Working to prevent drowning and water-related injury

Ontario Roadmap to Reopen

The Ontario government's Roadmap to Reopen replaces the previous colour-coded system. The steps of the Roadmap to Reopen for aquatic facilities, which will be applied provincially, are outlined 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.

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.

Explore Bronze - Update Clinic

Explore the revised Bronze medal awards. Join us online for highlights of the new curriculum. Click a date to register: June 22 (7:00-8:30 p.m.), July 22 (7:00-8:30 p.m.), August 17 (7:00-8:30 p.m.), September 20 (7:00-8:30 p.m.).

Swimming Instruction: an Essential Service

The Lifesaving Society supports the classification of basic instruction in swimming skills, lifesaving skills for self and others, and CPR skills as an essential service during the ongoing pandemic, and recommends government permit such instruction to protect and maintain public health. Read the position statement.

Award Currency Updated - March 12

The Lifesaving Society extended the currency of certain awards needed for employment (including Bronze Cross, National Lifeguard and Wading Pool Attendant, and all Instructor, Examiner and Trainer leadership certifications) until December 31, 2020. There is no further extension.

However, in accordance with WSIB, the Society is extending the currency of its Emergency and Standard First Aid certifications (that expired after March 1, 2020) until December 31, 2021.

We encourage you to recertify as soon as you find an available course or recert.

Aquatic employers and employees do not need to take any action to qualify for the extensions. The Society will not reprint certification cards: you can view or print your own certification record (including expiry dates) from Find a Member or findamember.ca on your mobile device.

The office is open but no visitors

In accordance with recent public health measures for Toronto announced by the province, the Society’s office, while functioning, is closed to visitors. We are responding to voicemail and email messages: leave a message at 416.490.8844 or email experts@lifeguarding.com

Curbside pickup / drop-off remain available 9:30 to 4:30.

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.

First Aid Courses – Essential Business

WSIB confirms that First Aid course delivery can continue as an essential business during Grey Zone/Stage One. Learn more.

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.

New - Guide to Training During COVID-19

Download a free copy of the Lifesaving Society Guide to Training During COVID-19: In-Person Training Safety for Affiliates, Trainers, Instructors, Examiners and Coaches. This guide for Affiliate Members aims to ensure in-person water and classroom training can be delivered safely.

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.

Guide to Reopening after COVID-19

Updated November 2020 - Download a free copy of the Lifesaving Society’s Guide to Reopening Pools and Waterfronts after COVID-19 closure, designed to help owners, operators and staff of aquatic facilities to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission when facilities reopen.

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.

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.

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.

Multi-language, online boating safety program

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

Uniforms: designed by lifeguards, for lifeguards