The National Lifeguard Pool certification is designed to develop the fundamental values, judgment, knowledge, skills and fitness required by lifeguards. The National Lifeguard course emphasizes the lifeguarding skills, principles and practices, and the decision-making processes which will assist the lifeguard to provide effective safety supervision in swimming pool environments.
Please check the prerequisites and ensure you have everything necessary before registering.
Prerequisites
Bronze Cross (need not be current)
Standard First Aid w/ CPR-C/AED (from a recognized agency below; need not be current)
Lifesaving Society
Canadian Red Cross
St. John Ambulance
Canadian Ski Patrol
Heart and Stroke Foundation
15 years old (by the last day)
Recognition
National Lifeguard certification card and crest.
Currency
2 years from certification date
Recertification
The objective of the NL Precert is to provide candidates an opportunity to review NL skills and knowledge and to provide education on new information before the start of the Recertification.
Although not a requirement, the BC & Yukon Branch highly recommends that candidates attend an NL Precert prior to attempting an NL Pool Recert exam.
Prerequisites
National Lifeguard Pool (not current)
Candidates are responsible for having the correct prerequisites. If you have any questions in regards to this please reach out to us.
The National Lifeguard Pool certification is designed to develop the fundamental values, judgement, knowledge, skills, principles, and fitness required by lifeguards. The National Lifeguard course emphasizes the lifeguarding skills, principles and practices, and the decision-making processes which will assist the lifeguard to provide effective safety supervision in swimming pool environments.
Prerequisites: 15 years old by last day of course, Bronze Cross, and Standard First Aid with CPR-C.
NOTE: In addition to the mandatory prerequisites above, it is strongly recommended that candidates take the Aquatic Emergency Care (AEC) course prior to the start of their National Lifeguard course. This course helps bridge the gap in skills between Standard First Aid and National Lifeguard to prepare candidates for success in the National Lifeguard awards and employment.
Please note that the Wednesday sessions will be classroom based at Jericho Sailing Centre – 1300 Discovery St., Vancouver.
Registration is open on our website. Participants must have all prerequisites. Required material – Alert Manual (included with registration), CPR pocket mask, whistle, fanny pack. 100% attendance AND participation is required as per Lifesaving Society policy.
Dates Breakdown:
Mon, Mar 16, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PDT.
Tue, Mar 17, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PDT.
Wed, Mar 18, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM PDT At Jericho Sailing Centre – Classroom day only.
Thu, Mar 19, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PDT.
Fri, Mar 20, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PDT.
Mon, Mar 23, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PDT.
Tue, Mar 24, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PDT.
Wed, Mar 25, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM PDT At Jericho Sailing Centre – Classroom day only.
Thu, Mar 26, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PDT.
Fri, Mar 27, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PDT.
The 4 hour NL precert is designed to provide candidates the opportunity to review NL skills and to provide education on new information before the 4 hour NL Recert.
Prerequisite: Proof of previous NL pool option (Need not be current). A current CPR-C is recommended but not required.
This clinic is for individuals wishing to recertify their NL Award. There is a non-refundable exam fee of $35.00. This is a RECERT only. There will not be any time to practice skills before-hand as with a pre-cert. 100% attendance is required.
