JOIN TODAY AND GET YOUR FIRST PAYMENT FREE
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
OUR LOCATIONS
VISIT ANY OF OUR FIVE LOCATIONS
JOIN OUR TEAM
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 7.
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
January 14 to
March 11 2023
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA (Kitchener)
Saturday 10:45am-12:00pm
January 13 to
March 10 2023
Guelph Y
Friday 4:30-5:45pm
January 14 to
March 11 2023
Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge)
Saturday 9:00am-10:15am
January 9 to
March 6 2023
Stork Family YMCA (Waterloo)
Monday 4:30pm-6:00pm
January 9 to
March 6 2023
Stratford Y
Monday 4:15pm-5:45pm
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
January 13 to
March 10 2023
Guelph Y
Friday 5:00pm-7:30pm
January 11 to
February 22 2023
Stratford Y
Wednesday 4:30pm-7:30pm
January 14 to
March 11 2023
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA (Kitchener)
Saturday 12:00pm-3:00pm
January 2 to
January 6 2023
Guelph Y
Monday to Friday 3:00pm-8:00pm
January 9 to
March 6 2023
Stork Family YMCA (Waterloo)
Monday 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
January 13 to
March 10 2023
Guelph Y
Friday 5:00pm-7:30pm
January 11 to
March 1 2023
Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge)
Wednesday 4:30pm-7:30pm
February 10 to
February 12 2023
Stratford Y
Friday 4:00pm-9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am-5:30pm
Sunday 8:00am-5:30pm
January 2 to
January 6 2023
Guelph Y
Monday to Friday
3:00pm-8:00pm
January 9 to
March 6 2023
Stork Family YMCA (Waterloo)
Monday 4:30pm-7:30pm
January 14 to
March 11 2023
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA (Kitchener)
Saturday 12:00pm-3:00pm
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
March 4 to
March 5 2023
Stratford Y
February 11 to
February 12 2023
Stork Family YMCA (Waterloo)
Saturday 8:00am-4:00pm
Sunday 8:00am-4:00pm
January 13 to
January 14 2023
Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge)
Saturday 8:00am-4:00pm
Sunday 8:00am-4:00pm
Friday 4:30pm-10:00pm
Saturday 8:00am-6:00pm
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
February 11 2023
Guelph Y
Saturday 9:00am-5:30pm
February 25 2023
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA (Kitchener)
Saturday 8:00am-4:00pm
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
February 24 to
February 26 2022
Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge)
Friday 4:00pm-9:00pm
Saturday 9:00am-6:30pm
Sunday 9:00am-6:30pm
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.
The Winter 2023 course schedule will be available in November. 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
February 24 to
February 25 2023
Guelph Y
Friday 4:30pm-10:00pm
Saturday 9:00am-7:30pm
January 12 to
March 2 2023
Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge)
Thursday 4:30pm-7:30pm
January 27 to
January 29 2023
Stratford Y
Friday 4:00pm-8:00pm
Saturday 8:00am-5:00pm
Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm
February 10 to
February 12 2023
Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge)
Friday 4:00pm-8:00pm
Saturday 9:00am-6:30pm
Sunday 9:00am-6:30pm
March 5 2023
Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge)
Sunday 9:00am-5:00pm
January 2 to
January 6 2023
Guelph Y
Monday to Friday 11:30am-8:00pm
January 2 to
January 6 2023
Stork Family YMCA (Waterloo)
Monday to Friday 12:00pm-8:00pm
January 13 to
March 10 2023
Guelph Y
Friday 4:00pm-9:00pm
March 13 to
March 17 2023
Stork Family YMCA (Waterloo)
Monday to Friday 12:00pm-8:00pm
March 24 to
April 2 2023
Stratford Y
Friday 4:00pm-9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am-5:30pm
Sunday 8:00am-5:30pm
January 6 2023
Guelph Y
Friday 3:00pm-8:00pm
March 4 2023
Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge)
Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
Guelph Y
March 10 2023
Friday 4:00pm-9:00pm
Friday 4:00pm-10:00pm
Stratford Y
March 10 2023
March 19 2023
Stork Family YMCA (Waterloo)
Sunday 1:00pm-7:00pm
January 13 to
January 15 2023
Stratford Y
Friday 4:00pm-8:00pm
Saturday 8:00am-5:30pm
Sunday 8:00am-5:30pm