Education · 1 of 4

The path

Start as a teenager on the pool deck or at camp. The paperwork comes later.

1. 1

   Get your first aquatic or leadership awards

   Ages 13 to 16

   Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross from the Lifesaving Society, then National Lifeguard once you are old enough. Many people work as camp counsellors first.

2. 2

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Keep working summers and weekends at the pool, arena or camp. Hours on the deck are what get you hired later.

3. 3

   College or university

   2 to 4 years

   A 2-year recreation and leisure services diploma, or a 4-year degree in recreation, kinesiology or sport management.

4. 4

   Placement and first full-time job

   Built into the program

   Programs include a field placement with a municipality or non-profit, which is how most graduates get hired.

5. 5

   Move up

   3 to 10 years

   Program coordinator, then supervisor, then facility or community services manager.