Leadership & First Aid
Why does AFA’s schedule seem to have more available spots than other swim programs?
Our proprietary scheduling algorithm combined with long-term bookings from our loyal clients allows for a more efficient schedule setup. That’s why almost every course always seems open. Our algorithm’s efficiency also means we’ll never cancel a course on you, so you can book worry-free!
Please note private options are not available for Leadership Courses.

You love the water and you want a greater challenge than just swimming lessons? The Bronze Star is the initial Bronze award. This award will allow you to become familiar with your abilities as a lifesaver by learning to find solutions to various problems and to make mature decisions as an individual and as a member of a team.
You develop your lifesaving skills and you also learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and Water Smart ® behaviour.
Prerequisite: None

The Bronze Medallion will allow you to acquire the knowledge necessary to ensure the safety of bathers in a public pool or even intervene in an emergency situation in your daily life. Together with other young rescue enthusiasts, you will develop the four basic rescue components: physical fitness, judgment, knowledge and skills.
Your training will focus on your aquatic skills, as well as first aid, recognition and rescue.
In order to take the Bronze Medallion course, you must be 13 years of age on or before the date of the final examination or have the Lifesaving Society Bronze Star award and demonstrate the skills of Junior 10 (Red Cross swimming lessons). You can find a Bronze Medallion course by contacting the aquatic center (swimming pool, gym, etc..) closest to your home or by visiting our list of courses offered by our affiliates.
Prerequisite: 13 Years of Age or Bronze Star (need not be current)

The Bronze Cross award will allow you to work as an assistant lifeguard at a public swimming pool at the age of 15 years or on a beach at 16. It is also a prerequisite for the National Lifeguard Service award and a variety of specialized training such as National Lifeguard Waterfront option or Lifesaving Instructor.
This award will allow you to further increase your prior knowledge, which will be necessary to ensure the safety of bathers in a public pool or even intervene in an emergency situation in your daily life. With a team of young lifesaving enthusiasts, you will develop the basics of supervision of aquatic facilities.
Your training will focus on your aquatic skills, as well as first aid, recognition and rescue.
In order to take the Bronze Cross course, you must have the Lifesaving Society Bronze Medallion award. You can find a Bronze Cross course by contacting the aquatic center (swimming pool, gym, etc..) closest to your home or by visiting our list of courses offered by our affiliates.
Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid (need not be current).

Emergency First Aid with CPR-B is for people who want a general knowledge of first aid principles and the emergency treatment of injuries. Skills include: victim assessment, rescue breathing, CPR, choking and what to do for external bleeding, heart attack and stroke. Includes CPR-B certification. Recognized by Ontario’s Workplace Safety & Insurance Board. The first aid program is not restricted to aquatic candidates. You can use the Lifesaving Society’s first aid awards to train non-aquatic staff (camp, playground, maintenance, etc.) and the general public.
Scheduling Note: In addition to the day and time options below, custom First Aid courses can be set up on special request.
Prerequisite: None

Standard First Aid prepares you to assume a rescue role during an emergency situation requiring specific first aid knowledge. During your training, you will learn, among other things, how to provide specific treatment to immobilize an injury while waiting for EMS.
Standard First Aid also prepares you to take a preventive role in teaching you to recognize abnormal signs and symptoms early and to apply the necessary measures.
Scheduling Note: In addition to the day and time options below, custom First Aid courses can be set up on special request.
Prerequisite: None

A hybrid course of Bronze Medallion and the Emergency First Aid with CPR-B curriculum.
Please see Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid with CPR-B sections for more information regarding the course and the prerequisites.

A hybrid course of Bronze Cross and the Standard First Aid with CPR-C curriculum.
Please see Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with CPR-C sections for more information regarding the course and the prerequisites.

Lifeguarding is an exciting and rewarding job that carries great responsibility. Guards take courses and train hard for events they hope will never happen and which they work hard to prevent.
National Lifeguards guards are always in training to keep their skills, knowledge and fitness sharp. They are required to keep other important certifications such as CPR and first aid up-to-date. Some are trained in advanced treatments like using oxygen or in the use of specialized equipment like defibrillators and personal watercraft.
National Lifeguard is Canada’s only nationally recognized lifeguard certification program. National Lifeguard is a legal certificate for lifeguarding throughout the country. It is the only lifeguard certificate recognized by the province of Ontario for lifeguarding public swimming pools.
National Lifeguard training develops a sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgment, and a mature and responsible attitude towards the lifeguard’s role. National Lifeguard training emphasizes prevention and effective rescue response in emergencies including first aid treatment. Candidates develop teamwork, leadership and communication skills. Fitness requirements include a timed object recovery, 50 m sprint challenge, 50 m rescue drill and 400 m endurance challenge.
The National Lifeguard training program is designed for lifesavers who wish to obtain a responsible job and leadership experience. Successful candidates are certified by the Lifesaving Society – Canada’s lifeguarding experts.
Scheduling Note: Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid (need not be current).