City of Waterloo offers second free Aquatic Leadership Certification program
The City of Waterloo is offering a free daytime Aquatic Leadership Certification program to adults who are successful in an initial skills assessment. Aquatic Certifications can lead to employment with the City as an instructor/lifeguard.
Individuals 18 and older are invited to attend a skills assessment on February 27 or March 7 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/Standard First Aid and CPR C
- Bronze Cross/National Lifeguard
- Life Saving Society Instructors and Swim Instructors
“We successfully piloted the fast-track recruitment program last year, and hired six of the ten participants. We hope to add to our daytime staffing complement again this fall. The cost of required certifications can be a barrier for some individuals. By removing that barrier, we widen our candidate pool to address the lifeguard shortage – it’s a win-win,” said Gus Siountres, Manager of Aquatics. “We encourage anyone 18 years and older with a passion for aquatics and the availability to participate in weekday courses to register in one of our upcoming swim assessments.”
Assessment registration is now open. 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 September 2024.
Visit www.waterloo.ca/free-leadership to view upcoming assessment dates and learn more about the training program.