Aquatic Training and Certifications | City of Orillia Recreation

It's more than a job, it's an experience! Get certified for a job you will love.

Follow the path to becoming a lifeguard, instructor or just re-certify to keep your professional skills up to date and your job opportunities open. You can start as young as age 10 on the journey, through our courses. Interested in turning your aquatic certifications into a job? Explore opportunities on our Work in Rec page.

Steps to Become a Lifeguard or Swim Instructor

Start your journey in aquatics. These courses provide the certifications and hands-on training needed to work as a lifeguard or teach swimming lessons.

Course Descriptions and Prerequisites

Bronze Star

Prerequisite: None, Swim Patrol experience reommended.

Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid

Prerequisite: At least 13 years of age, or successful completion of Bronze Star.

Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid.

Lifesaving Society Assistant Instructor

Prerequisite: At least 14 years of age and successful completion of Bronze Cross or higher.

National Lifeguard Pool

Prerequisite: At least 15 years of age and successful completion of Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with CPR-C.

Lifesaving Society Swim and Lifesaving Instructor

Prerequisite: At least 15 years of age and Bronze Cross (or higher), Lifesaving Society Assistant Instructor recommended.

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Step Up Your Leadership in Aquatics

Take the next step beyond lifeguarding or instructing. These courses focus on leadership, instruction, and mentorship skills to help you teach, supervise, and lead others in aquatic programs.

Course Descriptions and Prerequisites

Lifesaving Sport Coach Level 1

Prerequisite: Lifesaving Society Lifesaving Instructor.

Aquatic Supervisor

Prerequisite: Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor OR Lifesaving Instructor and National Lifeguard certifications.

Examiners Course

Prerequisites vary based on the Lifesaving Program in which you will be examining. Lifesaving Instructor course is recommended. For details, visit the Lifesaving Society website.

First Aid Instructor

Prerequisite: At least 16 years of age, Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid or Standard First Aid from a training agency approved by the Ontario government.

National Lifeguard Instructor

Prerequisite: National Lifeguard (any option), Lifesaving Instructor. Recommended: Bronze Examiner, experience lifeguarding.

Trainer Course

Prerequisite: Trainer candidates must have teaching experience and have Examiner status in at least one stream of Lifesaving Programs. Learn more on the Lifesaving Society website.

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Eligibility and Age Requirements

You must be 15 years old to become a certified lifeguard or swim instructor.
Training can begin as young as 12 years old.
The City of Orillia hires Assistant Lifeguard/Instructors starting at age 14.
If a course lists a minimum age, you may register if you turn that age before the last day of the course.

Certifications, Prerequisites, and Recertifications

Prerequisites do not need to be current, but they must have been completed in the correct order before the final course exam.
Standard First Aid must be from an Ontario-approved training agency and must be dated within three years. Recertification must be completed through the same training agency as the original certification.
You can verify your certifications through the Lifesaving Society website using your Lifesaving Society ID number.
Certifications earned outside Ontario or Canada must be evaluated by the Lifesaving Society for equivalency. For information call 416-490-8844.