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YMCA of Three Rivers | We're Here for Good
Offer ends March 31, 2022. Conditions apply*
Swim. Teach. Save Lives.
Chaplin Family YMCA
Stork Family YMCA
Offer conditions: A minimum 6-month commitment is necessary to receive this offer. This offer applies to all continuous bi-weekly memberships, all full-pay memberships (6-month commitment 1-year membership), and all financially assisted memberships. This offer does not apply to any short-term memberships (1-month, 3-month), or any agency memberships.
Guelph Y
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA
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Dive into
Aquatic Leadership
at the Y.
Responsibility, problem solving, leadership, teamwork — these are just some of the skills you'll gain on your path to becoming a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor. And along the way, you'll make memories and build friendships that will last a lifetime.
From the first lifesaving course you take, you'll be doing your part to make our communities a safer place.
Are you up for the challenge?
Aquatic Leadership Roadmap
No Prerequisites
Recommended 10 years of age and/or complete Star 7
Minimum 13 years of age or Bronze Star certification.
Recommended 14 years of age, Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid certifications required.
No Prerequisite
Minimum 15 years of age with Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid.
Minimum 15 years of age with Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid.
Upcoming Courses
Prerequisites: No Prerequisites. Recommended 10 years of age and/or complete Star 6.
Bronze Star is excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion. Participants develop problem-solving and decision-making skills individually and in partners. Candidates learn CPR and develop the lifesaving skills needed to be their own lifeguard. Includes a timed 400 m swim.
Date
Location
Days and Times
September 23 to
September 24, 2023
Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge)
Saturday and Sunday
11:00am-5:00pm
September 18 to
November 13, 2023
Stork Family YMCA (Waterloo)
Monday 4:30pm-6:00pm
Prerequisites: Minimum 13 years of age or Bronze Star certification (need not be current).
Bronze Medallion challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. Candidates acquire the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on, and around the water. Bronze Medallion is a prerequisite for assistant lifeguard training in Bronze Cross.
Fee includes manual and exam fee.
Learn more about the requirements for Bronze Medallion.
Date
Location
Days and Times
September 18 to
November 13 2023
Stork Family YMCA (Waterloo)
Monday 4:30pm-7:30pm
October 16 to
December 11 2023
Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge)
Monday 4:30pm-7:30pm
September 21 to
November 9 2023
Stratford Y
Thursday 4:30pm-7:30pm
Prerequisites: Recommended minimum 14 years of age, Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid or Standard First Aid required.
Bronze Cross begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as assistant lifeguards. Candidates strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills and begin to apply the principles and techniques of active surveillance in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies. Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for advanced training in the Society’s National Lifeguard and leadership certification programs.
Date
Location
Days and Times
November 10 to
November 12 2023
Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge)
Friday 4:00pm-9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am-5:30pm
Sunday 8:00am-5:30pm
November 7 to
December 19 2023
Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge)
Tuesday 4:30pm-8:30pm
September 18 to
November 13 2023
Stork Family YMCA (Waterloo)
Monday 4:30pm-7:30pm
September 29 to
November 3 2023
Guelph YMCA-YWCA
Friday 4:00pm-8:30pm
Prerequisites: None (recommended minimum 14 years of age).
Standard First Aid provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR. Standard First Aid incorporates all of Emergency First Aid and is designed for those who require a more in-depth understanding of first aid including: legal implications of first aid treatment, spinal injuries, heat or cold injuries, bone and joint injuries, chest injuries, and medical emergencies. Includes CPR-C certification.
Date
Location
Days and Times
October 13 to
November 10 2023
Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge)
Friday 4:30pm-8:00pm
October 7 to
October 8 2023
Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge)
Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
Sunday 9:00am-5:00pm
Candidates who have completed a full Standard First Aid with CPR-C course through the Lifesaving Society within the last 3 years may take a recertification course. If your last full course was over 3 years ago you must take a full course. If your certification is through another organization (Red Cross, St Johns, etc.) you must recertify through the same organization as your original certification, or take a full course through Livesaving Society.
Prerequisites: Completed Standard First Aid with CPR-C full course through the Lifesaving Society within three years of the course end date.
Date
Location
Days and Times
Prerequisites: Minimum 15 years of age, Bronze Cross, and Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid (need not be current) or Standard First Aid from one of these approved agencies. Fee includes manual and exam fee.
National Lifeguard certification is Canada's professional lifeguard standard. National Lifeguard training develops a sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgment, and a mature and responsible attitude towards the lifeguard's role. National Lifeguard training emphasizes prevention and effective rescue response in emergencies including first aid treatment. Candidates develop teamwork, leadership and communication skills. Fitness requirements include a timed object recovery, 50m sprint challenge, 50m rescue drill and 400m endurance challenge.
Date
Location
Days and Times
Prerequisites: National Lifeguard Pool Certification (need not be current)
The National Lifeguard recertification exam is your opportunity to demonstrate your skills and recertify your award. You are responsible for reviewing the required content and skills and preparing yourself for the exam. Your exam is based on the National Lifeguard Award curriculum. The required content for this curriculum can be found in your Alert text and the Canadian Lifesaving Manual. Candidates should bring Alert, a whistle, barrier devices (gloves and pocket mask) and proof of prerequisite (previous National Lifeguard).
Date
Location
Days and Times
Do you have a passion for water safety that you want to share with your community? Join our team as a volunteer or staff! We have a variety of roles available across Stratford, Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, and Guelph!
When you join our team you'll gain more than just a job - Lifeguarding is an opportunity to develop leadership skills and build friendships that will last a lifetime. But, the benefits don't end there! Volunteers and staff receive a free YMCA membership and discounts on Aquatic Leadership Courses.
If you're at least 14 years old and have completed Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid with CPR-C, you can apply to become a Volunteer Assistant Swim Instructor. This position is a great opportunity to gain experience in an Aquatic environment while you work towards your certification as a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor.
Are you at least 16 years old and are certified as a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor? Apply today to join our Aquatic Staff team!
Are you passionate about delivering high-quality aquatic leadership courses? If you're certified as an advanced instructor (Lifesaving Instructor, Standard First Aid Instructor, or National Lifeguard Instructor) apply today to join our Aquatic Staff Team!
Minimum 15 years of age with Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid.
Follow this path to become a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor. Along the way, you'll find opportunities to develop leadership skills, build lifelong friendships, and share your skills with your community.
Check out our upcoming courses across the YMCA of Three Rivers. We have courses happening in Stratford, Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, and Guelph. Register in person at any of our locations or online through the Member Portal.
Want to be the first to hear about upcoming courses? Use our quick and easy quiz to find out what your next course is and sign up to receive updates about Aquatic Leadership at the YMCA of Three Rivers.
Still not sure which course to take?
The path to becoming a Lifeguard can be confusing - we get it! Use this quick and easy quiz to find out what your next course is.
Prerequisites: Minimum 16 years of age, Current National Lifeguard or Bronze Cross, Standard First Aid, Swim Strokes at YMCA Intermediate Stroke Standard or equivalent, Swim Skills at the YMCA Standard or equivalent.
This course is the foundation for building strong leaders in YMCA aquatics. Content covers YMCA Healthy Child Development, planning effective lessons using progressions and activities, and an understanding of the YMCA E.G.G.S.
(E - Explanation/Demonstration, G - Group Practice, Group Feedback, S - Specific Practice and Feedback) teaching method. Instructors will also review skills and strokes, different learning styles and temperaments, and how to react to emergency situations in a class setting. Participants will also learn to deliver the Lifesaving Society Canadian Swim Patrol and Bronze Star. Fee includes manual and certification.
Date
Location
Days and Times
No course scheduled, check back soon!
Prerequisites: Minimum 15 years of age by the end of the course; Bronze Cross certification (need not be current).
The Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor course prepares the instructor to teach and evaluate the swimming strokes and related skills found in the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life program. Candidates acquire proven teaching methods, planning skills, and a variety of stroke development drills and correction techniques.
Date
Location
Days and Times
Register for Bronze StarRegister for Bronze MedallionRegister for Bronze CrossRegister for SFA Full CourseRegister for SFA RecertificationRegister for NL Full CourseRegister for NL RecertificationRegister for LSS Swim InstructorRegister for YMCA Swim Instructor
Swim. Teach.
Save Lives.
Aquatic Leadership Roadmap
October 20 to
October 22 2023
Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge)
Friday 4:00pm-9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am-5:30pm
Sunday 8:00am-5:30pm
September 22 to
December 1 2023
Guelph YMCA-YWCA
Friday 4:00pm-8:30pm
November 17 to
November 26 2023
Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge)
Friday 4:00pm-9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am-5:30pm
Sunday 8:00am-5:30pm
Stork Family YMCA
(Waterloo)
September 17 2023
Sunday 1:00pm-8:00pm
June 9 to
June 11 2023
Stratford YMCA
Friday 5:00pm-9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am-5:30pm
Sunday 8:00am-5:30pm
Please register for all courses a minimum of seven days in advance of the start date. Courses that do not have sufficient registration one week before the start date are subject to cancellation, with full refund to participants.
Participants who choose to cancel their registration in a course two weeks or more prior to a course will be issued a full refund. Participants who choose to cancel their registration two weeks or less before the start of the course, or who do not have the appropriate pre-requisites at the start of the course, will not be refunded.
October 15 2023
Stork Family YMCA (Waterloo)
Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm
Prerequisites: Minimum 15 years of age by the end of the course; Bronze Cross certification (need not be current).
The Lifesaving Instructor course prepares individuals to organize, plan, teach and evaluate lifesaving and first aid skills and resuscitation techniques in the Society’s lifesaving and first aid awards. Successful candidates receive two certifications: Lifesaving Instructor and Emergency First Aid Instructor.
The Lifesaving and Emergency First Aid Instructor course prepares instructors to teach the Lifesaving Society's:
Canadian Swim Patrol Program
Junior Lifeguard Club
Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion*, Bronze Cross*
Wading Pool Attendant
Lifesaving Fitness, Distinction**
Basic and Emergency First Aid, and CPR-A, CPR-B and CPR-C
Boat Rescue**, Patrol Rider**, and Safeguard**
Register for LSS Lifesaving Instructor
Date
Location
Days and Times
April 21 to
April 23 2023
Stratford YMCA
Friday 5:00pm-9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am-5:30pm
Sunday 8:00am-5:30pm
Prerequisites: Minimum 16 years of age by the end of the course; Standard First Aid from one of these approved agencies (need not be current).
The Lifesaving Society’s First Aid Instructor course is designed to provide candidates with the knowledge and resources required to organize, plan, and deliver Lifesaving Society First Aid awards up to and including Standard First Aid and CPR -A, -B, -C. Current First Aid Instructors may teach:
-Basic and Emergency First Aid
-CPR –A, -B, and –C
-Automated External Defibrillation (AED)
-Standard First Aid*
-Airway Management**, CPR-HCP**, Anaphylaxis Rescuer**
*additional qualifications (Examiners) required to certify candidates in these courses
**additional qualifications required to teach or certify candidates in these courses
Register for LSS First Aid Instructor
Date
Location
Days and Times
June 2 to
June 4 2023
Stratford YMCA
Friday 5:00pm-9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am-5:30pm
Sunday 8:00am-5:30pm
November 10 to
December 15 2023
Guelph YMCA-YWCA
Friday 4:00pm-8:30pm
No course scheduled, check back soon!
January 3 2024
Wednesday 10:00am-6:00pm
Chaplin Family YMCA
(Cambridge)
December 30 2023
Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm
Guelph YMCA-YWCA
September 16 to
September 17 2023
Stork Family YMCA (Waterloo)
Saturday 8:00am-5:00pm
Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm
September 20 to
December 20, 2023
Stratford Y
Wednesday 6:15pm-7:00pm
September 19 to
October 31 2023
Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge)
Tuesday 4:30pm-8:30pm
November 3 to
November 5 2023
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA (Kitchener)
Friday 4:00pm-9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am-5:30pm
Sunday 8:00am-5:30pm
November 3 to
November 24, 2023
Guelph YMCA-YWCA
Friday 4:30pm-7:00pm
November 10 to
December 8 2023
Guelph YMCA-YWCA
Friday 4:30pm-8:15pm
November 16 to
December 21 2023
Stratford Y
Thursday 4:30pm-8:00pm
November 4 to
November 5 2023
Guelph YMCA-YWCA
Saturday 8:00am-5:00pm
Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm
November 18 to
November 19 2023
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA
(Kitchener)
Saturday 8:00am-5:00pm
Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm
November 17 to
December 15 2023
Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge)
Friday 4:30pm-8:00pm
November 19 2023
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA (Kitchener)
Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm
December 16 2023
Guelph YMCA-YWCA
Saturday 8:00am-5:00pm
Sunday 9:00am-5:00pm
Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge)
December 17 2023
November 10 to
November 19 2023
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA (Kitchener)
Friday 5:00pm-10:00pm
Saturday 8:00am-5:00pm
Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm
January 2 to
January 6 2024
Stork Family YMCA (Waterloo)
Tuesday to Friday 12:00pm-8:30pm
Saturday 8:00am-4:30pm
No course scheduled, check back soon!
No course scheduled, check back soon!