FAQ
What are the levels of Lifesaving courses?
- Canadian Swim Patrol (ages 8-12)
Rookie Patrol
Ranger Patrol
Star Patrol
Each patrol has three components: H2O Proficiency, First Aid and Rescue. - Bronze Star (age 10-12)
The Society recommends that candidates take the Bronze Star course before taking the Bronze Medallion. - Bronze Medallion (age 13)
- Bronze Cross (age 14)
- National Lifeguard (age 15)
Please refer to the Training Programs section for more details.
Where can I find a listing of courses offered at all of the pools in my area?
Most provincial/territorial Branch offices post courses on their websites. You will find links to all provincial/territorial Branches under the Contact Us tab.
How do I get a new card when I move to another province or territory?
Lifesaving Society Branches keep records for courses delivered in their province/territory. Contact the Branch where you took your course and request that your records be transferred to your new province of residence. The new Branch can then issue you a replacement card.
I lost my certification card. What should I do?
Lifesaving Society Branches keep records for courses delivered in their own province/territory. Contact the Branch where you took your course for a replacement card or proof of your qualifications. You will find links to all provincial/territorial Branches under the Contact Us tab.
Is there a grace period for a lapsed certificate?
Contact the Branch Office responsible for the province or territory where the course was taken to determine their individual Branch policy on grace periods.
How do you replace a lost boating license card?
Individuals who previously obtained a PCO card from the Lifesaving Society can contact the Alberta & Northwest Territories Branch (for service in English) or the Quebec Branch (for service in French) if a replacement card is required.
Do you need to renew your BOAT licence?
No you don’t have to renew a BOAT license. This license is good for life anywhere in Canada.
How often do Bronze Medallion, Bronze cross and NLS have to be recertified?
All Lifesaving awards have to be recertified every two years from the date appearing on the certificate. If you continue your lifeguard training you do not have to recertify your Bronze Medallion or your Bronze Cross. These two certificates are prerequisite to the next one, but they do not have to be current to do so.
Do you have to have your NLS to be an official lifeguard or can you be a lifeguard with just your Bronze Cross or Bronze Medallion?
You can be an assistant lifeguard with a Bronze Cross but legally an NLS award holder must be present when you lifeguard. The NLS holder will be the official lifeguard. Bronze Medallion is not sufficient to assist a lifeguard.
Is there any way to view all my qualifications online?
Yes, go to your local Branches website (except Quebec) and click the Find-A-Member link. Once the link is open, input your member number as found on the bottom right hand corner of all your Society certifications. You will find links to all provincial/territorial Branches under the Contact Us tab.
How do I order safety equipment or clothing from the Society
To order ACTARs (rescue manikins), rescue equipment, paddle-boards, spine boards, lifeguard T-shirts, manuals, test sheets, etc. contact your own Branch office or visit their web site.