NLS Core and Pool Option

NLS Core

• Throughout practical activities, candidates answer questions on their understanding of the principles and techniques of lifeguarding included in the NLS test items. In addition, candidates should be prepared to answer questions drawn from the Canadian Lifesaving Manual (CLM) and Alert Lifeguarding in Action, including:
  • Explain the role and responsibilities of the NLS lifeguard in terms of role modeling, prevention, and rescue (Alert, Chapter 1).
  • Describe how critical incident stress can impact lifeguards responding to both successful and unsuccessful rescues (CLM, Appendix A; Alert, Chapter 6).
  • Define the legal obligations of the lifeguard in terms of duty and standard of care, liability, and negligence (Alert, Chapter 8).
  • Provide an example of a training activity to improve one component of physical fitness muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, strength, speed, power, flexibility) as identified by the evaluator.
  • Explain how to adapt emergency procedures for a facility with only one trained lifeguard on duty; how to use auxiliary staff or bystanders; and discuss the value of written procedures as part of the staff manual.
  • Provide an example of the regulations that regulate workplace health and safety for
  • lifeguards (e.g., WHMIS, Occupational Health and Safety, Worker's Compensation).

• Demonstrate effective communication with:
  • Public (public relations) and victims
  • Fellow lifeguards; supervisor(s) and employer; emergency services personnel; and other co-workers (e.g., cashiers, custodial staff)

• Demonstrate effective management of the following victim types:
  • Drowning victim in deep water
  • Submerged non-breathing victim
  • Suspected spinal-injured victim

• Demonstrate ability to recognize individuals or groups who may require lifeguard intervention or education to prevent an accident

NLS Pool Option

•  Through practical activities wherever possible, candidates demonstrate an understanding of:
  • Features that vary from pool to pool (or from time to time) and how analysis of these affects lifeguarding.
  • The role of water treatment systems in providing a safe and comfortable bather environment.
  • The hazardous nature of chemicals used in swimming pools and the special training required for safe handling.
  • Environmental hazards of pools such as glare, water quality, and evacuations due to weather.

• Establish effective supervision of an aquatic facility using:
  • Observation skills and scanning techniques
  • Lifeguard positioning and rotation

• Demonstrate three entries and three removals appropriate for a pool environment.

• Demonstrate appropriate techniques for specific pool features (e.g., deep water, bulkheads, shallow steps, wading pool, whirlpool, heights, ramps, slides, diving boards or towers, wave action pools).

• Demonstrate an effective search of the facility for a missing person.

•  Demonstrate the following physical standards: *NOTE - see above for the 2012 Physical Standards.
  • Starting in the water near the victim, roll over an unconscious victim with a suspected spinal injury in deep water. Carry the victim 15 metres while maintaining immobilization and supporting the victim's mouth and nose above water.
  • Starting in the water, approach 15 metres and surface dive to recover a 9 kg (20 Ib.) object located at a maximum depth of 3 metres; surface and carry the object 5 metres to poolside.
  • Starting in the water, approach 15 metres to contact a near-drowning victim in deep water; carry the victim 5 metres supporting head and shoulders above water.
  • Approach 5 metres on deck to enter the water and approach 15 metres to recover a submerged victim; carry the victim 15 metres using a control carry.
• Respond to emergency situations as a single lifeguard or as a member of a lifeguard team.