Lifesaving Training
Notice: Leisure Swim Cancelled on Thursday, May 11 at 10:00 AM
Leisure Swim will be cancelled on Thursday, May 11 at 10:00 AM due to maintenance work.
Thank for you for understanding.
Notice: Pool Closure
Our pool is currently closed due to a malfunction in the chemical control equipment.
We are hopeful the issue will be resolved shortly. Should further work be required, the closure may be extended. Members will receive updates by email.
Develop your stroke, learn rescue skills, and become a lifeguard
The Lifesaving Society provides a fun and challenging progression of lifesaving training programs.
Our Lifesaving Society Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross courses for swimmers 13 years of age and up and National Lifeguard Service program can enable you to achieve your goals.
Lifesaving Instructors teach and certify candidates. The Lifesaving Society deems its certifications to be “current” for 24 months from the certification date.
National Lifeguard certification is the Canadian industry standard to work as a lifeguard.
Lifesaving Training Programs
Bronze Star and Basic First Aid
Bronze Star is an introductory course to the Lifesaving Society Bronze program that develops swimming proficiency, lifesaving skill and personal fitness. Candidates will learn self rescue skills, refine their stroke techniques, and apply fitness principles in training workouts. Basic First Aid content is taught, including how to contact emergency medical services, rescue breathing, how to treat choking and minor injuries.
This course provides preparation for the Bronze Medallion course. Additionally, successful candidates who are not yet 13 (the minimum prerequisite age for Bronze Medallion) will be able to use their Bronze Star certification as a prerequisite for Bronze Medallion
Prerequisite
None (Swim Patrol or Sharks Level 7/8 recommended)
Spring 2025 Session
Fridays (April 4 to June 6), 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
*No lessons on holidays: April 18 to 21 (Good Friday and Easter Weekend), and May 17 to 19 (Victoria Day Weekend)
Course Fee
$200
Spring Registration is Now Open
If you have any questions, please contact the Recreation Supervisor at aquatics@universitysettlement.ca, or call 416‑598‑3444 ext. 229.
Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid with CPR-B
This special course includes Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid with CPR-B.
Bronze Medallion challenges participants both mentally and physically. Judgement, knowledge, skill, and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. The focus is on acquiring the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on, and around the water. Students will learn how to Safely assess an emergency situation and respond appropriately.
Bronze Medallion is a prerequisite for assistant lifeguard training in Bronze Cross.
Prerequisite
Minimum 13 years of age or Bronze Star certification (does not need be current)
Spring 2025 Session
- Sundays (April 6 to June 15), 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
- Exam on June 22 (attendance is mandatory)
*No lessons on holidays: April 18 to 21 (Good Friday and Easter Weekend), and May 17 to 19 (Victoria Day Weekend)
Course Fee
$250
(Optional: Additional $50 for course materials)
Spring Registration is Now Open
If you have any questions, please contact the Recreation Supervisor at aquatics@universitysettlement.ca, or call 416‑598‑3444 ext. 229.
Bronze Cross
This course begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as assistant lifeguards. Candidates strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills and start to apply the principles and techniques of active surveillance in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies.
Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for advanced training in the Lifesaving Society’s National Lifeguard and leadership certification programs.
Prerequisites
- 14 years of age at time of exam day
- Bronze Medallion and Lifesaving Society Emergency or Standard First Aid certifications (need not be current) or EFA or SFA from one of the approved agencies.
Spring 2025 Session
- Sundays (April 6 to June 15), 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
- Exam on June 22 (attendance is mandatory)
*No lessons on holidays: April 18 to 21 (Good Friday and Easter Weekend), and May 17 to 19 (Victoria Day Weekend)
Course Fee
$200
Spring Registration is Now Open
If you have any questions, please contact the Recreation Supervisor at aquatics@universitysettlement.ca, or call 416‑598‑3444 ext. 229.
Aquatic Instructor Recertification
The In-Person Recertification Course focuses on the competencies learned in the Lifesaving Society’s instructor, coach, and examiner courses and provides a refresher to those competencies. The course provides candidates with the 4 points required to complete their instructor, coach, examiner, and examiner mentor leadership recertification.
The course does not automatically recertify a candidate. Following successful course completion candidates must complete the recertification process through the Lifesaving Society to be recertified.
Note: Candidates are required to bring their prerequisites, reference materials, and whistle. Candidates will be required to get in the water.
Recognition
Upon successful completion, the course will be posted to the candidate’s Find a Member record and will award 4 points toward leadership recertification.
Prerequisite
Current or expired Lifesaving Society instructor (any), coach, examiner (any), or examiner mentor.
Required References
Candidates need to bring the Award Guide(s) that relates to their level of certification, Instructor Manual, and Examiner Handbook (if applicable).
Spring 2024 Sessions
- Sunday, April 28 (3:00 pm to 7:00 pm)
- Sunday, May 26 (4:00 pm to 8:00 pm)
Course Fee
$100
Registration
If you have any questions, please contact the Recreation Supervisor at aquatics@universitysettlement.ca, or call 416‑598‑3444 ext. 229.
Standard First Aid with CPR-C (Course)
Standard First Aid provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR. This Standard First Aid is designed for those who require a more in-depth understanding of first aid including: legal implications of first aid treatment, spinal injuries, heat or cold injuries, bone and joint injuries, chest injuries, and medical emergencies. Includes CPR-C certification from Lifesaving Society (LSS).
Capacity
20 people
2-Day Course
Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21
(10:00 am to 6:00 pm)
Course Fee
$135
Registration
If you have any questions, please contact the Recreation Supervisor at aquatics@universitysettlement.ca, or call 416‑598‑3444 ext. 229.
Standard First Aid with CPR-C (Recertification)
Standard First Aid provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR. This Standard First Aid is designed for those who require a more in-depth understanding of first aid including: legal implications of first aid treatment, spinal injuries, heat or cold injuries, bone and joint injuries, chest injuries, and medical emergencies. Includes CPR-C certification from Lifesaving Society (LSS).
Prerequisite
Current Standard First Aid with CPR-C
Note
This is a recertification course. You must bring a current Standard First Aid with CPR-C certification (current for 3 years after date of issue) to attend the course. Candidates that do not have the prerequisite will be turned away.
Date & Time
Sunday, July 21
(10:00 am to 6:00 pm)
Recertification Fee
$100
Registration
If you have any questions, please contact the Recreation Supervisor at aquatics@universitysettlement.ca, or call 416‑598‑3444 ext. 229.
Standard First Aid with CPR-C and AED Skills (Recertification)
Standard First Aid provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR. This Standard First Aid is designed for those who require a more in-depth understanding of first aid including: legal implications of first aid treatment, spinal injuries, heat or cold injuries, bone and joint injuries, chest injuries, and medical emergencies. Includes CPR-C certification from Lifesaving Society (LSS).
Capacity
20 people
Winter 2024 Session (1-Day Recertification)
Sunday, February 4
(10:00 am to 6:00 pm)
Course Fee
$100
Registration
If you have any questions, please contact the Recreation Supervisor at aquatics@universitysettlement.ca, or call 416‑598‑3444 ext. 229.
Bronze Medallion, Emergency First Aid with CPR-B, and Bronze Cross Combo
This special course includes Bronze Medallion, Emergency First Aid with CPR-B, and Bronze Cross training.
Bronze Medallion challenges participants both mentally and physically. Judgement, knowledge, skill, and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. The focus is on acquiring the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on, and around the water. Students will learn how to Safely assess an emergency situation and respond appropriately.
Bronze Cross begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as assistant lifeguards. Candidates strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills and start to apply the principles and techniques of active surveillance in aquatic facilities. The importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies is emphasized.
Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for advanced training in the Lifesaving Society’s National Lifeguard and leadership certification programs.
Prerequisite:
Minimum 13 years of age or Bronze Star certification (does not need be current)
Summer Combo Course (July 9 to August 20):
Saturdays, 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
Course Fee:
$450 (plus additional fees for learning materials)
National Lifeguarding Certification
Lifeguarding is an exciting and rewarding job that carries great responsibility. Guards take courses and train hard for events they hope will never happen and which they work hard to prevent.
National Lifeguard is Canada’s only nationally recognized lifeguard certification program. Those who pass the program are always in training to keep their skills, knowledge, and fitness sharp. They are required to keep other important certifications such as CPR and first aid up-to-date.
National Lifeguard is a legal certificate for lifeguarding throughout the country and is recognized by the province of Ontario for lifeguarding public swimming pools.
Prerequisites
- 15 years of age at time of exam day
- Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross
This program is not available this term. Please check back for upcoming sessions.
Course Fee
$350 (additional $75 for course manual)
Registration Opens March 16 at 10:00 am
You can view course schedules and complete your registration online. If you have any questions, please contact the Recreation Supervisor at aquatics@universitysettlement.ca, or call 416‑598‑3444 ext. 229.
Swim Instructor Course
The Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor Course prepares the instructor to teach and evaluate basic swim strokes and related skills.
Candidates acquire proven teaching methods, a variety of stroke development drills and correction techniques. Current Swim Instructors teach and certify candidates in all levels of the Swim for Life® program.
Capacity:
12 people, 6‑feet distance
Prerequisites:
- 15 years of age by the end of the Swim Instructor Course
- Bronze Cross (or higher) certification
Crash Course (June 17 to June 26):
- Friday, June 17 (5:00 pm to 9:00 pm)
- Saturday, June 18 (8:30 am to 5:00 pm)
- Sunday, June 19 (8:30 am to 5:00 pm)
- Friday, June 24 (5:00 pm to 9:00 pm)
- Saturday, June 25 (8:30 am to 5:00 pm)
- Sunday, June 26 (8:30 am to 5:00 pm)
Course Fee:
$550 (additional $97 for course manual)
Bronze Star
This course develops swimming proficiency, lifesaving skill and personal fitness. Candidates refine their stroke mechanics, acquire self-rescue skills, and apply fitness principles in training workouts. Bronze Star is excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion and provides a fun introduction to lifesaving sport.
Recommended:
10 to 15 years of age or completed Swimmer 6
Winter Course (January 12 to March 26, 2023):
Fridays, 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Course Fee:
$160
Online Registration is Now Open: You can register and pay online for all swim lessons and courses. If you have any questions, please contact the Recreation Supervisor at aquatics@universitysettlement.ca, or call 416‑598‑3444 ext. 229.
Bronze Medallion
This course challenges participants both mentally and physically. Judgement, knowledge, skill, and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. The focus is on acquiring the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on, and around the water. Students will learn how to safely assess an emergency situation and respond appropriately. Students are expected to have a certain level of swimming proficiency as many rescue skills are specific to the water.
These courses are meant for those who wish to learn lifesaving skills and is a required prerequisite for those who want to become lifeguards. Bronze Medallion is a prerequisite for assistant lifeguard training in Bronze Cross.
Capacity:
12 people
Prerequisite:
Minimum 13 years of age or Bronze Star certification (does not need be current)
Winter Course (January 12 to March 26, 2023):
Sundays, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Course Fee:
$200 (additional $50 for course manual)
Online Registration is Now Open: You can register and pay online for all swim lessons and courses. If you have any questions, please contact the Recreation Supervisor at aquatics@universitysettlement.ca, or call 416‑598‑3444 ext. 229.
Agency Membership Fees: In addition to program fees, an annual Agency Membership ($25 plus HST per year) is required for all individuals participating in swim lessons and courses at University Settlement.
Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to use the reservation you have made for the Pool, please cancel it right away. Reservations will be held for 15 minutes. If you arrive later than 15 minutes, you will lose your priority and your spot will be given to another member.
With our new limited capacity, the Pool may be totally booked up on PickTime but in reality there are often spaces available when people don’t show up. Please be considerate of your fellow members and cancel your reservation if you are unable to attend. Thank you.
Allan’s Story —“…University Settlement has given me opportunities to grow as a musician and swimmer, but more importantly, as a person…”
We’ve watched Allan Zhou, now an eleventh grader, for the past 10 years, taking both music and swimming lessons and advancing wonderfully in both.
His violin lessons, under Alex Cheung’s tutelage, have allowed him to participate in musical extracurriculars throughout high school and he has assumed greater responsibility at the Music and Arts School of the University Settlement as a music scholar. During his journey with the school, he has been awarded numerous scholarships, the most recent being the Shiu Shum Lo Memorial Award.
Allan also started swimming lessons at University Settlement when he was six. By age 10, he was part of the Settlement Sharks swim team, where he competed for two years. He went on to earn his National Lifeguard and Lifesaving Society Instructor qualifications. “I really looked up to the lifeguards when I was a kid. My time on the team developed my confidence and interest in aquatics,” shared Allan. He is also currently working as a part-time lifeguard and swim instructor at University Settlement.
“University Settlement has given me opportunities to grow as a musician and swimmer, but more importantly, as a person. Through University Settlement, I have developed critical skills for learning and leadership that have translated into success in academic and extracurricular activities. I would like to thank the University Settlement for providing me with opportunities and support for my growth, and I hope I can give back what it has given to me.”
– Allan Zhou
Help Us Make A Difference
When you give to University Settlement, you make it possible for us to provide aquatics programs for students of all ages, like Allan.
Make a donation. Make a difference.