First Aid Courses
Whether you want to be ready to respond to a medical emergency or you need to be certified for work, the Athletics Centre offers nationally recognized courses for you.
Along with the rest of our Winter 2026 programs, we are offering first aid courses! Click the link below to browse the exciting programs we have to offer this fall.
Full - Standard First Aid with CPR-C and AED (with the Lifesaving Society)
Standard First Aid provides comprehensive training in all facets of first aid and CPR. This course provides an in-depth understanding of first aid and treatment for medical emergencies such as: heat and cold injuries, bone and joint injuries, abdominal and chest injuries, burns and spinal injuries. Provides knowledge of how the heart works and what goes wrong when defibrillation is required. This course covers: when and how to operate an AED; AED maintenance; data management and the reporting protocols required after an incident in which an AED unit is used.
This qualification is current for 3 years under the WSIB
*Canadian First Aid Manual is included in cost of course
Recert - Standard First Aid with CPR-C and AED (with the Lifesaving Society)
In accordance with WSIB, Current Standard First Aid (SFA) award holders may recertify their Lifesaving Society SFA certification just once on a Lifesaving Society SFA Recertification Course not more than 3 years from the Standard First Aid date of issue. To renew SFA certifications subsequently, award holders must repeat the full SFA Course. Thereafter, individuals may renew by alternating recertifications and original courses.
Holders of Standard First Aid certificates from other agencies may not recertify their certificate on a Lifesaving Society recertification course. They may recertify only with the original certifying agency.
Pre-requisites: Standard First aid and CPR C with the Lifesaving Society – full course- less than 3 years from the certification date (your certification must be current to recertify).
Aquatics Leadership Courses
Looking to complete the final steps towards becoming a certified lifeguard or swim instructor? We offer Aquatic Leadership courses to help you develop strong leadership skills that will last a lifetime, including:
- Physical Fitness
- Teamwork
- Problem-Solving
- Improved Self-Confidence
- Communication Skills
National Lifeguard (NLS) Certification
The National Lifeguard certification is Canada's professional lifeguard standard and is designed for lifesavers who wish to obtain a responsible job and leadership experience. Candidates will learn the importance of lifeguarding principles, sound judgment and the responsibilities of this role. Successful candidates are certified by the Lifesaving Society. This course is 40-hours long and 100% participation is required.
Prerequisites: Minimum 15 years of age. Bronze Cross certification and Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid (need not be current) or SFA from an approved agency. When a candidate uses a first aid certification from an approved agency (other than the Lifesaving Society) as a prerequisite, a photocopy of the approved-agency certification card must be provided.
National Lifeguard (NLS) Recertification
National Lifeguard Service is Canada’s only nationally recognized lifeguard certification. This recertification course is designed for current National Lifeguards who need to renew their certification in order to continue working as lifeguards. The recertification includes evaluations in physical standards, supervision and management skills, and lifeguard situations. Candidates must provide proof of successful completion of the full National Lifeguard course to the examiner prior to the start of the recertification.
Bronze Star
Bronze Star develops swimming proficiency, lifesaving skill and personal fitness. Candidates refine their stroke mechanics, acquire self-rescue skills, and apply fitness principles in training workouts. Bronze Star is excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion and provides a fun introduction to lifesaving sport. (Swim Patrol experience is recommended).
Bronze Medallion
The Bronze Medallion course introduces the four pillars of water rescue: judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness. By mastering these four skills, candidates will be able to make smart choices in and around bodies of water to rescue themselves and others in aquatics emergencies. Candidates will train both physically and mentally by completing an endurance challenge of 400m in 12-minutes and risk assessment and response rescues. Candidates who are over the ago of 13 or hold Bronze Star can take the bronze medallion course. Bronze Medallion is the pre-requisite to Bronze Cross.
Bronze Cross
The Bronze Cross course begins to transition candidates from lifesaving to lifeguarding. Candidates strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills by completing a 400m swim in 11-minutes, complete more advanced rescues and introduce team resources along with spinal injury management. Candidates must hold the Bronze Medallion aware and Lifesaving Society Emergency or Standard First Aid certifications (EFA or SFA from an approved agency with proof is accepted as well).