Working to prevent drowning and water-related injury

For Immediate Release

June 2, 2023: The Government of Ontario announced today that effective immediately, it is lowering the minimum age requirement to work as a lifeguard, assistant lifeguard and aquatic instructor from 16 to 15 years of age. The Lifesaving Society Ontario supports this change. Read the release.

Aquatic Management Training Webinar

Building Strength In Your Aquatic Programming: On June 15, explore ideas, strategies and tools to build strength and promote growth in your aquatic programming, with guest speaker Juanita Bueschleb (Aquatic Management Trainer and National Trainer). Register here.

Ontario transition to the updated National Lifeguard program

The Lifesaving Society has updated the National Lifeguard program to ensure its curriculum and performance standards remain current, relevant and grounded in the competencies required by lifeguards. Get the 2023 Update Info or download a PDF version of the National Lifeguard Update.

National Lifeguard Award Guide Updates May 2023

Important changes affecting Must Sees were made recently to the National Lifeguard Award Guide (3rd Edition, 3rd Printing, May 2023). Buying the new edition is not necessary; if you have the 1st or 2nd printing we suggest making these minor edits to your existing award guide.

Swim Transition Extended

The Society has extended the Swim Transition pathways for Red Cross-certified individuals who seek Lifesaving Society certifications.

For Red Cross Water Safety Instructors wishing to become Lifesaving Society Swim Instructors, the official Swim Transition Instructor Clinic will remain live at e-lifesaving.ca through June 30, 2023.

Canadian Red Cross members can transfer their certification to the Lifesaving Society electronically via e-lifesaving.ca/transition. Learn more.

Symposium - the Use of Emerging Tech in Aquatic Safety Supervision

Save the Date - Wednesday, October 18, 2023 - Canadian Symposium on the Use of Emerging Technology in Aquatic Safety Supervision.

This one-day symposium will provide owner/operators with information and tools to enhance safety in supervised aquatic settings. Download the symposium agenda. Download the registration form.

Online and blended learning

Updated Dec. 2022 - Read the Lifesaving Society’s guide for affiliates and leadership personnel regarding the delivery of Society courses in online or blended learning formats.

Living with and managing Covid-19 in Ontario

Updated November 18, 2022 - Living with and managing Covid-19 in Ontario. Read the Society's Guidance for Aquatic Facilities.

Ontario Non-Fatal Drowning Report

For every fatal drowning in Ontario, there are nearly four non-fatal drownings that are serious enough to require an emergency department visit every year. Learn more in the 2022 edition of the Ontario Non-Fatal Drowning Report.

Exploring a Hidden Epidemic

Study reveals a steep upward trend for drownings among adults 65+ in Canada. Read the release here.

United Nations Adopts Historic Resolution on Drowning Prevention

The first UN Resolution on Drowning Prevention was approved by the General Assembly on April 28, 2021. Canada was one of 79 Member States that co-sponsored the Resolution. It is a significant milestone: this Resolution will focus attention and action on this highly preventable public health challenge, and increase international awareness and action to reduce drowning. Read the Canadian announcement.

Ontario Inflatable Waterpark Safety Standards

This guide will assist inflatable waterpark owners and operators in providing a safe aquatic environment for their patrons; it explains the Society’s position on inflatable waterpark issues and informs owners and operators about safety expectations as a preventive measure. Add it to your aquatic reference library today.

Explore Bronze

The Lifesaving Society has officially released the revised Bronze medal awards! Discover What’s new for Affiliates / What’s new for Instructors / What’s new for Recertifying Bronze Cross. Our Teaching/Resources page has more information about the newest support materials. Get started by taking the Explore Bronze online tutorial.

Policy Changes (as of July 1, 2020)

The Lifesaving Society Canada is adopting 15 years as the minimum age prerequisite for certification as a Swim Instructor, Lifesaving Instructor, or National Lifeguard. The Society is also broadening access to its courses by accepting, for prerequisite purposes, EFA and SFA certifications provided by training agencies approved by the Ontario government. See details.

EFA and SFA certifications valid for 3 years

Lifesaving Society Emergency and Standard First Aid certifications are valid for three years (36 months) from the date of certification. In the interests of reducing confusion among employers and harmonizing the Society's currency period with Ontario government regulations, CSA recommendations and the general practice among other workplace first aid providers, the Lifesaving Society Ontario has adopted a three-year period for the validity of its workplace EFA and SFA certifications only. Read the announcement.