City offers deep discounts to encourage lifeguard, swim instructor certification

The City of St. Catharines is offering the opportunity for heavily discounted aquatic certification courses to avid swimmers interested in becoming a lifeguard and instructor for the City.

Jurisdictions across North America have been facing lifeguard shortages, so in an effort to make lifeguard opportunities more accessible and to ensure adequate staffing is in place, the City will cover the cost of the course and certification fees for those aged 13 and older. Candidates will only be responsible for purchasing the course material (such as course books) – a savings of 70 per cent upon completion of all seven certifications.

Discounts are available for all aquatic certification courses including:

• Bronze Medallion
• Standard First Aid
• Bronze Cross
• Swim Instructor
• Lifesaving Instructor
• National Lifeguard Pool
• High Five

Those interested in the certification will need to pass a skills assessment. Those who are successful in the assessment will be offered the opportunity to participate in upcoming training courses. Interested individuals can register to take the skills assessment. The first assessment is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Dec. 3. Find information on how to register at https://bit.ly/3FjFhSL. 

“This is an excellent opportunity for strong swimmers interested in becoming a lifeguard, whether they’re a student, retiree, or someone looking for a bit of a career change,” said Jennifer Green, the City’s Aquatics Supervisor. “The idea is to break down barriers and make it easier for individuals to get trained to become lifeguards or instructors, and give them a chance to make a difference. We encourage all passionate swimmers to consider taking advantage of this program.”

These courses, Green added, provide an opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills while achieving all seven provincially recognized certifications and can lead to employment with the City as a lifeguard and swim instructor. 

Individuals with one or all of the certifications listed, even if certified long ago, are encouraged to email aquatics@stcatharines.ca to learn more about the potential opportunity to be fast-tracked through the process.

In addition to the City covering certification costs, the City is also able to offer assistance to cover part of the cost of the course materials. Those wishing to apply for financial support can do so at http://stcatharines.ca/FAIRapplication.

For more information on the program, and how to become a lifeguard or swimming instructor, visit stcatharines.ca/AquaticDiscounts.