National Lifeguard Certification Camps
National Lifeguard training builds on the skills learned in Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross, equipping candidates with the practical skills and knowledge needed to pursue lifeguarding employment in Ottawa and across Canada.
Registration is Now Open
National Lifeguard – Pool Option
- Designed to develop the fundamental values, judgment, knowledge, skills, and fitness required by lifeguards
- Emphasizes the lifeguarding skills, principles and practices, and the decision-making processes that will assist candidates in providing effective safety supervision in swimming pool environments.
An overview of the program can be found on the Lifesaving Society website.
Required
- Lifesaving ALERT Manual (purchased during registration)
- Whistle
- Pocket mask (optional)
Notice (1):
The manual fee will be charged automatically when you register online. Manuals will be issued at the first session.
If you would like to opt out of purchasing a manual because you already have one, you must call (613) 520-4480 or register in-person at the Welcome Centre Desk in Alumni Hall.
Prerequisites
- Minimum 15 years of age
- Bronze Cross certification and Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid (need not be current) or SFA from one of these approved agencies.
Please Note:
All candidates must attend the final practical exam, which will be held on the final day of the camp. No alternative exam date or time is available.
What to Bring
- At least (1) swim suit
- Due to the physical nature of these courses, it’s recommended that candidates wear a one-piece bathing suit or well-fitting swim trunks.
- A couple of towels
- It’s beneficial to have more than (1) towel in order to stay warm and dry in-between swims.
- Swim Goggles (strongly recommended)
- Borrowing goggles from our ‘lost & found’ is not recommended for health & safety reasons.
- A notebook and a pen or pencil
- Manuals
- The ALERT: Lifeguarding in Action manual (required purchase during registration, issued to candidates during the first day of camp).
- A whistle for emergency situations.
Lifesaving Society Verification of Identity Policy
Candidates will be required to provide their Instructor/Examiner proof of government-issued ID with a photo, date of birth and name for all original vocational courses and recertification, effective January 1, 2026. For additional information please visit their website.
Upcoming Program Offerings
March Break Camp 2027
Upcoming date TBD
Check back later.
Includes
- National Lifeguard – Pool Option Certification
- Alert Manual (add on fee)
Location
- Carleton Pool – Alumni Hall
- Drop-Off – Camper should meet their instructor on deck for a 8:30 AM start
- Pick up
- Holiday Camp > Campers will be dismissed at 4:30 PM from the pool deck or classroom
- March Break and Summer Camp > Campers will be dismissed at 4:45 PM from the pool deck or classroom
Important Notes
- Note: Lot 5 parking is not Free
- Registration is required in advance and space is limited.
- Lockers are available for use (day use only).
- We recommend that candidates bring clothes/valuables etc. to the pool-deck in a gym bag or back-pack for safe-keeping.
- Parents/spectators are not permitted to remain on the pool deck during the camp. However, the pool gallery on the 3rd floor will be open.
Participants are encouraged to bring SNACKS and will be given breaks throughout the day to grab food/water.
Please keep in mind that Carleton Pool is a nut-free zone