Lifeguarding and leadership

Learn the steps to get certified and apply to be a lifeguard or swim instructor. 

Summer registration is now open. Fall registration opens September 8 for Waterloo residents.

On this page:

1. Build leadership skills
2. Get the certifications you need
3. Renew your certifications
4. Apply for a job
5. Free Aquatic Leadership Certification program
6. Learn about the Lifesaving Society

Build leadership skills

Take Lifesaving Society leadership courses to build skills and move toward certification:

1. Bronze Star (11+) – introduction to lifesaving and fitness; prepares you for Bronze Medallion.
2. Bronze Medallion (13+) – first step toward lifeguarding; teaches judgment, knowledge and rescue skills.
3. Bronze Cross (13+) – prepares you for assistant lifeguard responsibilities; required before National Lifeguard.
4. Standard First Aid with CPR C (13+) – full first aid and CPR course, required for National Lifeguard.
5. Assistant Instructor (14+) – introduction to teaching; prepares you to help certified instructors.
6. Swim Instructor (15+) – qualify to teach swimming lessons.
7. National Lifeguard (15+) – highest award; qualifies you to work as a lifeguard.

We require government-issued photo ID for leadership courses. Bring it on the first day of class.

Get certified

Summer registration is now open. Fall registration opens September 8 for Waterloo residents.

To work as a lifeguard or instructor with the City of Waterloo, you must have:

• National Lifeguard certification
• Swim Instructor certification
• Lifesaving Instructor certification
• LSS Standard First Aid and CPR C

Additional requirements:

• current Police Vulnerable Sector Check
• fitness level maintained to Lifesaving Society standards
• strong teamwork, safety and customer service skills

Register for lifeguard and leadership courses

Renew certifications

Renew your certifications before they expire:

• LSS Standard First Aid and CPR C (13+)
• LSS Instructors  (16+)
• National Lifeguard (16+)

Apply for to be a lifeguard or instructor

We recruit throughout the year. Check our current job postings and apply when a position is listed:

• submit your resume and cover letter online
• include copies of your current swim certifications
• if you don’t hear back within 6 months, you are welcome to reapply

If you have any questions about the application or hiring process, email swim@waterloo.ca.

Check current opportunities

Free Aquatic Leadership Certification program

Applications for this year's free Aquatic Leadership Certification program are closed. Check back in the spring for information about the next session.

This free 15-week fast-track program is for adults age 21 and older and includes:

• Bronze Medallion
• Bronze Cross
• Intermediate First Aid and CPR C
• National Lifeguard
• Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor

Participants must complete a swimming skills assessment before joining the program.

Previous program participants have been hired as instructors or lifeguards at the city.