YMCA Aquatic Certifications
The YMCA developed the first nationally-recognized aquatics programs in 1931 and has continued to train aquatic participants and leaders ever since.
Our Aquatic Certifications provide you with the necessary training to be a lifeguard and swim instructor at any YMCA in Canada.
Take your swimming skills to a new level! In partnership with the Lifesaving Society of Ontario, we’re proud to offer three levels of certification.
Limited Time Offer: Subsidized Lifeguard and Instructor Training
Waves of Opportunity
The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce is proud to offer Waves of Opportunity, a grant-funded training program made possible through Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. This initiative removes financial and accessibility barriers for youth aged 13 to 25 by providing subsidized aquatic certification courses with all training materials fully covered.
The program supports participants in completing one or multiple aquatic certifications based on their experience and goals. Training may include Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, Swim Instructor, National Lifeguard, and Lifesaving Instructor certifications.
To express interest in this program, fill out the form below or contact our Aquatics team.
Participant Interest FormHow to Register for YMCA Aquatic Certification Courses
Registration is required for all Aquatic Certifications. You may register at any time of the year for these courses to be put on a waiting list for the upcoming course.
Full payment is required at the time of registration. Financial assistance may be available; contact our Customer Service team to discuss your options.
To learn more about course fees, dates and times, or to register for an upcoming course, visit ACTIVENet or, contact:
How to Register for YMCA Aquatic Certification Courses
Registration is required for all Aquatic Certifications. You may register at any time of the year for these courses to be put on a waiting list for the upcoming course.
Full payment is required at the time of registration. Financial assistance may be available; contact our Customer Service team to discuss your options.
To learn more about course fees, dates and times, or to register for an upcoming course, visit ACTIVENet or, contact:
Step 1: Check course prerequisites (listed below)
Before registering, confirm you meet any course prerequisites (age, swim level, or prior certifications). Prerequisites are listed below and on each course in ACTIVENet.
Sign in/up on ACTIVENet and use the search feature to find the specific certification (Tip: try partial course names such as Bronze), or click the Activities drop down and select Aquatic Certifications to see a full list.
Registration is open year-round. If the course you want is full, register at any time to be added to the waiting list for the next offering by calling 519-376-0484 ext. 0.
All candidates presenting themselves at a Lifesaving Society vocational course; original or recertification, must verify their identity to the instructor, examiner or trainer. More information: Verification of Identity Policy.
If you prefer phone support or have questions about dates/fees, call our Aquatics Team at 519-376-0484 ext. 216 or email aquatics@osgb.ymca.ca
Swim Path
Follow this path to become a Lifeguard and/or Swim Instructor. Along the way, you’ll find opportunities to develop leadership skills, build lifelong friendships, and share your skills with your community.
Upon completion, you can apply to join our Aquatics Team! Successful candidates often start work immediately after completing their certifications.
Bronze Star
Bronze Medallion
YMCA Assistant Swim Instructor (optional)
Bronze Cross
National Lifeguard (NLS)
YMCA Swim Instructor
Lifesaving Instructor
Course Descriptions
Some of our courses are taught using blended learning. This involves an online component, an in-class component and an in-pool component. Candidates will be required to complete assignments and attend online meetings with the Lifesaving Instructor before the in-pool sessions begin and throughout the course.
Level 1
Bronze Star & Basic First Aid (with CPR-A)
Prerequisites:
11 years old by last day
Description:
Excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion. Participants develop problem-solving and decision-making skills individually and in partners. Candidates learn CPR and develop the lifesaving skills needed to be their own lifesaver. Includes a timed 400m swim and your strokes will be evaluated.
YMCA Assistant Swim Instructor
Prerequisites:
12 yrs old by last day
Description:
YMCA Assistant Swim Instructor is an introduction to helping a Swim Instructor during lessons. This course provides hands on experience working with children, and prepares candidates for a future role in our aquatic programs. 12 hours of volunteer instruction is required during the course.
After participants complete this course, they are eligible to volunteer in our YMCA Aquatics department or enroll in the YMCA Swim Instructor course.
Level 2
This is the next step for those interested in a lifeguarding position.
Bronze Medallion & Emergency First Aid (with CPR-B)
Prerequisites:
13 years old by last day (proof of age required) or completed Bronze Star
Learning Style:
Description:
This course challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. Candidates acquire the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on, and around the water.
Rescuers learn:
- tows/carries
- defense/release methods
- rescue of conscious and unconscious victims
Lifesavers develop stroke efficiency and endurance in a timed 12 minute 400m swim.
Bronze Cross
Prerequisites:
Bronze Medallion & Emergency First Aid
Learning Style:
Description:
This course begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as assistant lifeguards.
Bronze Cross emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies. Includes a timed 11 minute 400m swim.
Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for all advanced training programs including National Lifeguard and Instructor certification.
Standard First Aid with CPR-C
Prerequisites:
None
Learning Style:
Description:
Standard First Aid provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR. Standard First Aid incorporates all of Emergency First Aid and is designed for those who require a more in-depth understanding of first aid including: legal implications of first aid treatment, spinal injuries, heat or cold injuries, bone and joint injuries, chest injuries, and medical emergencies. Includes CPR-C certification.
Recertification:
Current Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid (SFA) award holders may recertify their SFA certification just once on a Lifesaving Society SFA Recertification Course not more than three years from the Standard First Aid date of issue. To renew SFA certifications subsequently, award holders must repeat the full SFA Course. Thereafter, individuals may renew by alternating recertifications and original courses.
If your certification has expired (on exam day), you must complete the full course.
Level 3
YMCA Swim Instructor
Prerequisites:
15yrs by last day + Standard First Aid (CPR-C) and minimum Bronze Cross certification
Learning Style:
Description:
Learn the theories and methods behind teaching swimming lessons. Refine leadership skills and learn strategies for effective supervision/instruction. To teach swimming lessons at the Y, you must take this course. YMCA Swim Instructors can teach preschool, youth and adult lessons, parented classes, and Bronze Star.
Successful practice/co-teaching are a requirement to be certified. This will take place following the course.
Recertification:
YMCA Swim Instructor certification is current for two years. Contact us for details to get recertified.
Lifesaving Instructor (LSS)
Prerequisites:
15 yrs + Swim Instructor
Learning Style:
Description:
The Lifesaving Instructor course prepares instructors to organize, plan, teach, and evaluate the Lifesaving Society’s:
- Canadian Swim Patrol Program
- Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross
- Basic and Emergency First Aid, and CPR-A, CPR-B and CPR-C
Successful practice/co-teaching are a requirement to be certified. This will take place following the course.
Recertification:
To remain certified, Instructors, Examiners and Trainers must recertify their award within 24 months of the certification or last recertification date. This is done through the Lifesaving Society.
National Lifeguard
Prerequisites:
15 years old by last day + Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid (CPR-C) from Lifesaving approved agency, proof is required.
Learning Style:
Description:
National Lifeguard is Canada’s only nationally recognized lifeguard certification program. National Lifeguard is a legal certificate for lifeguarding throughout the country. It is the only lifeguard certificate recognized by the Province of Ontario for lifeguarding public swimming pools. Includes a timed 10 minute 400m swim. Learn more at www.lifesavingsociety.com
Recertification:
National Lifeguard certification is current for two years and is recertified by completing a National Lifeguard recertification exam. Lifesaving skills learned on original course may be reviewed and are expected to be at standard. Be prepared to swim!
Learn more about recertification requirements.