Lifesaving Instructor

The Lifesaving Instructor Course prepares instructors to teach the Lifesaving Society's:

  • Canadian Swim Patrol Program
  • Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross
  • Lifesaving Fitness, Distinction
  • Basic and Emergency First Aid, and CPR-A, CPR-B and CPR-C

Current Lifesaving Instructors evaluate all items and certify candidates in Canadian Swim Patrol, Bronze Star, Lifesaving Fitness, Basic and Emergency First Aid, and CPR-A, -B, -C. Instructors evaluate some items in Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross and Distinction, but only Examiners may certify candidates in these awards.

Prerequisites: 15 years of age by the end of the course; Bronze Cross certification (need not be current).

Evaluation & certification: Lifesaving Instructor Trainers evaluate and certify Lifesaving Instructor candidates. The Lifesaving Society deems its certifications to be "current" for 24 months from the certification date.

Candidate recognition: Certification card and crest.

Lifesaving Instructor course: 20 hr. classroom and water time (often 40 hr. when combined with the Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor Course). This checklist identifies the learning outcomes that you must achieve in order to be successful on the course.

Required reference material: Lifesaving Instructor Pack; includes Instructor Notes, Swim Patrol Award Guide, Bronze Medals Award Guide, First Aid Award Guide, Leadership Binder.

Costs: In addition to the required reference materials, a certification fee is payable to the Lifesaving Society. Course organizers charge a fee to cover the costs of running the course.

Recertification: Instructors remain current by recertifying within 24 months of the last certification date. Recertification is through the Society's professional development credit system.