Instructor Programs

In Alberta and Northwest Territories, all instructors are also examiners. In any material use of the term “instructor” is intended to by synonymous with “instructor/examiner” reflecting both roles. Some provincial branches may choose to deliver the instructor certification and examiner appointment as two separate processes.

Swim Instructor

Swim Instructors are responsible for teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the Swim for Life® and Canadian Swim Patrol programs. The Swim Instructor course prepares instructors to apply level 1 leadership competencies and strategies designed to teach swimming and lifesaving.

Prerequisite(s): 15 years old and Bronze Cross or higher

Certification Currency: 2 years from the date of certification

Apprenticeship: In course

Recertification: Attend a Swim and Lifesaving Instructor recertification course. Complete a Leadership Development Plan

Lifesaving Instructor

Lifesaving Instructors are responsible for teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the Canadian Swim Patrol, Bronze Medals, Distinction, Boat Rescue and Lifesaving Society CPR programs. The Lifesaving Instructor course prepares instructors to apply level 1 leadership competencies and strategies designed to teach lifesaving and water rescue education – judgement, knowledge, skill and fitness. Certification in Alberta and Northwest Territories includes CPR Instructor certification. Lifesaving Instructor certification is the prerequisite for other Lifesaving Society instructor certifications.

Prerequisite(s): 15 years old and Bronze Cross or higher

Certification Currency: 2 years from the date of certification

Apprenticeship: In course

Appointment: Lifesaving Instructors will be appointed as Bronze Examiners by the Branch

Recertification: Attend a Swim and Lifesaving Instructor recertification course. Complete a Leadership Development Plan

Education & Proficiency Instructor

Education and Proficiency Instructors are responsible for teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the Preschool Proficiency, Lifeguard Fitness Skills and Attendant programs. The Education and Proficiency Instructor course prepares instructors to apply level 1 leadership competencies and strategies designed to teach the Education and Proficiency topical streams for which they hold a candidate award in.

Prerequisite(s): Current Lifesaving Instructor or higher

Apprenticeship: In course

Certification Currency: 2 years from the date of certification

Recertification: Complete and submit a Distance Recertification Form, a Self- Assessment, and a Leadership Development Plan

SwimAbilities® Instructor

SwimAbilities® Instructors are responsible for teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the SwimAbilities® learn to swim program. The SwimAbilities® Instructor course prepares instructors to apply level 2 leadership competencies and strategies designed to teach candidates with special needs.

Prerequisite(s): Current Swim or Lifesaving Instructor

Apprenticeship: In course

Certification Currency: 2 years from the date of certification

Recertification: Complete and submit a Distance Recertification Form, a Self- Assessment, and a Leadership Development Plan

National Lifeguard Instructor

National Lifeguard Instructors are responsible for teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the National Lifeguard Pool, Water park, Waterfront, or Surf programs.

The National Lifeguard Instructor course prepares instructors to apply level 3 leadership competencies and strategies while teaching and evaluating.

Prerequisite(s): Current National Lifeguard (any option), Lifesaving Instructor (need not be current), National Lifeguard (any option) held for a minimum of two (2) years. Experience teaching Lifesaving Society certifications programs is recommended. 

Apprenticeship: After the course. Apply to apprentice on an original National Lifeguard course (Pool or Waterfront option).

Appointment: Instructors will be appointed as National Lifeguard Examiners by the Branch and may certify candidates in the options which they hold a candidate level award in (need not be current) 

Certification Currency: 2 years from the date of certification

Recertification: Attend a National Lifeguard Instructor recertification course. Complete a Leadership Development Plan

First Aid Instructor

First Aid Instructors are responsible for teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the Lifesaving Society CPR, Basic First Aid, Intermediate First Aid, Aquatic Emergency Care, CPR-HCP, and Oxygen Administration programs. The First Aid Instructor course prepares instructors to apply level 1 leadership competencies and strategies designed to teach the First Aid programs for which they hold a current candidate award in.

*Candidates that are eligible to attend a 16 hour course may choose to attend the 32 hour course.

Note: Instructor Eligibility process is available for Instructors who are certified through a Government of Alberta approved training agency. Contact the Lifesaving Society for further information.

Apprenticeship: In course

Appointment: Instructors will be appointed as First Aid Examiners by the Branch and may certify candidates in the topical streams for which they hold a current candidate award.

Certification Currency: 2 years from the date of certification.

Recertification: Attend First Aid Instructor recertification course. Complete a Leadership Development Plan

CPR Instructor

CPR Instructors are responsible for teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the Lifesaving Society CPR A and C programs. CPR Instructors are certified through the Lifesaving Instructor and First Aid Instructor courses.

CPR Instructors apply level 1 leadership competencies and strategies to teach CPR and AED skills.

Prerequisite(s): Current Lifesaving Society Intermediate First Aid or Alberta Government workplace approved Intermediate First Aid

Apprenticeship: In course

Appointment: Instructors will be appointed as CPR Examiners by the Branch and may certify candidates in CPR A and C

Certification Currency: 2 years from the date of certification

Recertification: Attend a Lifesaving Instructor or First Aid Instructor recertification course. Complete a Leadership Development Plan

Lifesaving Sport Coach 1

Coaches are responsible for training athletes for Lifesaving Sport and teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the Junior Lifeguard Club and Lifesaving Sport programs. The Coach Level 1 course prepares Coaches to apply level 2 leadership competencies and strategies designed to coach and train athletes to participate in Lifesaving Sport programs and sanctioned competition.

Prerequisite(s): Lifesaving Instructor or higher

Apprenticeship: In course

Certification Currency: 2 years from the date of certification

Recertification: Complete and submit a Distance Recertification Form, a Self- Assessment, and a Leadership Development Plan

Officials Instructor

Officials Instructors are responsible for teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the Community, Pool, Open Water, or Emergency Response Official and Meet Manager and Referee programs. The Officials Instructor course prepares instructors to apply level 3 leadership competencies and strategies designed to teach the Officials topical streams for which they hold a candidate award in.

Prerequisite(s): Lifesaving Instructor or higher and proof of officiating experience. Officiating experience as a Community, Pool, Open Water, Emergency Response Official with a minimum of 3 different roles at a minimum of 3 different Lifesaving Sport sanctioned competitions. Recommended Meet Manager/Meet Referee role at a minimum of 1 sanctioned competition.

Apprenticeship: After course. Apply to apprentice on an original Officials course

Appointment: Instructors will be appointed as Officials Examiners by the Branch and may certify candidates in the topical streams that they have done apprenticeship in

Certification Currency: 2 years from the date of certification

Recertification: Complete and submit a Distance Recertification Form, a Self- Assessment, and a Leadership Development Plan

Boat Rescue for First Responder Instructor

Boat Rescue for First Responders Instructors are responsible for teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the Boat Rescue for First Responders program. The Boat Rescue for First Responders Instructor course prepares instructors to apply level 3 leadership competencies and strategies designed to teach the Boat Rescue for First Responders program.

Prerequisite(s): Lifesaving Instructor or higher, Boat Rescue for First Responders and affiliation with a public safety organization (SAR, EMS, Fire, or Police)

Apprenticeship: After course. Apply to apprentice on original Boat Rescue for First Responders course

Appointment: Instructors will be appointed as Boat Rescue for First Responders Examiners by the Branch

Certification Currency: 2 years from the date of certification

Recertification: Complete and submit a Distance Recertification Form, a Self- Assessment, and a Leadership Development Plan

Swiftwater Rescue Instructor

Swiftwater Rescue Instructors are responsible for teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the Swift Water Rescue Level 1 and 2 programs. The Swiftwater Rescue Instructor course prepares instructors to apply level 3 leadership competencies and strategies designed to teach the Swiftwater Rescue programs for which they hold a candidate award in.

Prerequisite(s): None

Apprenticeship: After course. Apply to apprentice on original Swiftwater Rescue course

Appointment: Instructors will be appointed Swiftwater Rescue program Examiners by the Branch for which they hold a candidate award in

Certification Currency: 2 years from the date of certification

Recertification: Complete and submit a Distance Recertification Form, a Self- Assessment, and a Leadership Development Plan

Boat Operator Accredited Training™ (BOAT) Instructor

BOAT™ Instructors are responsible for teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the BOAT™ program. The BOAT™ Instructor course is Transport Canada approved and prepares instructors to apply level 1 leadership competencies and strategies designed to teach the BOAT™ program and administer the Transport Canada Pleasure Craft Operator (PCO) Card boating safety test.

Note: All PCOC tests must be administered following the current BOAT™ Administration and Test Protocol Guide included in the Test Kit of Class Kit issued to BOAT™ Test Centers.

Prerequisite(s): Lifesaving Instructor or higher and Pleasure Craft Operator (PCO) card. Recommended: Powerboating experience

Apprenticeship: In course

Certification Currency: 2 years from the date of certification

Recertification: Complete and submit a Distance Recertification Form, a Self- Assessment, and a Leadership Development Plan

For more information on Instructor programs, refer to the Policies & Procedures.