YMCA Lifesaving Programs
The YMCA of Saskatoon offers lifesaving programs like Lifeguard Training and Standard First Aid with CPR-C and AED, supporting the Lifesaving Society’s mission to prevent drowning and reduce water-related injuries.
Explore Our Aquatic Lifesaving Programs
Explore a variety of programs, starting with Swim for Life® to develop essential swimming skills, and advancing through Lifesaving and Lifeguard certifications like Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, and National Lifeguard. Further enhance your expertise with First Aid training. Take Aquatic Safety Management courses for comprehensive aquatic safety education and Lifesaving Sport courses to develop coaching skills.
First Aid Certification with CPR-C and AED
Lifesaving Society Standard First-Aid Training is a full and important course for the public. It is also required if you want to become a National Lifeguard. You will learn how to check and help someone who has trouble breathing, bleeding, or other health emergencies. The course also covers how to deal with injuries like broken bones or problems caused by the environment.
We offer First Aid Training and renewal classes often. Please check again soon for new class dates.
Standard First Aid Training with CPR and AED Certification Course
The YMCA of Saskatoon’s First Aid Training program includes CPR-C and AED. This course follows the Lifesaving Society’s rules and meets Canadian safety standards for workplaces. It also counts as the required training you need before taking the National Lifeguard course.
For next course dates keep an eye on our upcoming events
Standard First Aid Training Recertification
Standard First Aid recertification is available at the YMCA of Saskatoon. Candidates must bring proof of previous Standard First Aid CPR-C, and attend and pass the SFA/CPR recertification class and exam.
For next course dates keep an eye on our upcoming events
How to become a LIFEGUARD
If you want to become a Certified Lifeguard or keep your family safe while boating, the Bronze Medal Lifeguard Training and Certification will help you learn fitness, skills, and knowledge for water rescues and handling emergencies.
The Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross are needed before you can get the National Lifeguard certification.
Bronze Star
Bronze Star is a training program that helps people get better at swimming, learn how to save lives, and stay fit. In this program, you’ll practice swimming, learn how to help yourself in the water, and use simple fitness tips in your exercises. Bronze Star is also a fun way to start learning about lifesaving sports.
Bronze Medallion
Bronze Medallion certification is a hard test that challenges your body and mind. It teaches four main things: how to think fast, what to know, how to use your skills, and how to stay fit. You will learn how to look at a situation and decide the best way to help someone in or near the water.
Bronze Cross
Bronze Cross certification helps candidates become assistant lifeguards and teaches advanced skills for watching over people in pools. It improves lifesaving and rescue abilities. Bronze Cross is needed before taking more advanced courses, like the National Lifeguard award and Lifesaving Instructor certification
National Lifeguard Award
The National Lifeguard certification from the Lifesaving Society is the main training for lifeguards in Canada. It helps lifeguards learn important hands-on skills and build their knowledge and confidence.
The YMCA offers lifeguard certification and re-certification classes often. Please check our upcoming events for the next available dates.
National Lifeguard Training Course
The National Lifeguard Award is the main way Canada checks lifeguard skills. This course teaches how to be a safe and smart lifeguard, use good judgment, and be responsible.
To join, you must:
Be at least 15 years old
Have a Bronze Cross certificate (it doesn’t need to be current)
Have a valid Standard First Aid with CPR-C
National Lifeguard Recertification
The NLS Recertification helps make sure lifeguards still meet the National Lifeguard (NLS) standard.
To join, you must:
Be 17 years or older
Show proof you already have your NLS certificate and Standard First Aid with CPR-C
Financial Assistance
If your financial circumstances make it difficult for you to access programs and services at the YMCA, you can apply for financial support.
Learn More About our Financial Assistance