- Notebook/paper and pens
- Lunch/dinner/snacks/water bottle
- Required prerequisites
- Bathing suits and towels
Aquatic Leadership
Lifeguard/Swim Instructor Age Update: We are pleased to inform you that the Government of Ontario has recently revised the age requirement to work as a lifeguard and swim instructor. The age has been lowered to 15, opening new possibilities for young individuals to contribute to the aquatic’s community. In line with this change, we will also be hiring assistant swim instructors and aquatic attendants as young as 14 years old.
2026 Aquatic Leadership Courses
Registration will open for residents on Tuesday, December 9 at 10:00am and for non-residents on Thursday, December 11 at 10:00am for all 2026 seasons – Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.
Click HERE to view the Aquatic Leadership Programs.
Leadership Progression Chart
How to become a Swim Instructor & Lifeguard
Level 1: Bronze Star
Must be 12 years or completed Swimmer 9: Star Patrol
Level 2: Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid
Must be 13 years or have completed Bronze Star
Level 3: Standard First Aid & CPR C
Recommend 14 years of age
Level 4: Pool Attendant
Must be 14 years and completed Standard First Aid
Level 5: Bronze Cross
Must have completed Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid or Standard First Aid
Level 6: Assistant Swim Instructor
Must be 14 years and have completed Bronze Cross and Emergency First Aid or higher
Level 7: Swim & Lifesaving Instructor
Must be 15 years and have completed Bronze Cross and Emergency First Aid or higher
Level 8: National Lifeguard
Must be 15 years and have completed Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid
Apply for a job!
Phase 1: Application process
The recruitment process will require you to submit your application, cover letter and resume to Human Resources. The information regarding the recruitment can be found on on the Careers page during our application hiring periods.
The recruitment process will require you to submit your application, cover letter and resume to Human Resources. The information regarding the recruitment can be found on on the Careers page during our application hiring periods.
Wet Screening & Interview
Phase 2: Wet Screening
Applicants who are selected to move to phase 2 of the recruitment process will be notified to attend a wet screening.
Applicants who are selected to move to phase 2 of the recruitment process will be notified to attend a wet screening.
Phase 3 - Interview
Candidates who are successful at the wet screening will be invited to participate in an interview.
Candidates must be able to promote a culture of inclusiveness and work with a diverse population of employees, participants, agencies and the public. All applicants will be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Screening upon hire.
Click HERE to view the Refund Policy
Aquatic Leadership Information
Don’t get turned away at the first class! Make sure you have the proper course prerequisites! Refer to each course description for course prerequisites.
Check and print your awards online:
- Visit Lifesaving Society's Find a Member Page
- Fill in your Lifesaving Society ID #. You can find your Lifesaving Society ID on the bottom right corner of your Lifesaving Society certification cards.
- Print out the record and bring it on the first day of your course.
Please note that 100% attendance and active participation is required in both the pool and classroom sessions in order to complete any aquatic leadership course (lateness is equivalent to absence).
Proof of age (birth certificate) will be required for all courses with an age prerequisite. You will be required to submit this to the Instructor on the first day of the course.
Candidates must attend the exam at the facility where the course was administered.
Unsuccessful completion of a course
In many courses, candidates are continuously evaluated by both the Instructor and a Lifesaving Society certified examiner. Candidates who are unsuccessful in their course will be required to take the program again in full, however they will be eligible for a discount. In order to re-register for a re-attempt for any leadership course, please email the Aquatic Programmer.
Refund and transfer requests must be submitted in writing at least 5 days before the first class in order to be granted.
Aquatic Leadership Lending Library:
The BWG Leisure Centre and the Bradford Public Library have joined forces to introduce the Aquatic Leadership Lending Library, aimed at providing loaned aquatic leadership manuals. To avail of this opportunity, simply bring your manual with you on the first day of your class, and you will receive a discount on the course you are participating in. Click here to reserve your manuals today!
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