Aquatic Leadership & First Aid Courses

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. Keep reading for more details!

Full - Intermediate First Aid with CPR-C and AED (with the Lifesaving Society)

Intermediate 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

This course used to be called Standard First Aid. As of June 22, 2026, it is renamed to Intermediate First Aid. If you hold a Standard First Aid certification, it will still be valid for 36 months from your certification date.

Recert - Intermediate First Aid with CPR-C and AED (with the Lifesaving Society)

In accordance with WSIB, Current Intermediate First Aid (IFA) award holders may recertify their Lifesaving Society IFA certification just once on a Lifesaving Society IFA Recertification Course not more than 3 years from the Intermediate First Aid date of issue. To renew IFA certifications subsequently, award holders must repeat the full IFA Course. Thereafter, individuals may renew by alternating recertifications and original courses.

Holders of Intermediate 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: Intermediate 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 Intermediate First Aid (need not be current) or IFA 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 Basic or Intermediate First Aid certifications (BFA or IFA from an approved agency with proof is accepted as well).