Education · 1 of 4

The path

A ladder of swimming and lifesaving awards, finished before you leave high school.

1. 1

   Be a strong swimmer

   Childhood

   Finish the swim lesson levels. You need to swim distance, tread water and dive to the bottom of a deep pool.

2. 2

   Bronze Medallion, then Bronze Cross

   A few months

   The Lifesaving Society's lifesaving awards. Bronze Medallion starts in your early teens; Bronze Cross is the assistant lifeguard award and the prerequisite for National Lifeguard.

3. 3

   First aid

   2 days

   Standard or Intermediate First Aid with CPR level C and AED (automated external defibrillator) from the Lifesaving Society or an approved agency.

4. 4

   National Lifeguard

   1 to 2 weeks

   Minimum age 15. About 40 hours of scanning, rescues, spinal injuries and teamwork, with a final exam. Pool is the standard option; Waterpark, Waterfront and Surf are add-ons.

5. 5

   Get hired and recertify

   Ongoing

   Apply to your city in winter for summer jobs. The certificate is current for 24 months, then you recertify.