Lifeguarding is an exciting and rewarding job that carries great
responsibility. Guards take courses and train hard for events they
hope will never happen and which they work hard to prevent.
NLS guards are always in training to keep their skills,
knowledge and fitness sharp. They are required to keep other
important certifications such as CPR and first aid up-to-date. Some
are trained in advanced treatments like using oxygen or in the use
of specialized equipment like defibrillators and personal
watercraft.
National Lifeguard is Canada's only nationally recognized
lifeguard certification program. National Lifeguard is a legal
certificate for lifeguarding throughout the country. It is the only
lifeguard certificate recognized by the province of Ontario for
lifeguarding public swimming pools.
National Lifeguard Service (NLS) certification is available in
four options: Pool, Waterpark, Waterfront, and Surf. The NLS
Award Guide provides complete
details for NLS Instructors and candidates.
Prerequisites: Minimum 16 years of age. Bronze Cross
certification and Standard First Aid certification
(need not be current) from one of: Lifesaving Society, St. John
Ambulance, Canadian Red Cross Society, Canadian Ski Patrol.
NLS Pool certification is a prerequisite for the Waterpark
Option.
Evaluation & certification: Current
National Lifeguard Instructors evaluate some items, but only
National Lifeguard Examiners may certifiy candidates. The
Lifesaving Society deems its certifications to be "current" for 24
months from the certification date.
Candidate recognition: National Lifeguard crest
and certification card. Certification card only for Waterpark
option.
Required reference material: Alert:
Lifeguarding in Action.
NLS Recertification: National Lifeguard
Service certification is current for 2 years and is recertified by
completing an NLS recertification exam. The recertification may
require 6 - 8 hr. depending on the number of candidates. Check Find a Course
for facilities offering NLS recertification in your
area.
The NLS recertification exam is your opportunity to
demonstrate your NLS skills and recertify your award. You are
responsible for reviewing the required content and skills and
preparing yourself for the exam. Your exam is based on the NLS
Award curriculum. The required content for this curriculum can be
found in your Alert text and the Canadian Lifesaving
Manual. Candidates should bring Alert, a
whistle, barrier devices (gloves and pocket mask) and proof of
prerequisite (previous NLS).