National Lifeguard is Canada's only nationally recognized lifeguard certification program. National Lifeguard is a legal certificate for lifeguarding throughout the country, and the only lifeguard certificate recognized by the province of Ontario.
The Lifesaving Society’s National Lifeguard Core Content teaches the basic principles of lifeguarding in any aquatic situation.
Test Items
- Throughout practical activities, candidates answer questions on their understanding of the principles and techniques of lifeguarding included in the NLS test items. In addition, candidates should be prepared to answer questions drawn from the Canadian Lifesaving Manual (CLM) and Alert: Lifeguarding in Action, including:
- Explain the role and responsibilities of the NLS lifeguard in terms of role modeling, prevention, and rescue (Alert, Chapter 1).
- Describe how critical incident stress can impact lifeguards responding to both successful and unsuccessful rescues (CLM, Appendix A; Alert, Chapter 6).
- Define the legal obligations of the lifeguard in terms of duty and standard of care, liability, and negligence (Alert, Chapter 8).
- Provide an example of a training activity to improve one component of physical fitness (muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, strength, speed, power, flexibility) as identified by the evaluator.
- Explain how to adapt emergency procedures for a facility with only one trained lifeguard on duty; how to use auxiliary staff or bystanders; and discuss the value of written procedures as part of the staff manual.
- Provide an example of the regulations that regulate workplace health and safety for lifeguards (e.g., WHMIS, Occupational Health and Safety, Worker’s Compensation).
- *Demonstrate effective communication with:
a) Public (public relations) and victims
b) Fellow lifeguards; supervisor(s) and employer; emergency services personnel; and other co-workers (e.g., cashiers, custodial staff)
- *Demonstrate effective management of the following victim types:
a) Drowning victim in deep water
b) Submerged non-breathing victim
c) Suspected spinal-injured victim
- *Demonstrate ability to recognize individuals or groups who may require lifeguard intervention or education to prevent an accident.
*Asterisk indicates instructor-evaluated item.
Fitness...Family...Fun!