Office hours.
9:30 AM- 2:30 PM Monday-Friday
(Closed Saturday-Sunday)
No swimming lesson will be the following dates.
(Dates may change base on available swim time for pools)
March 2026
Devonne no lessons March 19 to April 5 (No lessons; continues into April)
Micaela no lessons March 18 to 30 (No lessons)
April 2026
April 1 to 5 (No lessons)
May 2026
May 16–18, 2026 (May Long Weekend / Victoria Day closure)
June 2026
None listed
July 2026
July 1 (no lessons)
August 2026
No lessons for Devonne 31
September 2026
Aug 31 – Sep 13, 2026 (No lessons for Devonne)
October 2026
Oct 3 – Oct 11, 2026 (No lessons)
November 2026
None listed
December 2026
Dec 14, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026 (No lessons)
January 2027
Jan 1 – Jan 4, 2027 (No lessons)
February 2027
Feb 15, 2027 (No lessons)
Feb 19, 2027 (No lessons)
March 2027
Micaela: Mar 18 – Mar 30, 2027 (No lessons)
Devonne: Mar 22 – Mar 31, 2027 (No lessons; continues into April)
April 2027
Devonne: Apr 1 – Apr 5, 2027 (No lessons; continuation of Mar 22–Apr 5)
May 2027
May 21, 2027 (No lessons)
May 24, 2027 (No lessons)
June 2027
Jun 14 – Jun 25, 2027 (No lessons)Registration dates for programs
Contact us Registration times
Phone: 778-622-0515 April 15 for summer lessons August 15 for group lessons
Email: info@waterwaves.ca Flex pass, private lessons, first aid courses, Lifeguarding open year round
Build confidence and safety around water with swimming lessons and first aid/CPR training from Water Waves. Drowning can be silent and happen in seconds—skills, supervision, and preparation make the difference. Learn to swim, wear a properly fitted PFD, never swim alone, and keep children within arm’s reach. Contact us to find the right program for your family.
Lake Swimming Programs
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Baby Jellyfish (4–12 months)
Your child’s first introduction to lake lessons. We practice gentle water movement, getting faces wet, and staying calm in the water. Parents learn how to properly fit a lifejacket/PFD and how to identify Canadian-approved PFDs. We also cover infant CPR and choking, recognizing signs of secondary drowning, and key water safety hazards.
Parent participation required.Tiny Turtle (12 months–3 years)
A parented class that builds on Baby Jellyfish skills. Walking is helpful but not required to join. We continue developing comfort and basic water skills, while teaching parents child CPR and choking, recognizing signs of secondary drowning, and water safety essentials. By the end of this level, children are more comfortable practicing skills with both the instructor and parent.
Parent participation required. -
Little Minnow (Ages 3–5)
Your child’s first level without a parent in the water. To complete this level, students must participate in three full classes independently. We build confidence while working on front and back floats, introducing proper kicking, and learning the first 3 water safety rules. Parents should be prepared to help their child enter the water at the start of class.
Little Frog (Ages 3–5)
Students participate independently and continue developing front and back floats. We introduce arm movements and strengthen self-rescue skills. Children will learn and demonstrate the first 4 water safety rules in and around water.
Mini Ogopogo (Ages 3–5)
Students refine kicking and arm movements on both front and back, and begin breathing techniques in the water. Children will be able to say and demonstrate the first 5 water safety rules. We encourage students to challenge themselves while always putting safety first.
Parents are not required in the water for these levels.
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Trout (Ages 5–13)
Students strengthen front and back swims while working toward the water safety education and physical standards in this program. Dolphin kick is introduced.
Dolphins (Ages 5–13)
Students build distance swimming and continue working toward program standards. Whip kick is introduced, and dolphin kick is refined. First aid and water rescue topics are introduced in class.
Rattlesnake (Ages 5–13)
Students can perform front swim, back swim, whip kick, and dolphin kick with proper technique. We increase distance goals while continuing to build first aid knowledge and water rescue skills.
Megalodon (Ages 5–13)
A strong focus on water rescue skills and building endurance. Students practice rescue-based challenges while continuing to refine the strokes and skills taught in previous levels.
Mermaids (Ages 5–13)
This level focuses on the next step toward lifeguarding, including higher standards, stroke correction, and continued development of first aid and rescue abilities. Class goals are tailored to each swimmer’s ability while keeping safety at the center.
Swimming levels are for ages 5–13.
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Seasonal Home Pool Lessons (We Come to You)
Enjoy private swimming lessons at your home pool—our certified instructors come to you for convenient, confidence-building coaching. Home pool bookings are seasonal and must be arranged through the office.Minimum booking: One hour private lessons (can be two 30min lessons)
Group lessons: available by request (minimum 5 lessons)
Call or email the office to check availability and book.
Other Services
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School & Event Lifeguarding (Bookings Open year round)
Minimum booking: 2 hours
Rate: $157.50/hour +GST (includes 2 lifeguards)
Capacity: Max 30 swimmers in the water at one time
Additional lifeguards:
$69.61/hour +GST per extra lifeguard
With additional guards, capacity can increase up to 90 swimmers (based on staffing and safety requirements)
Contact our office to check availability and book.
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We provide aquatic staff training and in-service sessions, customized to your facility’s needs.
Planning: 5 hours of planning for each 4-hour in-service training session
Rate: Instructor time billed at $60/hour
Travel fees: May apply depending on location
We also offer Lifesaving Society certification courses, including CPR, Emergency First Aid, and Standard First Aid. Contact our office to discuss your goals and book dates.
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Created by owners Micaela and Devonne, our Water Safety Program turns essential water safety education into fun, active lessons. Students learn through movement, teamwork, and hands-on experiments that reinforce key safety concepts.
Age groups:
Ages 5–7
Ages 7–8
Ages 9–10
Ages 10–13
Program details:
Length: 4 hours total (can be split into 30-minute sessions)
Cost: $20/student + GST
Includes: A ribbon for each student at completion
Location: We can deliver this program at the beach or in a gym
Can be paired with a lifeguarded swim (where available)
Contact the office for full details and to book your school or group.
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Our lifeguards are available for on-site shifts to support your pool, beach, school, or special event. These are private bookings, so each shift is planned around your location, schedule, swimmer numbers, and safety requirements.
All on-site lifeguard shifts must be arranged through our office. Contact us to discuss your event details, staffing needs, and available dates.
First Aid Programs
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This course meets WorkSafeBC Occupational Level 1 Equivalent requirements and can be used in the workplace.
Standard First Aid covers basic first aid, CPR, and AED use—ideal for workplace requirements or anyone who wants the confidence to respond in a life-threatening emergency. You’ll leave with the skills and knowledge to act quickly and help someone in need.
No prerequisites (recommended age: 15+)
Includes Standard First Aid with CPR C + AED
Electronic certification card provided
Valid for 3 years
CPR Level A + AED option available
Private/group bookings available: We offer custom in-house training and can travel within BC.
Pricing quotes available upon request. -
Emergency First Aid is a WorkSafeBC Occupational First Aid (OFA) Level 1 Equivalent and can be used in the workplace. This hands-on course builds practical skills and confidence to respond effectively in an emergency.
What you’ll learn:
CPR/AED and obstructed airway procedures for adult, child, and infant emergencies
How to recognize and respond to respiratory and circulatory emergencies, including asthma, allergic reactions, heart attack, stroke, and severe bleeding
Course details:
No prerequisites (recommended age: 13+)
Includes Emergency First Aid with CPR C + AED (OFA Level 1 Equivalent)
Electronic certification card provided
Valid for 3 years from date of issue
In-house training available: We can bring this course anywhere in BC for private group bookings.
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This course teaches how to maintain an airway and safely administer supplementary oxygen. You’ll learn how to handle an O₂ tank, assemble and use oxygen equipment, select and insert an oropharyngeal airway (OPA), choose and deliver oxygen using common devices, and use a pulse oximeter. You’ll also learn how to select and properly use a bag-valve-mask (BVM).
No prerequisites (recommended age: 13+)
Certification: Valid for lifetime
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Basic Life Support training is designed for health care providers (doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other medical professionals) who require CPR-HCP certification. In addition to CPR-C skills, participants learn how to work as a multi-person team, perform simultaneous breathing and pulse checks, provide rescue breathing, and use a bag-valve-mask (BVM).
No prerequisites
Includes Basic Life Support Responder (CPR-HCP) electronic certification card
Valid for 1 year from date of issue
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This course is a WorkSafeBC Occupational First Aid (OFA) Level 1 Equivalent and can be used in the workplace. It’s designed for those working in childcare, home care, or residential care, and meets Ministry of Health requirements for child and residential care workers. The course includes CPR-C to prepare participants to respond to adult, child, and infant emergencies.
No prerequisites (recommended age: 13+)
Includes Emergency First Aid with CPR C + AED (OFA Level 1 Equivalent) electronic certification card
Valid for 3 years from date of issue
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This 7-hour program teaches kids how to stay safe and make responsible choices when they’re home alone and out in the community. Students learn the importance of responsibility, respect, and accountability, how to set and follow safety rules, and how to prepare for unexpected situations (including inclement weather, strangers, and unplanned visits).
First Aid Content Includes:
Check, Call, Care (including calling 911/EMS)
Recovery position
Conscious choking (adult/child/alone)
Feeling unwell
Asthma (inhaler + spacer)
Anaphylaxis (EpiPen)
Poisoning and insect stings
Wound care (cuts/scrapes, splinters, nosebleeds, bumps/bruises)
Life-threatening bleeding and burns
Take-home material: Home Alone workbook.
To find the next course date, visit our Classes page. If you have questions, contact our office—we’re happy to help.
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This course prepares youth to babysit with confidence by building real-world safety awareness and practical first aid skills. Students use a reference text with built-in critical thinking activities to reinforce what they learn.
First Aid Content Includes:
Check, Call, Care (including calling 911/EMS)
Glove removal
Recovery position
Conscious choking (adult/child/baby/alone)
CPR (baby and child)
Illness response
Asthma (inhaler + spacer)
Anaphylaxis (EpiPen)
Poisoning and insect stings
Wound care (cuts/scrapes, splinters, nosebleeds, bumps/bruises)
Life-threatening bleeding and burns
Head, neck, and back injuries
Broken bones
Seizures
Take-home material: Babysitter’s Manual
To find the next course date, visit our Classes page. If you have questions, contact our office—we’re happy to help.
These courses require minimum registration numbers to run.
To avoid cancellations, we collect interest and build a list before opening a course. If you’re interested in any lifeguarding courses, we can run them any time throughout the year—just make sure you add your name to the interest list so we can schedule a date once numbers are met.
We run our programming this way so that when you register, you can feel confident the course will run as planned.
Swim for life Lessons
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Parent Tot Level 1 (4–12 months)
A gentle introduction to the water through structured play. Parents and babies build positive water attitudes while practicing early comfort skills.
Skills include: getting faces wet, blowing bubbles, and floating with parent support.
Parent participation required.Parent Tot Level 2 (12–24 months)
Focused on safe, confident water play. Toddlers learn how to enter and exit the water with adult help while building basic movement skills.
Skills include: getting faces wet, blowing bubbles, floating, kicking, and supported water movement.
Parent participation required.Parent Tot Level 3 (2–3 years)
Builds independence and confidence with a focus on PFD safety and early underwater comfort. Children practice opening eyes underwater and develop foundational float and kick skills through songs and games.
Skills include: safe entry with a PFD, opening eyes underwater, fish floats, pencil floats, and kicking.
Parent participation required.Facility note: Some locations require a daily drop-in fee or pool membership.
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Preschool Level 1
Your child’s first class without a parent in the water. We use games and songs to build confidence, water comfort, and early water safety skills.
Skills include: getting face wet, blowing bubbles, floating, and gliding.Preschool Level 2–3
Children learn to safely jump into chest-deep water wearing a PFD and continue developing swim skills using buoyant equipment.
Skills include: PFD jumps, submersion skills, floats, and glides.Preschool Level 4–5
This level introduces Swim to Survive skills and builds stronger swimming and endurance. Front crawl and back crawl are introduced, along with early fitness and self-rescue skills.
Skills include: Swim to Survive skills, front crawl, back crawl, interval training, treading water, and vertical whip kick.
After completing this level, swimmers typically move into Swimmer Level 2.Parents are not required in the water.
Facility note: Some locations require a daily drop-in fee or pool membership.
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Swimmer Level 1–2 (Combo Course)
Beginner swimmers build comfort and confidence in the water. Students practice jumping in with and without a PFD, opening eyes underwater, exhaling, and holding their breath.
Skills include: floats, glides, and kicking.Swimmer Level 3–4 (Combo Course)
Swimmers learn to dive and practice in-water somersaults and handstands to develop weight transfer skills. They build Swim to Survive skills, learn whip kick on the back, and further develop front crawl and back crawl.
Swimmer Level 5–6 (Combo Course)
Swimmers become confident in deep water and strengthen endurance. They continue building Swim to Survive skills and begin lifesaving kicks like eggbeater and scissor kick.
Skills include: breaststroke, stronger front crawl and back crawl, head-up swims, interval training, and a 300 m workout.Combo course note: It’s normal for a child to stay in the same combo level for up to two years while skills develop. If your child has been in the same level longer than that, talk to our instructors—a private lesson or two can help target the specific skill they’re stuck on.
Facility note: Some locations require a daily drop-in fee or pool membership.
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Canadian Swim Patrol (Ages 8–12)
Canadian Swim Patrol (CSP) is a 3-level, pre-Bronze progression for strong swimmers who are ready to go beyond learn-to-swim. This “work hard / play hard” program builds swimming endurance, lifesaving skills, and first aid knowledge. Swimmers earn stickers for module progress and badges for award completion.
Each level includes three modules: Water Proficiency, Recognition & Rescue, and First Aid. CSP helps prepare swimmers for success in the Bronze Medal programs and works well for school programs, camps, and advanced lesson pathways.
Rookie Patrol
An introduction to CSP for skilled swimmers ready to build endurance and basic rescue skills.
Requirement: Must be able to complete the Swim to Survive challenge.Ranger Patrol
Builds on Rookie with stronger fitness, more advanced recognition and rescue skills, and continued first aid learning.
Star Patrol
The highest CSP level, focusing on advanced proficiency and preparation for Bronze programs.
Recommended prerequisite: Completion of Swimmer 6.Facility note: Some locations require a daily drop-in fee or pool membership.
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Some locations require a daily drop-in fee or a pool membership.
This class is designed around each swimmer’s individual learning pace, so students get the support they need to feel successful. It’s a great fit for children who are new to swimming lessons or need extra time to build strong foundations—focusing on water comfort, confidence, and essential safety skills before moving into more advanced strokes.
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Some locations require a daily drop-in fee or a pool membership.Want to learn to swim—or feel stronger and more confident in the water? Our adult lessons are supportive, private-feeling, and paced to your goals. Whether you’re starting from scratch, improving technique, or building endurance, we’ll help you gain real skills you can use in pools and open water. Contact the office to find the right option for you.
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Some locations require a daily drop-in fee or a pool membership.
If group lessons aren’t the right fit, private lessons offer focused, one-on-one coaching to help you or your child build confidence and reach specific goals. We offer private lessons year-round with experienced instructors and adaptable programming.
Closed Private Lessons (Reserved Spot)
Reserve a consistent time slot for the season (Fall/Winter, Spring, or Summer). Monthly billing is available. Contact the office to book.Open Private Lessons (Flexible Booking)
Book online when scheduled time slots are available—choose as many sessions as you’d like throughout the year. If you don’t see times online, contact the office for help with booking. -
Flex Pass (Group + Private Lessons)
Our Flex Pass is a “set it and forget it” option designed for families who want a consistent weekly spot and equal monthly payments for the season. Once you’re registered, your place is held—no re-registering every session.Flex Pass members also get access to exclusive lesson spots on Mondays and Fridays in September and June (limited availability).
Bonus: Every Flex Pass includes one private lesson spot at no charge to help cover the occasional missed lesson during the season.
Make-up policy: Our 24-hour notice policy for private lesson rescheduling still applies. Make-up lessons must be completed within the same month and cannot be carried over to the next month.
Lifeguard Courses
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Bronze Medallion (Lifesaving Society)
Bronze Medallion is our flagship lifesaving certification and the foundation of water rescue training. It teaches the four key components of rescue education: judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness. Candidates are challenged both mentally and physically while building strong decision-making, assessment, and problem-solving skills for emergencies in, on, and around the water.Bronze Medallion is a prerequisite for Bronze Cross (Assistant Lifeguard training).
Minimum requirement: Age 13+ or Bronze Star certification.
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Bronze Cross (Assistant Lifeguard Training)
Bronze Cross is designed for lifesavers who want the challenge of more advanced training, including an introduction to safety supervision. This course begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding by strengthening rescue skills and introducing active surveillance techniques used in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross also emphasizes teamwork and communication to help prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies.Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for advanced training, including National Lifeguard and leadership certifications.
Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion
Employment note (Assistant Lifeguard): To work as an assistant lifeguard, individuals are typically 15+ and must hold a current Bronze Cross and Emergency First Aid certification.
Recertification note: Canadian Swim Patrol and Bronze awards are lifetime awards and do not need to be current for ongoing training. If a Bronze award is being used for employment, the BC & Yukon Branch recommends recertifying every 2 years.
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National Lifeguard (NL) Pool — Overview
The National Lifeguard Pool certification develops the values, judgment, knowledge, skills, and fitness required of professional lifeguards. This course focuses on lifeguarding principles, practical skills, and decision-making needed to provide effective safety supervision in swimming pool environments.Please review prerequisites and ensure you have everything required before registering.
Prerequisites
Bronze Cross (does not need to be current)
Standard First Aid with CPR-C/AED (does not need to be current) from a recognized agency:
Lifesaving Society
Canadian Red Cross
St. John Ambulance
Canadian Ski Patrol
Heart and Stroke Foundation
15 years old by the last day of the course
Recognition
National Lifeguard certification card and crest.
Currency
Valid for 2 years from the certification date.
NL Pool Recertification (NL Recert Exam)
Recertification allows candidates to renew their National Lifeguard Pool certification.
Prerequisite:
National Lifeguard Pool (not current)
NL Precert (Recommended):
The NL Precert helps candidates review NL skills and knowledge and learn any updated information before attempting the recert exam. While not required, the BC & Yukon Branch strongly recommends attending a Precert prior to recertifying.Recognition: National Lifeguard certification card
Currency: Valid for 2 years from the recertification dateCandidates are responsible for ensuring they have the correct prerequisites. If you have questions, please contact our office.
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National Lifeguard (NL) Waterfront (44 Hours) — Overview
The National Lifeguard Waterfront certification develops the values, judgment, knowledge, skills, and fitness required of waterfront lifeguards. This course focuses on lifeguarding principles, practical skills, and decision-making needed to provide effective safety supervision in waterfront environments.Prerequisites
Bronze Cross (does not need to be current)
Standard First Aid with CPR-C/AED (does not need to be current) from a recognized agency:
Lifesaving Society
Canadian Red Cross
St. John Ambulance
Canadian Ski Patrol
Heart and Stroke Foundation
15 years old by the last day of the course
Recognition
National Lifeguard certification card.
Currency
Valid for 2 years from the certification date.
NL Waterfront Recertification (Recert Exam) — Available
Recertification is available for this course.
Recommended: NL Waterfront Precert Clinic
The NL Waterfront Precert clinic gives candidates a chance to review waterfront skills and knowledge and learn updated information before the recert clinic/exam. While not required, the BC & Yukon Branch strongly recommends attending a Precert prior to attempting an NL Waterfront Recert exam.Prerequisite:
National Lifeguard Waterfront (does not need to be current)
Candidates are responsible for ensuring they have the correct prerequisites. If you have questions, please contact our office.
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National Lifeguard (NL) Waterpark — Overview
The National Lifeguard Waterpark certification develops the skills, principles, and decision-making needed to provide effective safety supervision in waterpark environments. It builds on the values, judgment, knowledge, skills, and fitness developed in NL Pool.Prerequisites
National Lifeguard Pool (not current)
Candidates are responsible for ensuring they have the correct prerequisites. If you have questions, please contact our office.
Recognition
National Lifeguard certification card and crest.
Currency
Valid for 2 years from the certification date.
NL Waterpark Recertification — Available
Recertification is available for this course.
Prerequisite:
National Lifeguard Waterpark (not current)
Recognition & Currency
National Lifeguard certification card
Valid for 2 years from the recertification date
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Swim for Life Instructor — Overview
The Lifesaving Society Swim for Life Instructor certification prepares candidates to teach and evaluate basic swim strokes and related skills. Swim Instructors teach and evaluate swimmers in the Society’s Swim for Life® and Canadian Swim Patrol levels. Candidates must demonstrate the required skills, knowledge, and attitudes at Competency Level 1 to earn certification.Prerequisites
Bronze Cross (does not need to be current)
Completion of the online Adapted Swim Instructor course before attending the in-person session
Recognition
Digital certificate
Currency
Valid for 2 years from the certification date.
Swim for Life Instructor Recertification — Available
The Swim for Life Instructor Recert renews a candidate’s award for 24 months. Candidates must successfully complete the course and pass a Swim for Life® skills assessment.
Prerequisites:
Swim for Life Instructor (current within the last 5 years)
Completion of the online Adapted Swim Instructor course before attending the in-person session
Candidates are responsible for ensuring they have the correct prerequisites. If you have questions, please contact our office.
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Swim & Lifesaving Instructor/Examiner Combo — Overview
Complete your training in a condensed format. This Combo course prepares candidates for leadership roles as Lifesaving Society Swim Instructors and Lifesaving Instructors & Examiners. Candidates are trained in—and must demonstrate—the skills, knowledge, and attitudes required at Competency Level 1 and Level 2. A skill and stroke screening is required to achieve certification.Prerequisites
15 years old by the last day of the course
Bronze Cross (does not need to be current)
Recognition
Digital certificate
Currency
Valid for 2 years from the certification date
These courses require minimum registration numbers to run.
To avoid cancellations, we collect interest and build a list before opening a course. If you’re interested in any lifeguarding courses, we can run them any time throughout the year—just make sure you add your name to the interest list so we can schedule a date once numbers are met.
We run our programming this way so that when you register, you can feel confident the course will run as planned.
High School Credits (BC & Yukon Students)
British Columbia and Yukon high school students can use Lifesaving Society BC & Yukon certifications toward graduation through the External Credit Program. Awards do not need to be current.
Eligible credits:
Bronze Cross: 2 credits (Grade 11)
Bronze Cross + Lifesaving Instructor (LSI): 3 credits (Grade 11)
National Lifeguard Pool (NL): 2 credits (Grade 12)
Important notes:
Credits can only be used for the assigned grade (you can’t combine multiple certifications toward the same grade).
If a student already used Bronze Cross (2 credits) and later completes LSI, they can replace the 2 credits with the 3-credit option (Bronze Cross + LSI).
Students should tell their school counsellor they want to apply these courses through the External Credit Program and be ready to provide proof of certification cards.
For more details, speak with your school counsellor or refer to the Ministry of Education’s External Credit information.
