External High School Credits

If you are enrolled in Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, National Lifeguard, Lifesaving Standard First Aid or Aquatic Emergency Care you are on your way to earning two credits for physical education for high school graduation. All courses listed must be completed and awarded from the Lifesaving Society to be eligible. Standard First Aid courses from other organizations do not meet the criteria. Certifications do not have to be current and do not have to be completed in one year. Individuals who want to claim credits must complete the appropriate form (available from their school or the Lifesaving Society) and forward it to the Lifesaving Society who will attach the official transcript of awards and submit the form to the Department of Education.

Course content in lifesaving and lifeguarding programming provides strong elements of physical fitness, leadership and vocational skills as well as lifesaving skills of rescue and aquatic first aid. Courses are aimed at the junior high and high school levels, with some participants completing Bronze Star, the entry level course, at age 10 or 11, dependent on their skill and maturity levels.

For years, physical education has not been a component of high school education, but since September 2005 every student entering high school is required to complete 2 credits in physical education. Lifesaving and lifeguarding courses are now an option to individuals who are interested in pursuing these external credits.

Aquatic facilities across the province offer these programs and others that make up the programming packages from the Lifesaving Society. We encourage individuals to contact their local pool for course registration details or more information.

How to apply

To apply for the external credits, complete the application form and send it to the Lifesaving Society by email, fax or general mail. Do not attached copies of your certifications and do not send the application directly to the Department of Education. The Department of Education only accepts applications and official transcripts directly from the Lifesaving Society.

Once we receive your application, the Society generates your official transcript of awards and submits the application to the Department of Education, usually within 24 hours. If you would like confirmation of submission to the Department of Education, please indicate an email address when applying.

The Department of Education will contact the school and individual when the credits have been applied. Contact us at info@lifesavingnl.ca to request an External Credit Form.