Working to prevent drowning and water-related injury

Swim Transition

January 12, 2022 - The Canadian Red Cross announced today it is winding down its swim and lifeguard programming to direct more attention to surging humanitarian demands in other areas – such as disaster and pandemic response, opioid harm reduction and caregiving for seniors. Red Cross is encouraging its water safety training partners to transition to the swim and lifeguarding programs of the Lifesaving Society Canada. Learn more.

Online Swim Instructor Credit Session

Our Online Swim Instructor Credit Session supports Swim Instructors who require credits to recertify but can’t find opportunities because of Covid-19. Register today (all times ET): Feb.18, 4:30 pm l Feb.22, 7 pm l Mar.02, 5 pm l Mar.09, 5 pm

Jocelyn Palm Cup - Accepting nominations

The Jocelyn Palm Cup is awarded to the affiliate making the most outstanding contribution to the National Lifeguard Service. Nominate a 2021 affiliate by filling out the Nomination Form and submitting it to the Society by January 30, 2022.

Ontario Roadmap to Reopen

Updated Jan. 4, 2022 Ontario has released updates to its reopening plan in order to limit the spread of Covid-19 and the Omicron variant. Read the Society's Guidance for Aquatic Facilities.

The office is closed to visitors

In accordance with public health measures, the Society’s office is closed to visitors until January 28.

Curbside pickup / drop-off remain available 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

We thank you for your understanding during this unprecedented period and ask for your patience as we work through the ‘return-to-new-normal.’ We all have a role to play in supressing the spread of Covid-19. An excellent source of authoritative information is this government of Canada website.

Online and blended learning

Read the Lifesaving Society’s guide for affiliates and leadership personnel regarding the delivery of Society courses in online or blended learning formats - updated December 2021.

WSIB first aid certification extension ended Dec. 31, 2021

Official notice is on the WSIB website. If the “Valid Until” date on your certification card is December 31, 2021 or earlier, you are required to attend a full two-day Standard First Aid with CPR-C course to be current. To locate your “Valid Until” (expiration) date, visit Find a Member or findamember.ca and enter your six-digit Lifesaving Society ID number located on the bottom right of your certification card.

Ontario Non-Fatal Drowning Report

Did you know that every year in Ontario over 500 people visit an emergency department for non-fatal drowning and nearly 100 people are hospitalized? Read the Lifesaving Society's first ever Ontario Non-Fatal Drowning Report, 2021. View the presentation slideshow. View the recording.

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.

Program Guide

The 2021 edition of the Society's Program Guide is now available. This edition identifies certifications that can be delivered virtually and includes updated policies and definitions; Bronze medals award descriptions; prerequisites (e.g., 15 years old for National Lifeguard and Lifesaving and Swim instructors) and more. Download it for free (on the right) or buy a hard copy here.

Guidance on National Lifeguard (Pool) Recert Planning

The National Lifeguard Recertification (Pool) - Notes for Examiners – Ontario COVID Edition is designed to aid Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard Examiners conduct a National Lifeguard (Pool Option) recertification exam during Covid-19.

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.