Working to prevent drowning and water-related injury

Online and blended learning

Read the Lifesaving Society’s new Guide for affiliates and leadership personnel regarding the delivery of Society courses in online or blended learning formats.

Extension of award currency dates

The Lifesaving Society will ensure that its instructors and lifeguards are eligible to work when Ontario aquatic facilities reopen. See details.

Time out – COVID hits Aquatics

The Society is hosting a series of webinars on topics related to the safe management of public pools. These are being recorded. Links will be posted along with related articles as they are completed.

Office Opening Phase 1

Phase 1 of the Society’s office reopening plan has begun with the return of some staff who are processing awards and orders and shipping and receiving. Others continue to work remotely, checking and responding to phone messages and emails.

Curbside pickup / drop-off is available (9:30 to 4:30) but the office remains closed to visitors. Call-ahead procedures for pickup orders will soon be posted. Regular office hours (9:00 to 5:00) are unchanged.

In Phase 2, a limited number of visitors at a time will be permitted on site to pick up orders or recertify leadership awards. Physical distancing and other public health protocols will be maintained.

We thank you for your understanding during this unprecedented period and ask for your patience as we work through the ‘return-to-normal’ process. We will move to Phase 2 when public health guidance allows and when we are confident that our procedures and protocols are conducive to a safe workplace environment.

Everyone has a role to play in limiting the spread of COVID-19 or any other coronavirus. An excellent source of authoritative information is this government of Canada website.

Water Smart Activities at Home

Looking for activities to do while home with the kids during this unexpected break in the school year? We're adding new activities weekly so check our Resources page regularly. Don't forget to enter our Water Smart At Home Contest for kids 8+.

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.

Ontario Waterfront Safety Standards

The 2019 Ontario Waterfront Safety Standards reflects the Lifesaving Society's position on the safe operation of public waterfronts in Ontario. It is a required text for Lifesaving Society Aquatic Safety Inspector and Auditor certifications, and for the Society's Pool Operator courses. All waterfront owners should have a copy. Order a copy today.

Examiner Mentor

Are you an experienced examiner who has completed a minimum of three exams? Do you have a desire to coach and support examiner candidates? If you answered yes to these questions, then becoming an Examiner Mentor may be for you. Learn more here or fill out the Examiner Mentor application.

Water Smart Tip Cards

Our Water Smart Tip Cards in English, French and 10 other languages, address essential drowning prevention topics with tips to stay safe. Order now in lifeguarddepot.com.

Guide to Ontario Public Pools

The revised Public Pools Regulation 565 includes public spas, wading pools and receiving basins. The Lifesaving Society has revised its Guide to Ontario Public Pools Regulation to help aquatic staff members understand and interpret the updated Regulation. The Guide outlines the “Regs” in simple language using everyday terms understood by aquatic personnel.

The revised Guide is available now for $44.52 tax included and free shipping.

Multi-language, online boating safety program

STARTboating is designed to teach basic boating and water safety skills.

Uniforms: designed by lifeguards, for lifeguards

Drowning: a top cause of death

A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) says drowning is among the top causes of death for children worldwide, and programs like the Society's Swim to Survive could have immunization-like benefits. Read the media release and get the facts. The WHO report identifies drowning as a major public health issue and calls on the world's nations to ramp up drowning prevention efforts. Read the WHO media release and read or download the Global Report on Drowning: Preventing a Leading Killer.

Safeguard Program

The Lifesaving Society's Safeguard certification provides safety supervision training for guardians like day camp counsellors, counsellors-in-training and others who accompany groups of young people to pools or waterfronts. The course stresses the responsibility undertaken by these group leaders for safeguarding the young people in their care even when under lifeguard supervision. Visit Safeguard for more information. Visit LifeguardDepot.com to purchase the Safeguard Program USB.