Lifeguard/Swim Instructor Age Update: We are pleased to inform you that the Government of Ontario has recently revised the age requirement to work as a lifeguard and swim instructor. The age has been lowered to 15, opening new possibilities for young individuals to contribute to the aquatic’s community. In line with this change, we will also be hiring assistant swim instructors and aquatic attendants as young as 14 years old.
2025 Aquatic Leadership Courses
Registration will open Wednesday, December 11 at 10:00am for Residents and Friday December 13 at 10:00am for Non-residents for all 2025 seasons – Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.
Click HERE to view the Aquatic Leadership Programs.
| Leadership Progression Chart |
| How to become a Swim Instructor & Lifeguard |
| Level 1: Bronze Star |
| Must be 12 years or completed Star Patrol |
| Level 2: Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid |
| Must be 13 years or have completed Bronze Star |
| Level 3: Standard First Aid & CPR C |
| Recommend age 14 years |
| Level 4: Pool Attendant |
| Must be 14 years and completed Standard First Aid |
| Level 5: Bronze Cross |
| Must have completed Bronze Medallion |
| Level 6: Assistant Swim Instructor |
| Must be 14 years and have completed Bronze Cross and Emergency First Aid or higher |
| Level 7: Swim & Lifesaving Instructor |
| Must be 15 years and have completed Bronze Cross and Emergency First Aid or higher |
| Level 8: National Lifeguard |
| Must be 15 years and have completed Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid |
| Submit your application to Human Resources |
| The new recruitment process will require you to submit your application to Human Resources rather than bring it to the wet screening. The information regarding the recruitment can be found on on the Careers page during our application hiring periods. Please submit a copy of your application form, resume and copies of your qualifications to hr@townofbwg.com during the application hiring period. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to attend an interview. |
| Interview |
| Selected candidates will be invited for an in-person interview. |
Click HERE to view the Refund Policy
Aquatic Leadership Information
Don’t get turned away at the first class! Make sure you have the proper course prerequisites! Refer to each course description for course prerequisites.
Check and print your awards online:
- Visit Lifesaving Society's Find a Member Page
- Fill in your Lifesaving Society ID #. You can find your Lifesaving Society ID on the bottom right corner of your Lifesaving Society certification cards.
- Print out the record and bring it on the first day of your course.
| What to bring to a course |
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| Course Attendance |
| Please note that 100% attendance and active participation is required in both the pool and classroom sessions in order to complete any aquatic leadership course (lateness is equivalent to absence). |
| Age Requirements |
| Proof of age (birth certificate) will be required for all courses with an age prerequisite. You will be required to submit this to the Instructor on the first day of the course. |
| Exams |
| Candidates must attend the exam at the facility where the course was administered. |
| Unsuccessful completion of a course |
| In many courses, candidates are continuously evaluated by both the Instructor and a Lifesaving Society certified examiner. Candidates who are unsuccessful in their course will be required to take the program again in full, however they will be eligible for a discount. In order to re-register for a re-attempt for any leadership course, please email the Aquatic Programmer. |
| Refunds/Transfers |
| Refund and transfer requests must be submitted in writing at least 5 days before the first class in order to be granted. |
Aquatic Leadership Lending Library:
The BWG Leisure Centre and the Bradford Public Library have joined forces to introduce the Aquatic Leadership Lending Library, aimed at providing loaned aquatic leadership manuals. To avail of this opportunity, simply bring your manual with you on the first day of your class, and you will receive a discount on the course you are participating in. Click here to reserve your manuals today!
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