Lifeguarding

The National Lifeguard Service® award builds on the skills, knowledge and values that the Lifesaving Society teaches in its Pre-Bronze and Bronze Medal awards to develop the practical skills and knowledge required by lifeguards. The National Lifeguard Service® awards include NL Pool, NL Waterpark, NL Waterfront and NL Surf.

Recognized as the standard measure of lifeguard performance in Canada, National Lifeguard education is designed to develop a sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgment, and a mature and responsible attitude toward the role of the lifeguard.

The primary role of the National Lifeguard is the prevention of emergency situations and, where this fails, the timely and effective resolution of emergencies. The NL award is designed to prepare lifeguards to fulfil this role as professional facilitators of safe, enjoyable aquatics.

The National Lifeguard courses cannot, in theory or practice, prepare candidates for every situation that might occur while working in Canadian aquatic environments and facilities. NL training is designed to teach the principles and develop the basic lifeguarding skills and decision-making processes that will help lifeguards evaluate and adapt to different aquatic facilities and emergencies.