City of Waterloo offers free Aquatic Leadership Certification Program

The City of Waterloo is offering a free daytime Aquatic Leadership Certification program to individuals ages 18 and older who are successful in an initial skills assessment. Aquatic Certifications can lead to employment with the City as an instructor/lifeguard.

Individuals ages 18 and older are invited to take a skills assessment to evaluate their swimming ability and determine eligibility into the certification program. Successful candidates will receive a 100 per cent discount for the following certification courses:

• Bronze Medallion/Emergency First Aid and CPR B
• Bronze Cross/Standard First Aid and CPR C/National Lifeguard
• Life Saving Society Instructors and Swim Instructors

“This fall, as a part of our efforts to increase staffing caused by the national shortage and address our greatest needs for weekday daytime shifts, we are offering free certifications to become a swimming instructor and lifeguard,” said Gus Siountres, Manager of Aquatics. “Anyone 18 years and older with a passion for aquatics and the availability to participate in daytime courses are encouraged to register in one of our August swim assessments.” 

Assessment registration opens July 26. Successful assessment candidates will be invited to attend a 15 week fast track course to complete the six certifications required to work as an instructor/lifeguard for the City of Waterloo. Participants can be fully certified by the end of the year and may participate in the interview process for work placement starting in January 2024.

Visit www.waterloo.ca/free-leadership to view upcoming assessment dates and learn more about the training program.

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Media contacts:
Cari Van Niekerk
Director, Corporate Communications
cari.vannikerk@waterloo.ca