Leadership and Aquatic Certification Courses

Have you always wanted to give back to your community and share your love for swimming? Become a Lifeguard and/or Swimming Instructor and/or Lifesaving Instructor today!

We are currently only able to offer limited aquatic leadership programs due to the closure of the pool at the W.J. Henderson Community Centre. To complete your certification courses, you are encouraged to explore options with the other pools in our area like those listed below.

Residents who are interested in completing the certification courses to become Lifeguards or Swimming Instructors can read about the required steps below.

First Aid courses

We are proud to offer the Lifesaving Society's Standard First Aid with CPR C to residents. Standard First Aid provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of First Aid and CPR including:

legal implications of First Aid treatment
spinal injuries
heat and cold injuries
bone and joint injuries
chest injuries
medical emergencies

The certification also includes CPR-C (Adult, Child, and Infant) and AED certification. This certification is recognized by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).

Becoming a Lifeguard or Swimming Instructor

There are several courses you must take to become a Lifeguard or Swimming Instructor.

Information Sheet - How to become a Lifeguard or Swimming Instructor

Employment

Hiring in Aquatics is based on certifications with employees required to be fully certified Swimming Instructors and Lifeguards. Applicants must be 15 years old in order to be hired. For opportunities, please visit our careers page. We encourage everyone 14 years of age and older possessing their Bronze Cross to apply to volunteer at their local pool. Volunteering is a great way to gain experience before joining our part-time team.

Will you #RulethePool?

The W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre Renewal Project is underway and will be bringing our community a brand-new aquatic centre!

We are looking for individuals who may or may not be certified as Lifeguards/Swimming Instructors but want to learn more about what steps to take for certification and what the process looks like to join the aquatic staff team at the new facility. Fill out this quick form to be added to an email list for information once recruitment begins.

Registration Dates and Course Location Information

Summer programs are OPEN for registration!

Fall 2025 Resident Registration: Monday, September 8, 2025 at 12pm
Fall 2025 Non-Resident Registration: Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 12pm
Bronze Courses will be taking place at the YMCA of Eastern Ontario - Wright Crescent Branch pools in Kingston.
First Aid Courses may take place in a variety of different locations in the Township. The course location is listed throughout the registration process and is also on your registration confirmation you receive after completing your registration.

View Programs and Register!