Well-trained lifeguards and swim instructors are in high demand
Do you enjoy working with people, being a role model and having fun in the water? 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. 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.
Benefits of working as a Burnaby lifeguard and swim instructor
- Opportunities to earn high school credits, and develop leadership, communication and life-saving skills
- Fun team environment
- Great pay, flexible hours and easy transit access to our pools
Lifesaving Society extends Swim Transition deadline
June 30, 2023 is the new deadline for Red Cross-certified individuals who wish to transition to Lifesaving Society certifications through the special pathways (due to expire December 31, 2022) established for this purpose. This extension applies only to individuals, not aquatic facilities.
While thousands of instructors, lifeguards and trainers have already made the transition, the Lifesaving Society is keeping the pathways open to facilitate the transition for those who have yet to complete the process and to maximize the numbers of certified instructors available to provide swim lessons across Canada.
The Lifesaving Society encourages people not to delay: you cannot teach the Society’s Swim for Life program if you are not certified as a Swim for Life Instructor.
For Red Cross Water Safety Instructors who seek Lifesaving Society certification as a Swim for Life Instructor, the Society’s Swim Transition Instructor Clinic will remain live at www.e-lifesaving.ca through June 30, 2023. As of January 1, the cost increases to $50.00 (includes the Swim for Life Award Guide).
Get certified
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)
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.
Lifeguard and swim instructor courses
Ensure you meet the pre-requisites before signing up for a course:
| Recommended Age | Required Courses | Optional | Re-certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ years | Bronze Star | ||
| 13+ years | |||
| 14+ years | Standard First Aid & CPR-C | CPR-C Re-Certification | |
| 15+ years | Lifesaving Instructor |