National Lifeguard Certification Course
National Lifeguard training builds on the fundamental skills taught in the Bronze Medallion and Cross programs and equips candidates with the practical skills and knowledge required of lifeguards. This course is designed for lifesavers who want to seek employment in Lifeguarding locally or across Canada.
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
- Alert: Lifeguard in Action Manual
- Whistle
Notice (1):
The Alert 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 an Alert Manual because you already have one, you must call (613) 520-4480 or register in-person at the Welcome Centre Desk in Alumni Hall.
Notice (2):
Lifesaving Society FOX 40 whistles with a lanyard ($12) are available for purchase in person at the Welcome Center Desk – while supplies last!
Prerequisites
- Must be at least 15 years old
- 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 course. No alternative exam date or time is available.
The in-water National Lifeguard exam is scheduled on the afternoon of the camp.
What to Bring
- 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 towel
- 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 will be issued candidates who purchased a manual when registering.
- 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 name and birth date for all original vocational courses and recertification, effective January 1, 2026. For additional information please visit their website.
Spring 2026 Program Registration Opens April 8th @ 9:00am
Dates & Times
Winter Term
| Day | Dates | Times | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday(s) | Jan 10 – Mar 28 | 2:30 – 7:00pm | $216 |
No Sessions
On February 14 & March 21
Spring Term
| Day/Times | Dates | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday(s) 3:00-7:30pm & Wednesdays(s) 5:00 – 9:30pm | May 9 – June 13 | $223 ($216.31 + 3% CRF) + tax |
- The program runs both Saturdays and Wednesdays for a total of 10 sessions over 6 weeks.
No Sessions
On (Sat) May 16.
Summer Term
There is a summer camp for this program.
Click the button below to go to the “National Lifeguard Certification Camp” page
Fall Term
There are currently no dates for this term yet
Please come back later!
Additional Cost
- $60 (Alert Manual)
Includes
- National Lifeguard – Pool Option Certification
- Alert Manual (add on fee)
Location
- Carleton Pool – Alumni Hall
Important Notes
- Effective January 1, 2026, a Capital Renewal Fee (CRF) of 3% will apply to select non-student facility rentals, programs, and services. This fee supports long-term facility maintenance and renewal, with all funds directed to a dedicated capital renewal fund. Certain exemptions may apply. For more information visit our website at: https://athletics.carleton.ca/community/rentals/capital-renewal-fee/
- Arrivals for this course should should check-in at the Welcome Centre Desk in Alumni Hall
- Note: Lot 5 parking is not Free
- Please arrive 10 -15 minutes before the start of the class
- Registration is required in advance and space is limited.
- Parents/spectators are welcome to watch from the POOL GALLERY on the 3rd floor.
If you have any questions, concerns or feedback.
PLEASE talk to the Instructors or the Lifesaving Supervisor.