness are the components of water rescue and the basis of the Bronze Medallion training. Prerequisite: Minimum 13 years of age or Bronze Star certification Participants will acquire the assessment and problem solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on and around the water. | Register for Bronze Medallion |
| Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid | Bronze Cross begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares participants for the responsibilities as an assistant lifeguard. Participants will strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills and begin to apply the principles and techniques of active surveillance in aquatic facilities. Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion and Emergency or Standard First Aid Bronze Cross emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies. | Register for Bronze Cross |
| National Lifeguard | The National Lifeguard certification is the final step in becoming a lifeguard. This course will develop a sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgement and a mature and responsible attitude towards the lifeguard’s role. National Lifeguard will emphasize the prevention and effective rescue response in emergencies including first aid treatment. Participants will develop teamwork, leadership and communication skills. | Register for National Lifeguard |
| National Lifeguard Recertification | National Lifeguard Recertification is the required course to maintain your Lifeguarding qualification every 2 years. To be eligible to take this course you must have already completed the full National Lifeguard course. Proof of previous certification must be presented to the instructor. | Register for National Lifeguard Recertification |
| National Lifeguard Instructor | The National Lifeguard Instructor course provides candidates with an understanding of the principles and practices on which the National Lifeguard programs is based. The classroom and pool sessions allow participants to demonstrate and explore their knowledge, skills, teaching approaches and evaluation of candidates in the National Lifeguard program. After successful completion of the course, National Lifeguard Instructors are certified to teach the National Lifeguard course in the option they hold. Students will receive an email containing the pre-course assignment 1 week prior to the course. Prerequisites: Current Lifesaving Instructor and National Lifeguard. Recommended Bronze Examiner. | |
| Standard First Aid with CPR-C | The Ministries of Labour and Health recognize this full course in Standard Level First Aid as a certification for workplace requirements. | Register for Standard First Aid |
| Swim and Lifesaving/EFA Instructors | The combined Swim and Lifesaving Instructor course prepares the instructor to teach and evaluate swim strokes and lifesaving skills. Through classroom learning and in water practice, instructor candidates explore proven teaching methods; learning strategies and activities; a variety of stroke and skill drills; effective correction techniques; and evaluation criteria. Practice teaching is emphasized throughout. 100 percent participation required. Participants require a copy of the Swim and Lifesaving Instructor manual ($95.00). All course materials can be purchased during checkout online. Prerequisite: 15 years of age by the end of the course, and Bronze Cross (or higher) certification. Course Length: 40 hrs | Register for Swim and Lifesaving/EFA Instructors |
For questions regarding aquatic certifications at UTM, please email us at rawcwelcome@utoronto.ca