Frequently Asked Questions

There are a total of 4 courses that you need to take in order to become a lifeguard in Canada. The following is the most efficient order of taking the courses.

1. Intermediate First Aid with CPR C

2. Bronze Medallion

3. Bronze Cross

4. National Lifeguard Pool Course (15 years of age)

You can take courses 1-3 all with our Bronze Combo with Intermediate First Aid package over only 2 weekends!

• 15 years old by the day of your exam

• Bronze Cross (needs not to be current)

• Intermediate First Aid with CPR-C (needs not to be current)

In Ontario, candidates must be at least 15 years old to be able to take the National Lifeguard course.

There are no age limits as to when a candidate can become a lifeguard. Lifeguarding Academy has trained hundreds of candidates from all sorts of ages!

Your National Lifeguard certification is valid for a period of 2 years. After that, candidates are required to attend a 1-day National Lifeguard recertification course in order to renew their qualification.

Yes, you can recertify your National Lifeguard certification at any point even after it has expired. 

All candidates will be prepared for their exam throughout the course but you can prepare yourself for the physical requirements of the course by training beforehand. You can see all of the National Lifeguard course content on this page. 

Due to laws and regulations set by the Lifesaving Society, unsuccessful National Lifeguard candidates are required to retake the National Lifeguard course from the beginning.

Unfortunately, due to laws and regulations set by the Lifesaving Society, unsuccessful National Lifeguard candidates are required to retake the National Lifeguard course from the beginning. 

Once you have successfully completed all of your courses, you can start working as a lifeguard anywhere in Canada. Most of our candidates apply to work with the city, a local pool or community centre. Click here to take a look at some of our job postings!

Lifeguards are currently in an record-breaking high demand! The shortage of lifeguards across the province can almost guarantee you to find a job. 

You can also take a look at our current job postings here.

On average, lifeguards in Canada get paid between $16-$20 per hour. Your exact pay will vary depending on your employer. These wages have not changed since the minimum-wage increase so it is likely that they will improve in the near future.