The Lifesaving Society Swim for Life Instructor certification prepares candidates to teach and evaluate basic swim strokes and related skills. Swim Instructors teach and evaluate candidates in the Society’s Swim for Life® and Canadian Swim Patrol levels. Candidates are trained in, and must demonstrate skills, knowledge, and attitudes at a Competency Level 1 to achieve certification.
Prerequisites
Bronze Cross (need not be current)
Completed online Adapted Swim Instructor course prior to attending the in-person session
Must be at least 15 years old before the course completion date
Recognition
Digital Certificate
Currency
2 years from certification date
Recertification
The Swim for Life Instructor Recert renews a candidate’s Swim for Life Instructor award for 24 months. Candidates must successfully pass the course and complete a Swim for Life® skills assessment.
Prerequisites
Swim for Life Instructor (current within 5 years)
Completed online Adapted Swim Instructor course prior to attending the in-person session
Candidates are responsible for having the correct prerequisites. If you have any questions in regards to this please reach out to us.
This Lifesaving Society course certifies candidates as a Swim for Life Instructor. Using a competency-based model, candidates are taught the principles and philosophy of teaching and evaluation specific to swimming. This leadership course provides candidates with the theory, knowledge, and skills to certify individuals in the Swim for Life and Canadian Swim Patrol programs. The course includes 32 hours of instructional time and up to 8 hours of practical teaching experience.
NOTE: The session on Tuesday, Sep 1, 2026 is an informal pre-course skills assessment designed to provide candidates with additional time to ensure they are demonstrating swim strokes and skills to a Swimmer 6 level before the course begins. All other course dates are Saturdays from 9:00am to 5:30pm.
Prerequisites: 15 years of age by last day of course, completion of Bronze Cross, and must be able to demonstrate the skills to a Swimmer 6 level . Prerequisites must be shown on the first day of the course.
Extra fees – candidate fee and manual
Prerequisite – Adapted Swim Instructor Course ONLINE session prior to attending recert. Must show proof of course being complete
The Swim for Life Instructor Re-cert renews a candidate’s Swim for Life Instructor award for 24 months. Candidates must successfully pass the course and complete a Swim for Life® skills assessment.
Candidates must bring their Swim for Life Award Guide and Canadian Swim Patrol Award Guide. *NEW for 2026 – candidates must complete the LSS Online Session: Meeting the Needs of Diverse Swimmers PRIOR to attending the in-person recert. Those not having completed the online session will be turned away.
The Swim Instructor Recert renews a candidate’s Swim Instructor award for 24 months. Candidates must successfully pass the course and complete a Swim for Life® skills assessment.
Prerequisite: Proof of previous Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor award.
