Lifeguarding is an exciting and rewarding job that carries great
responsibility. Guards take courses and train hard for events they
hope will never happen and which they work hard to prevent.
NLS guards are always in training to keep their skills,
knowledge and fitness sharp. They are required to keep other
important certifications such as CPR and first aid up-to-date. Some
are trained in advanced treatments like using oxygen or in the use
of specialized equipment like defibrillators and personal
watercraft.
National Lifeguard is Canada's only nationally recognized
lifeguard certification program. National Lifeguard is a legal
certificate for lifeguarding throughout the country.
National Lifeguard certification is available in four options:
Pool, Waterpark, Waterfront, and Surf. The National Lifeguard
Award Guide provides complete
details for National Lifeguard Instructors and candidates.
Prerequisites: Minimum 16 years of age. Bronze Cross
certification and Standard First Aid certification
(need not be current) from one of: Lifesaving Society, St. John
Ambulance, Canadian Red Cross, Canadian Ski Patrol.
National Lifeguard Pool certification is a prerequisite for the
Waterpark Option.
Instruction & certification: Current
National Lifeguard Instructors evaluate some items, but only
National Lifeguard Examiners may certify candidates. The Lifesaving
Society deems its certifications to be "current" for 24 months from
the certification date.
Candidate recognition: Certification card.
Required reference material: Alert:
Lifeguarding in Action.
NLS Recertification: National Lifeguard
certification is current for 2 years and is recertified by
completing a National Lifeguard recertification exam. The
recertification may require 6 - 8 hr. depending on the number of
candidates.
The National Lifeguard recertification exam is your
opportunity to demonstrate your skills and recertify your award.
You are responsible for reviewing the required content and skills
and preparing yourself for the exam. Your exam is based on the
National Lifeguard Award curriculum. The required content for this
curriculum can be found in your Alert text and the
Canadian Lifesaving Manual. Candidates should
bring Alert, a whistle, barrier devices (gloves and pocket
mask) and proof of prerequisite (previous National
Lifeguard).