Become a Lifeguard

Well-trained lifeguards and swim instructors are in high demand

Get certified to become a lifeguard and swim instructor with the City of Burnaby. We have 7 pools–3 indoor and 4 outdoor pools in neighbourhoods across the city. Coming soon–two new indoor pools, Burnaby Lake Recreation Centre and Cameron Community Centre! 

We offer all the Lifesaving Society courses required to become a certified lifeguard and swim instructor. We also offer re-certification courses to keep your professional skills up-to-date and a range of optional courses to help you pass the certification requirements.

Why become a Burnaby lifeguard and swim instructor?

Benefits
  • Opportunities to earn high school credits
  • Develop leadership, communication and life-saving skills
  • Great pay, flexible hours and easy transit access to our pools
  • Discounted Be Active Pass
  • Roles across recreation, aquatics and operations
Benefits you can't put a price on
  • Meaningful lifelong connections and friendships
  • A once-in-a-lifetime chance to work in a brand new recreation facility
  • The opportunity to build a lifelong career in Burnaby recreation
  • Mentorship from senior aquatics staff in a fun team environment 
  • Giving back to your community 

Here's how you get there

If you're passionate about water safety and want to make a difference in the lives of others, follow these steps to become a certified lifeguard and swim instructor.

These certifications are assets, but not mandatory to become a lifeguard with the City.

  • Lifesaving Instructor (LSI) 
  • BCRPA Aquatic Fitness Leader (Aquafit)

Lifeguard and swim instructor courses

Review the minimum age and prerequisites before registering. Adults follow the same certification pathway as youth and can register for these courses if they meet the prerequisites.

If you are new to swimming, start with adult swim lessons before beginning Bronze Medallion.

Course requirements, preparation options and recertification information
Minimum age to register Certification course Prerequisites / requirements Helpful preparation courses Recertification
12+ years Not applicable Builds skills for Bronze Medallion Bronze Star is a preparation course and not required for certification  Not applicable
13+ years Bronze Medallion Ability to swim 400 metres, or 16 lengths, continuously in under 12 minutes Stroke Improvement & Fitness, Lifeguard School, private lessons, Adult Beginner, Adult Intermediate or Adult Advanced if needed Not applicable
13+ years Bronze Cross Bronze Medallion Stroke Improvement & Fitness, Lifeguard School Not applicable
14+ years Standard First Aid & CPR-C Bronze Cross & Bronze Medallion Not applicable Standard First Aid Recertification
15+ years Swim & Lifesaving Instructor Standard First Aid & CPR-C Lifesaving Instructor, if applicable Swim for Life Instructor Recertification
15+ years National Lifeguard Pool Standard First Aid & CPR-C Not applicable National Lifeguard Pool Pre / Recertification

Need more information?

If you have questions about our certification courses, start online. If you still want more information, visit the front desk at recreation centres with indoor pools.

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