Our Vision
The Lifesaving Society serves all Canadians by providing information and skills that promote safety in, on and around water. The Society is the Canadian authority in aquatic lifesaving education and lifeguarding. The Society is a leader and partner in the delivery of water safety education in Canada and around the world.
In striving to reach its vision, the Society:
- Maintains a strong foundation in research and collaborates with organizations working to advance safety education.
- Demonstrates leadership and skills in strategic thinking and operational decision-making through its Board of Directors.
- Ensures representation from all regions of Canada and facilitates the Society's work and resource development in all regions.
- Ensures each region of Canada is represented by strong Branches, which provide diverse and flexible delivery methods for program and public education.
Teaching Canadians to Save Themselves and Rescue Others
Annually, 1.2 million Canadians participate in our swimming, lifesaving, lifeguard, first aid and leadership programs. Each year we certify thousands of instructors who provide the leadership for our training programs. Over 25,000 Canadians earn our Bronze Medallion each year. As Canada's lifeguarding experts, we set the standard for lifeguard training and certify Canada's National Lifeguards.
Making Canadians Water Smart®
The Lifesaving Society focuses research-based Water Smart® drowning prevention efforts on people most at risk - like men fishing in small boats - or on those who can make a significant difference, such as parents of young children. We deliver Water Smart® messages through our swim programs, through the media and through community action. Our Swim to Survive® Program provides the essential minimum skills required to survive an unexpected fall into deep water.
Setting the Standard
The Lifesaving Society establishes the aquatic safety standards and consults on aquatic safety issues for the aquatic industry, governments and the judiciary. The Society offers a suite of services to help aquatic facility operators maintain and improve safe pool and waterfront operations. We perform aquatic safety audits and serve as experts in legal cases involving aquatic safety.
Lifesaving Sport
The Lifesaving Society is the Canadian governing body for lifesaving sport - a sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee and the Commonwealth Games Federation. We organize annual championships for Junior, Senior and Master athletes and coordinate Canada's National Lifesaving Team participation in international competition.
Water Incident Research
The Lifesaving Society conducts research into fatal and non-fatal drowning, aquatic injury and rescue interventions. Our ongoing research and analysis support the Society's evidence-based water rescue training and Water Smart® education.
