The Education and Proficiency Programs have been created and are owned by the Alberta and Northwest Territories Branch of the Lifesaving Society. The Education and Proficiency Programs may be taken before or after instructor certification. These programs may also act as a gap filler between the Bronze Medals and National Lifeguard or Swim/Lifesaving Instructor.
Program information can be found in the Education and Proficiency Program Guide.
Proficiency programs are skill-based programs that provide a foundational background to candidates. Proficiency programs build confidence and mastery of skill and knowledge. These programs focus on learning the content not learning to teach and as such do not replace instructor certifications.
Preschool Proficiency
The Preschool Proficiency program is a knowledge-based program that enhances the understanding of preschoolers and how they learn, develop, and acquire skills in the water.
| Prerequisite(s) | Must be 14 years of age or older to teach. |
| Certification Currency | Two (2) years from the date of certification. |
| Recertification | None. Must complete an original Preschool Proficiency course to remain current. |
Preschool Proficiency is not an instructor certification though it is of value to anyone wishing to enhance or revisit their skills. This can include but is not limited to: teens, adults, volunteers, caregivers, and instructors.
SwimAbilities® Proficiency
SwimAbilities® Proficiency is a knowledge-based program that enhances the understanding of working with children with special needs. Candidates will learn techniques to use while working with children with special needs, such as supports, communication, skills, and safety considerations.
| Prerequisite(s) | Must be 14 years of age or older to teach. |
| Certification Currency | Two (2) years from the date of certification. |
| Recertification | None. Must complete an original SwimAbilities® Proficiency course to remain current. |
SwimAbilities® Proficiency is not an instructor certification though it is of value to anyone needing the knowledge and skills on how to work with kids with special needs. This can include but is not limited to: teens, adults, volunteers, caregivers, and instructors.
Lifeguard skills programs are skill-based programs with value to both lifesavers and lifeguards. These programs will focus on foundational lifeguard skills to enhance knowledge and skills. They provide a consistent approach to training and the use of equipment. Lifeguard skills training does not replace lifeguard training through the National Lifeguard Program.
Lifeguard Fitness Skills
The Lifeguard Fitness Skills program focuses on fitness, skills, and performance criteria allowing lifeguards and affiliates to assess and develop the fitness level of National Lifeguards and others that wish to enhance skills.
| Prerequisite(s) | Must be 14 years of age or older and possess a Bronze Cross certification (need not be current) to teach. |
| Certification Currency | Two (2) years from the date of certification. |
| Recertification | None. Must complete an original Lifeguard Fitness Skills course to remain current. |
Attendant programs prepare candidates for employment as attendants at indoor and outdoor aquatic and multipurpose facilities. They provide standardized training for current and future staff who do not require specific vocational training such as lifeguards, coaching staff, or personal trainers. All Attendant programs train candidates in scanning, communication, and public relations to help them monitor various areas.
Attendants and employers should understand the Lifesaving Society Certified Attendants Position Statement.
Amenity Attendant
Candidates will learn how to effectively communicate and educate the public about safe, appropriate use of facilities, and their amenities as well as how to respond to minor emergencies as part of a team. Amenity Attendants can assist in monitoring a variety of amenities in an aquatic or multipurpose facility.
| Prerequisite(s) | Must be 14 years of age or older and possess an Alberta Workplace-Approved Basic First Aid certification to teach. |
| Certification Currency | Two (2) years from the date of certification. |
| Recertification | None. Must complete an original Amenity Attendant course to remain current. |
Wading Pool Attendant
Candidates will learn how to effectively communicate and educate the public about safe and appropriate use of amenities, and how to respond to minor emergencies. Wading Pool Attendants can assist in monitoring wading pools where water is less than 1.2m deep and nearby amenities.
| Prerequisite(s) | Must be 14 years of age or older and possess a current Aquatic Emergency Care certification to teach. An Amenity Attendant certification is also recommended. |
| Certification Currency | Two (2) years from the date of certification. |
| Recertification | None. Must complete an original Wading Pool Attendant course to remain current. |
Shallow Water Attendant
Candidates will learn how to effectively communicate and educate the public about safe, appropriate use of amenities, and how to respond to minor emergencies as part of a team. Under the direction and leadership of a current National lifeguard, candidates can assist in attending to waterslide landing areas, lazy rivers, and other areas where the water is less than 1.2m deep.
| Prerequisite(s) | Must be 14 years of age or older and possess a current Aquatic Emergency Care certification to teach. Or, be 14 years of age or older and possess a Bronze Cross (need not be current) and a current Alberta Workplace-Approve Basic First Aid certification. An Amenity Attendant certification is also recommended. |
| Certification Currency | Two (2) years from the date of certification. |
| Recertification | None. Must complete an original Shallow Water Attendant course to remain current. |
Beach Attendant
Candidates will learn how to effectively communicate and educate the public about safe and appropriate use of amenities, and how to respond to minor emergencies. Beach Attendants can assist in monitoring beachfront areas, beach amenities, and designated swimming areas where water is less than 1.2m deep.
| Prerequisite(s) | Must be 14 years of age or older and possess a current Aquatic Emergency Care certification.An Amenity Attendant certification is also recommended. |
| Certification Currency | Two (2) years from the date of certification. |
| Recertification | None. Must complete an original Beach Attendant course to remain current. |
For more information on Education & Proficiency programs, refer to the Policies & Procedures.
