 How to become a lifeguard
Lifeguards are more than just good swimmers. They are water rescue professionals trained in emergency care. They prevent accidents. They identify hazards and determine safe practices. And they are trained to spot potential trouble and intervene before it becomes life-threatening.
Lifeguarding is a fun, exciting and rewarding job. Lifeguarding is also a job that carries enormous responsibility. Which is why lifeguards take courses and train hard for events they hope will never happen and which they work hard to prevent.
Guards undertake weekly training to keep their skills and knowledge ready for action. Lifeguarding is a very responsible job, looks great on your resume and there are plenty of opportunities to get promoted. What would you rather be doing next summer, flipping burgers or saving lives?
The majority of the staff working at Neepawa pool are qualified as both lifeguards and as swimming instructors. They have taken a number of courses to become qualified.
To become qualified as a Lifeguard – candidates must complete the following Lifesaving Society programs
Course |
Prerequisites |
What you learn |
Bronze Medallion
|
At least 13 years of age |
Bronze Medallion teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles embodied in the four components of water rescue education -- judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness.
Rescuers learn tows, carries and release methods in preparation for challenging rescues of increased risk. Lifesavers learn to respond to increasingly complex resuscitation situations involving CPR, conscious and unconscious victims with an obstructed airway. Lifesavers develop stroke efficiency and endurance in a timed swim.
|
Bronze Cross |
Bronze Medallion |
BRONZE CROSS is designed for lifesavers who want the challenge of more advanced training including an introduction to safe supervision in aquatic facilities.
Bronze Cross teaches the difference between lifesaving and lifeguarding, the principles of emergency procedures and teamwork. Lifesavers learn how to rescue a spinal-injured victim and a pulseless victim.
Bronze Cross is the prerequisite award for all advanced training programs in lifesaving, lifeguarding and leadership.
|
Standard First Aid, CPR C |
None |
Knowledge and techniques of emergency care which are useful in the any emergency situation. Single and two rescuer CPR, conscious and unconscious obstructed airway management. |
National Lifeguard Service
|
16 years old
Bronze Cross (does not need to be current)
Current Standard First Aid
|
The NATIONAL LIFEGUARD (NLS) AWARD builds on the fundamental skills, knowledge and values taught in the lifesaving awards of the Lifesaving Society to develop the practical skills and knowledge required by lifeguards.
Recognized as the standard measurement of lifeguard performance in Canada, NLS education is designed to develop a sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgment and a mature and responsible attitude toward the role of the lifeguard.
The NLS lifeguard's primary role is the prevention of emergency situations and where this fails, the timely and effective resolution of emergencies.
The NLS program is designed to prepare lifeguards to fulfill this role as professional facilitators of safe, enjoyable aquatics. |
To become qualified as a Swimming Instructor, candidates need to complete the following Red Cross Programs
Course |
Prerequisites |
What you learn |
Assistant Water Safety Instructor (AWSI) |
15 years old and Red Cross Swim Kids Level 10 or Equivalent |
This certification course is a prerequisite to the Red Cross WSI Course and Covers: the foundation of instructional skills including teaching methods, learning styles, physical principles, progressions, communication, safety supervision, and feedback. Candidates are evaluate during 8 hours of assistant teaching and through individual study assignments. Certified AWSI can co-teach the Red Cross Swim programs under the supervision of a fully certified WSI. |
Water Safety Instructor (WSI) |
16 years old and Assistant Water Safety Instructor |
This course further develops instructional ability by focusing on how to apply the information learned in the AWSI Course to effectively plan and teach the Red Cross Swim continuum (Red Cross Swim Preschool, Red Cross Swim Kids, and AquaAdults programs).
Candidates apply their teaching skills and knowledge during 12 hours of practical teaching experience. Upon successful completion of the course, candidates are certified as WSI.
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