Become a Lifeguard
Most people believe lifeguards simply stand on deck and watch swimmers all day. But safety supervision and patron surveillance is more complicated than it appears, and it also makes up only about half of a lifeguard's duties. At the Leduc Recreation Centre, lifeguards provide first aid services for the entire LRC. We treat anything from a simple sprain to a suspected spinal or head trauma. Beginning Fall 2022, City of Leduc Aquatic Services will certify lifeguards solely through the Lifesaving Society's National Lifeguard (NL) program.
How to Register
Courses run throughout the year, so you can register anytime. To view upcoming courses, see the Current City Guide, check out our Registered Lifeguard programs online or call Guest Services at 780-980-7120.
Lifesaving Society Certification
| Certification | Prerequisite | Description |
| Aquatic Emergency Care (AEC) | None | Comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR as well as skills specific to emergencies in an aquatic setting. The First Aid course is recommended for lifeguards, aquatic instructors, lifesavers and other individuals who may need to respond to a first aid emergency in an aquatic setting. Includes CPR-C certification. |
| Standard First Aid (SFA) | None | This course is for those who want in-depth understanding of first aid such as: medical/legal aspects, spinal injuries, heat or cold injuries, bone or joint injuries, abdominal and chest injuries, burns and medical emergencies. Includes CPR-C certification. |
| Bronze Medallion | 13+ years old or have your Bronze star certification | You'll learn tows and carries, defense and release methods to prepare for challenging rescues of increased risk, involving conscious and unconscious victims of various types. You'll also learn CPR and First Aid skills. |
| Bronze Cross |
Current SFA or AEC | Bronze Medallion |
You'll use your skills to address challenging situations while learning about safe supervision.
Once you've finished the Bronze Cross and are 16 years old, you can go into the National Lifeguarding Society certification or take the Red Cross Assistant Lifeguard Course.
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| National Lifeguard (NL) | At least 16 years old, finished the Bronze Cross Course, and have Standard First Aid CPR-C or Aquatic Emergency Care (AEC). | You'll develop an understanding of lifeguard principles, good judgment, and a mature, responsible attitude towards your role as a lifeguard. To remain valid, you must be re certified every two years. |
For more information on the program, please see the Lifesaving Society.
Lifeguard Career Opportunities
Once you've got your certification, you can start working at aquatic facilities, or you can go on to get your swim instructor training and have even more job options.
Here are some of the positions at the LRC. Please check out the City of Leduc's current employment opportunities. Currently certified Red Cross Lifeguards and National Lifeguards are encouraged to apply on City of Leduc Lifeguard job opportunities. Effective January 3, 2023, the City of Leduc will only accept applications from currently certified National Lifeguards.
Assistant Lifeguard: certified in either Red Cross Assistant Lifeguard OR Lifesaving Society’s Bronze Cross with no Water Safety Instructor or Lifeguard qualification.
Junior Lifeguard: certified as a Red Cross Lifeguard OR LSS National Lifeguards with no Water Safety Instructor qualification.
Lifeguard/Instructor I & II: certified as both a Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor.
Senior Lifeguard/Instructor I & II: experienced as both a Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor in addition to holding various additional advanced leadership certifications.
Aquatic Shift Leader: experienced Lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors that supervise the daily operation of the Aquatic Centre.