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Aquatic Leadership and Lifeguard Training

The Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal offers aquatic programs for a range of ages and skill levels. These include lifeguard certification and leadership courses that focus on water safety, skill development, and preparing future instructors. You’ll find details about course schedules, prerequisites, and how to register below. If you have questions, contact us.

The Safeguard course provides safety supervision training for guardians (e.g., day camp counsellors, leaders-in-training and others) who accompany groups of young people to pools or waterfronts. The course stresses the responsibility undertaken by these group leaders for safeguarding the young people in their care, even when under lifeguard supervision.

Safeguard focuses on water safety awareness, accident prevention and the principles of aquatic safety supervision. Participants will learn how to identify hazards and at-risk behaviours, recognize potential victims, and respond safely in an aquatic emergency.

Participants must be 13 years of age.

First aid courses

This course provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR. Standard First Aid incorporates all of Emergency First Aid and 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. The first aid program is not restricted to aquatic candidates; it will also benefit non-aquatic staff (camp, playground, maintenance, etc.) and the general public.

No prerequisites (recommend 12 years of age)

Lifeguard courses

Are you a swim-loving person who has finished the Junior Lifeguard program? Take the next step in your aquatic journey with the Lifesaving Society Bronze programs. 

Bronze Star with Basic First Aid

No prerequisites required.

Course date options:

  • Session 1 and 3:  from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Cardinal Pool (4044 Dishaw St., Cardinal); or
  • Session 2 and 4:  from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Johnstown Pool (24 Sutton Dr., Johnstown)

Total course fee is $115

 Bronze Medallion with Emergency First Aid and CPR-B

Prerequisites: minimum 13 years of age or Bronze Star certification (does not need to be current).

Course dates:

  • July 8, 15, 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. exam July 22, 2025 at 3 p.m. at the Cardinal Pool (4044 Dishaw St, Cardinal)

Total course fee is $225 (books included).

Bronze Cross with Standard First Aid and CPR-C

Prerequisites: Bronze Medallion certification and Emergency or Standard First Aid (does not need to be current). 

Course dates:

  • July 28  to August 8, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. exam August 8 at 12 p.m.  at the Cardinal Pool (4044 Dishaw St, Cardinal)

Total course fee is $225 (books included).

Prerequisites: minimum 15 years of age, Bronze Cross certification and Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid (need not be current) or Standard First Aid from one of the agency approved by Lifesaving Society.   

National Lifeguard Certification remains current for two years from the date of certification. National Lifeguard is recertified by successfully completing a National Lifeguard Recertification exam. 100% attendance is required.

Prerequisites: National Lifeguard-Pool Option 

Course date:

  • June 11, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Cardinal Pool (4044 Dishaw St., Cardinal)

Total course fee is $90.

Aquatic leadership courses

Candidates will learn to teach and evaluate basic swim strokes and related skills and acquire proven teaching methods and a variety of stroke development drills and correction techniques. Swim Instructors are certified to teach and evaluate all levels of the lifesaving Swim program, including:

  • Parent & Tot
  • Preschool
  • Swimmer
  • Adult Swimmer

The In-Person Recertification Course revisits the competencies acquired in the Lifesaving Society's instructor, coach, and examiner courses, offering a refresher to participants. It grants candidates the 4 points necessary for their instructor, coach, examiner, and examiner mentor leadership recertification.

Prerequisite: Candidates must hold a current or expired Lifesaving Society instructor (any), coach, examiner (any), or examiner mentor certification.

Required Materials: Candidates must bring the Award Guide(s) corresponding to their certification level, Instructor Manual, and Examiner Handbook (if applicable).

Course date:

  • June 12, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ingredion Centre and Cardinal Pool (4044 Dishaw St., Cardinal)

Program fee $75. 

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