Advanced Lifesaving & First Aid

How to register for advanced lifesaving and first aid

To register online, log into your online registration account and find the desired program under the ‘Advanced Lifesaving’ or ‘First Aid' headings. Complete your transaction using a credit card.

For those with limited computer access, we are happy to assist you by phone at 905-873-2600, ext. 2275. Staff are available 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday to help answer any questions you may have about program selection or registration.

Please note that fees and registration times are different for non-residents of Halton Hills. Learn more about registration.

Certification Prerequisite

Candidates must ensure they have the correct prerequisites for the course and bring them on the first day. National Lifeguard candidates must also submit a photocopy of Standard First Aid certification if the certification is from an approved agency other than the Lifesaving Society in addition to showing the original.

Age Prerequisite

Candidates must be of the required age by the last scheduled day of the course. Proof of age will be required for all courses with an age prerequisite.

Textbooks

Some courses use textbooks. Candidates must have the required texts when participating in the course. You can buy the books when registering for the course, or if you already have a copy of the course book you may bring it to the first day of class.

The textbook for Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross (Canadian Lifesaving Manual) and for National Lifeguard (Alert manual) are both available at the Halton Hills Public Library. Course texts are located behind the circulation desk and can be borrowed for 10 weeks. Borrowers must have a library card and provide proof that they are registered in a course with the Town of Halton Hills. Learn more on the Halton Hills Public Library Webpage.

What to bring to a course

For all aquatic leadership courses, bring:

• proof of age where required

• proof of original certification of prerequisites

• notebook/paper and pen/pencil

For in-water courses, bring:

• bathing suit(s) and towel(s)

• comfortable clothing and indoor sandals

A whistle may be required for some programs. Course materials and schedules will be discussed on the first day.

Lunch/dinner/snacks

Training takes place over several hours, and in some cases a full day. Candidates should bring water/drinks and lunch/dinner/snacks where appropriate.

Program descriptions

Standard First Aid CPR-C 

Includes comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR. Includes understanding the legal implications of first aid treatment, spinal injuries, heat and cold injuries, bone and joint injuries, abdominal and chest injuries, burns and medical emergencies.

You will receive a temporary card upon successful completion of the course, followed by a permanent card by mail that is valid for 3 years.

Standard First Aid CPR-C Recertification

Prerequisite: Current LSS Standard First Aid & CPR-C *Please bring original certification.

Standard First Aid (SFA) award holders may recertify their Lifesaving Society SFA certification once. To renew again, award holders must repeat the full SFA course. Thereafter, individuals may renew by alternating recertifications and full courses.

Holders of Standard First Aid certificates from other agencies, including the Red Cross or St. John's Ambulance, may not recertify their certificate on a Lifesaving Society recertification course. They must take the full LSS Standard First Aid Course. If your SFA certification is more than 3 years old, you must take a full course, not a recertification.

Bronze Star/Basic First Aid

Prerequisite: Recommended Swimmer 9 (Star Patrol)

Excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion. Participants develop problem-solving and decision-making skills individually and in partners. Candidates learn CPR and develop the lifesaving skills needed to stay safe in the water. Includes a timed 400m swim. Full attendance every day of the program is recommended for successful completion of this course.

Bronze Medallion/Emergency First Aid

Prerequisite: 13 yrs of age by end of class or Bronze Star.

Teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles embodied in the four components of water rescue: judgement, knowledge, skill and fitness. Rescuers learn tows, carries, defence methods, and releases in preparation for challenging rescues.

Full attendance every day of the program is recommended for successful completion of this course. Candidates must attend the last class of the session to complete the course exam.

Bronze Cross/Standard First Aid

Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion/Emergency First Aid.

Designed for lifesavers who want the challenge of more advanced training including an introduction to safe supervision in aquatic facilities. Bronze cross is the prerequisite for all advanced training programs including NL and Instructors. SFA provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR, standard first aid incorporates emergency first aid and is designed for those who require a more in-depth understanding of first aid.

Full attendance every day of the program is recommended for successful completion of this course. Candidates must attend the last class of the session to complete the course exam.

National Lifeguard 

National Lifeguard Recertification

Prerequisite Required: Hold NL Certification (need not be current; within 5 years is recommended).

To maintain a current certification, award holders recertify within 2 years by successfully retaking the practical examination. A new certification card is issued to successful candidates after each re-examination. 100% class attendance is required. Bring proof of award to recertify.

Swim and Lifesaving Instructor

Prerequisite: 15 yrs of age by end of class and Bronze Cross. HIGH FIVE® PHCD included in Instructor’s certification.

The combined Swim and Lifesaving Instructor course prepares the participant to teach and evaluate swim strokes and lifesaving skills. Through classroom learning and in-water practice, instructor candidates explore proven teaching methods, learn strategies and activities, a variety of strokes and skills, effective correction techniques and evaluation criteria. Practice teaching is emphasized throughout. 100% attendance is required. 

Examiners Certification

Prerequisite: Current Lifesaving instructors and experience teaching.

Provides additional training for instructors who wish to teach the advance awards including National Lifeguard and Standard First Aid. The Examiners Course is the first of three steps required to become an examiner for Bronze courses, National lifeguard and Standard First Aid. The Examiners course is good for life and doesn't need to be recertified. There is a wet component. 

Schedule - Winter 2025

Locations:

• AIP = Acton Lion's Indoor Pool, inside McKenzie-Smith Bennett Public School, 69 Acton Boulevard, Acton
• GCC = Gellert Community Centre, 10241 8 Line, Georgetown, (905) 877-4244
• GIP = Georgetown Indoor Pool, inside Georgetown District High School, 70 Guelph St, Georgetown
• MSP = Mold-Masters SportsPlex, 221 Guelph Street, Georgetown 

Certification cards

Temporary cards will be issued to the following successful candidates:

• Bronze Star

• Bronze Medallion

• Bronze Cross

• National Lifeguard

• Emergency First Aid

• Standard First Aid

• Lifesaving Instructor

• Swim Instructor

Basic First Aid is an instant award issued upon successful completion of course. Candidates will receive their permanent card from the Lifesaving Society within 90 days.