What is National Lifeguard and what options are there?

National Lifeguard is the Lifesaving Society's lifeguard certification, designed to develop a sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgment and a mature, responsible attitude toward the role. The Society describes it as the industry-accepted standard for lifeguards in Canada, endorsed by the National Lifeguard Advisory Committee of lifeguard employers, facility operators and national agencies, and the only Canadian lifeguard standard recognized by the International Life Saving Federation and the Commonwealth Royal Life Saving Society.

There are four options: Pool, Waterpark, Waterfront and Surf. In Ontario it is recognized for lifeguarding public swimming pools, and as the waterfront supervisory certification under Ontario Recreational Camp Regulation 503/17. The facts here come from Lifesaving Society Ontario; other provinces' branches may publish their own details.

Sources: Lifesaving Society Ontario Program Guide, July 2026 edition (Section 7); https://www.lifesavingsociety.com/lifeguarding/national-lifeguard.aspx