The Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal offers various aquatic programs. These programs include lifeguard training as well as leadership courses. These programs cater to a wide range of age groups and skill levels, providing opportunities for skill development, safety training, and leadership within aquatic environments. Specific details about schedules, prerequisites, and registration are available below. If you have any questions regarding any of the courses below, please email our Aquatics Director

 

Safeguard course

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 12 years of age. Total course fee is $40 per person.

 

Course training date options:

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 First aid courses

Standard First Aid and CPR-C 

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)

Course dates:

Total course fee is $140

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Standard First Aid and CPR-C Recertification

This certification remains current for three years from the date of certification. Current Standard First Aid (SFA) award holders may recertify their Lifesaving Society SFA certification once on a Lifesaving Society SFA Recertification course up to three years from the Standard First Aid date of issue. Subsequently, to renew SFA certifications, award holders must repeat the entire SFA course. After that, individuals may renew by alternating recertifications and original courses. Holders of Standard First Aid certificates from other agencies may not recertify their certificate on a Lifesaving Society SFA Recertification course. They must recertify with the original certifying agency.

Course date:

Total course fee is $95

Please bring your Canadian First Aid manual.

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Lifeguard courses

Lifeguard instructor bundle

Are you aged 15 or above and passionate about swimming? Do you excel in swimming skills? Are you interested in a summer job as a swim instructor?

This package comprises training for your Bronze Medallion, Emergency First Aid, Bronze Cross, and Swim Instructor certification.

Course dates:

  • June 5th, 4th, and 7th from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., June 8th and 9th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., June 10th and 11th from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., June 14th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., June 15th and 16th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Total bundle fee is $600 (This includes programs and materials).

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Bronze Level 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 2: July 15th to 26th from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Johnstown Pool (24 Sutton Dr., Johnstown); or
  • Session 3: July 29th to August 9th from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Cardinal Pool (4044 Dishaw St., Cardinal)

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 29th to August 2nd from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. exam August 2nd 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:

  • August 5th to 9th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. exam August 9th at 3 p.m.  at the Cardinal Pool (4044 Dishaw St, Cardinal)

Total course fee is $225 (books included).

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National Lifeguarding (NL)

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.   

Course dates:

  • May 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., June 6th, and 7th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., June 8th, and 9th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Course will be taught at the South Edwardsburgh Community Centre (24 Sutton Dr, Johnstown)

Total course fee is $250 (This includes program and material)

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National Lifeguard Recertification

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:

Total course fee is $90.

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Aquatic leadership courses

Lifesaving Swim Instructor

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

Perquisites: 15 years of age and Bronze Cross certification. 

Course dates:

  • June 13th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., June 15th and 16th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Program fee $160 plus $60 for materials, total fee $220.

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Lifesaving Instructor

The Lifesaving Instructor course prepares instructors to teach the Canadian Swim Patrol, Bronze Medallion Awards, and Emergency First Aid Lifesaving Fitness Awards. Progressively evaluated, so 100% attendance is required.

Perquisites: 15 years of age & Bronze Cross or NL certification. 

Course dates:

  • June 28th and 29th from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Cardinal Pool (4044 Dishaw St., Cardinal) and Ingredion Centre (4050 Dishaw St., Cardinal)

Program fee $160 plus $60 for materials, total fee $220.

Register now

 Lifesaving Recertification

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 10th from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Ingredion Centre and Cardinal Pool (4044 Dishaw St., Cardinal)

Program fee $75. 

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 Examiner 

The Examiner course is the first step in the three-step process to become certified as an Examiner for the Lifesaving Society. The Examiner course prepares candidates to apprentice successfully as an Examiner on the exam of their choice, and it builds on the evaluation experience that candidates have attained in instructor-evaluated awards and content. 

Required manuals: Examiner Handbook for each certification the candidate wishes to examine.

Course Date: 

Program fee: $70 plus Materials $35 total fee is $105.

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Aquatic Supervisor 

Aquatic Supervisor certification is the Lifesaving Society training standard for instructors and lifeguards who wish to assume deck-level supervisor responsibilities for overseeing instructional and recreational programs and day-to-day operations at aquatic facilities.

Aquatic Supervisor introduces participants to the knowledge, skills and tools required to effectively guide fellow staff members in the safe delivery of aquatic programs and services, and to prepare for effective emergency response.

Perquisites: Lifesaving Instructors or Lifesaving Swim Instructors and National Lifeguarding Certifications (doesn't have to be current)

Course dates:

  • Friday, May 3rd from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, May 4th 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (online)

Total course fee is $160 (materials not included)

Participants must purchase the following books from www.lifeguarddepot.com 

 Please note that 100% participation is required and you must have your camera on throughout the online class. 

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Aquatic Manager

Aquatic Manager certification is designed for individuals responsible for oversight of aquatic programs and services (regardless of their aquatic experience or credentials), possibly as part of a larger management portfolio. The 16-hr. course equips these managers with the knowledge, principles and skills require to understand and confidently direct excellent aquatic programming with responsive customer service and attentive compliance with health and safety standards in the aquatic environment.

Build your knowledge and skills to excel in aquatic operations! This program is great not only for experienced lifeguards but also recreation directors. No prerequisite needed.

Course dates: 

  • February 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (online)

Total course fee is $160 (Materials not included) 

Participants must purchase the following books from www.lifeguarddepot.com 

  • Aquatic Manager Workbook 
  • Guide to Ontario Public Pools Regulation

Please note that 100% participation is required and you must have your camera on throughout the online class. 

Register now