Lifeguarding and leadership

Becoming a lifeguard is a great way to learn more about teaching and coaching. You can also share your passion for swimming with others. Learn more about what we look for in lifeguards and how to become one!

Register for a course Email our aquatics leadership team

On this page:

Pre-Lifeguarding courses

Young swimmers who have completed Kitchener Swims and want to work towards lifesaving can build skills by registering for Rookie Patrol as young as 8-years-old.

Courses you need to become an aquatic assistant

Bronze Medallion & Emergency First Aid: 20-hour course (prerequisite: age 13 or bronze star)
Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with CPR-C: 30-hour course (prerequisite: Bronze Medallion)
Standard First Aid & CPR-C: 16-hour course
Assistant instructor: 16-hour course
* If you are 15 years of age, please proceed to Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor in place of the Assistant Instructor course.

Once these courses are completed, you can apply for early employment as an aquatic assistant! (14 years of age to apply)

Courses you need to become an instructor guard

The courses mentioned above. *See note about Assistant Instructor course.
Swim instructor: 20-hour course (prerequisite: age 15)
National lifeguard: 40-hour course (prerequisite: age 15, Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with CPR-C)

Once you have completed all seven courses and are at least 15 years old, you can apply for employment as an instructor guard.

These are the requirements for lifeguarding with the City of Kitchener. Other organizations may require different prerequisites.

Register for a lifeguarding course

You can sign up for a lifeguarding course online with ActiveNet or at your local pool.

How to apply for a job as a lifeguard

Follow these steps to apply for job postings

Internet-connected device.

Step 1: Apply to an open job posting

Check our job posting page for an open posting. Then, upload your resume and cover letter.

Step 2: Screening

We contact applicants to set up a time to test their skills. To develop these skills, register for a lifeguarding course. We offer these courses throughout the year at city pools.

Step 3: You’re hired!

We schedule orientation and training for new staff.

You must bring a copy of your Lifesaving identification number to your home pool training or print a copy of your Lifesaving Society qualifications. Print your qualifications on the Lifesaving society website.

Lifesaving Society

The Lifesaving Society works to prevent drowning and water-related injury. They set the standards for lifeguards in Ontario.

Land acknowledgement

The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.