Working to prevent drowning and water-related injury

Bronze Star, Medallion and Cross

Webinars

Webinars

 

2024 National Drowning Report

 

2024 National Drowning Report

 

2025 Ontario Drowning Report

2025 ON Fatal Report

 

Watch Me Not Your Phone Poster

Watch Me Poster
Order the poster in English or French

 

117th Annual Meeting

Our Annual General Meeting will be on Friday, April 10, 6:00 p.m. at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre and Spa.

Download a complimentary parking pass here.

Read the 2025 Annual Report here.

 

Upcoming change to LIT prerequisites

If you are a potential Lifesaving Instructor Trainer who has successfully completed the Trainer course but not yet done their apprenticeship on a Lifesaving Instructor course, you still have a bit of time!

As of June 1, 2026, anyone working to become certified as a Lifesaving Instructor Trainer will need to have the following certifications and experience:

  • be a Bronze Examiner and Examiner Mentor

  • have taught (or co-taught) and examined (or co-examined) at least one Bronze Medallion course and one Bronze Cross course

  • successfully complete both the Trainer course and an apprenticeship on a Lifesaving Instructor course with an experienced Trainer.

However, anyone who wishes to earn their certification between now and May 31, 2026, will only need to be a Bronze Examiner who has successfully completed a Trainer course and apprenticed on a Lifesaving Instructor course with an experienced Trainer. As of June 1, the new prerequisites go into effect for everyone across the country.

If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us.

 

First Aid program changes 2026

The Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is updating its first aid program and the requirements for First Aid Training Program Providers. The Lifesaving Society is currently undergoing the application process. The launch of the new WSIB program is anticipated to occur sometime in 2026. Learn more here.

 

Canadian First Aid Manual notice

We are aware of a minor defect with some recently shipped Canadian First Aid Manuals causing pages to slip lose from the staples. If you wish to order a replacement copy, please complete the Return/Exchange Form and send it to orders@lifeguarding.com.

 

Policy Updates

Amendments to our Verification of Identity and Change of Name policies are now in effect.

After receiving feedback on the impact of these two policies, we are implementing changes to better support inclusivity and reduce barriers for those who deliver our programs.

 

Rescue Awards are now online!

The Lifesaving Society is proud to recognize individuals who have demonstrated bravery and lifesaving skills in rescue situations. We offer two awards:

Rescue Award of Merit

  • Who it's for: Individuals who performed a rescue while off duty

  • Examples: A bystander who intervened during a drowning incident, a swimmer who helped someone in distress, or a community member who acted quickly in an emergency.

Lifesaving Commendation Certificate

  • Who it's for: Professionals who performed a rescue as part of their job, such as lifeguards, first responders, or others involved in water-related safety roles.

  • Examples: A lifeguard who executed a high-risk rescue, a first responder who saved someone from a submerged vehicle, or a staff member who acted decisively during a water emergency.

Nominations are quick and easy with our new online forms. Keep these in mind when there’s a hero to recognize!

 

Building more aquatic centres in Ontario

The Aquatic Sport Council of Ontario has developed Building More Aquatic Centres in Ontario, a white paper designed to support government and industry stakeholders in planning for Ontario’s future sport and community infrastructure.

The white paper calls for a dedicated provincial fund to support the construction of 50m pools, development of regional recreation centres, and the creation of best practices for design, operations, and revenue generation.

Access the full white paper at this link.