A worthwhile progression into the Bronze program, participants develop problem-solving and decision-making skills individually and in partners. Candidates learn CPR level A and develop the lifesaving skills needed to be their own lifeguard. Course includes Basic First Aid certification.
Leadership Programs
Register for Leadership Programs
Are you ready to take the plunge? Click here for more information on our programs and to register.
Interested in Becoming a Lifeguard?
Are you looking for a dynamic job where you can make a real difference in your community? Becoming a lifeguard and swim instructor with the Town of Essex is a highly rewarding opportunity to build leadership skills, stay active, and be prepared to save lives. The Town of Essex provides a range of leadership courses you'll need to be ready.
Get started on the path to becoming a lifeguard. Learn about the four components of water rescue education: judgement, knowledge, skill, and fitness.
Prerequisite: Age 13+ or Bronze Star
Learn about advanced lifesaving and supervision skills. Challenge yourself with more advanced training and be introduced to aquatic safety supervision. Includes Basic First Aid.
Prerequisite: Completed Step 1
Start learning how to teach others to swim. Learn to help instructors with swimming and lifesaving classes through classroom learning and in-water practice.
Prerequisite: Age 14+ and completed Step 2
Learn to teach quality programs that foster healthy childhood development. Develop an ability to provide quality programs and positive experiences for kids.
Prerequisite: Age 14+
Learn to teach swimming lessons, first aid and leadership. Includes Swim, Lifesaving, and Emergency
First Aid Instructor certifications.
Prerequisite: Age 15+ and completed Step 2 and Step 3.
Step 6: National Lifeguard + IFA
Canada’s only nationally recognized lifeguard certification. Develop an understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgement, and a mature attitude toward the lifeguard’s role. Includes Intermediate First Aid.
Prerequisite: Age 15+ and completed Step 2.
Fitness Based Courses
Start to develop lifesaving sport skills. Swimmers will take part in a variety of activities including interval training, endurance, and lifesaving sport skills.
Prerequisite: Age 7-15
Build your lifesaving technical skills. Swimmers will build off of the Sport Fundamentals and start to increase their technical skills in this weekly program.
Prerequisite: Age 8+
Additional Advanced Qualifications
Help ensure quality programming. Learn how to assess and measure quality programs using the High Five Quest 2 Tool.
Prerequisite: High Five PHCD
Get certified as a First Aid Instructor! This course prepares candidates to teach first aid courses.
Prerequisite: Age 18+ & IFA
National Lifeguard Recertification
Recertify your National Lifeguard! Review the content so you are ready to demonstrate your skills and recertify your award.
Prerequisite: Age 16+ & IFA
Start your path as an Examiner. This course is the portal to certification as a Lifesaving Society Examiner for a variety of programs.
Prerequisite: Ask Us for Details
Get ready to coach Lifesaving Sport. The course focuses on the fundamentals of coaching and Lifesaving Sport skills in the pool.
Prerequisite: Age 16+ & LSS Instructor
Learn to manage an aquatic environment. For deck-level supervisory staff, this course provides the knowledge and skills to manage a safe aquatic environment.
Prerequisite: Age 16+ & NL or LSS Instructor
2nd Change Eligible!
We are committed to helping you succeed.
If you’re not successful in any course, you can take the course again at an 80% discount.
We Want You on Team Essex!
Want to work as a lifeguard in Essex? Visit essex.ca/Jobs to submit an application.
Must be a minimum of 15 years of age.