Your First Step Toward Becoming a Certified Lifeguard in Toronto and Beyond
Lifeguarding isn’t just a summer job, it’s a leadership role and a life-saving responsibility. For teens, students, and anyone passionate about water safety, becoming a certified lifeguard opens doors to meaningful opportunities, both personal and professional.
If you’re based in Scarborough, Markham, Toronto, or Vaughan, there’s never been a better time to begin your aquatic safety training journey. Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross certifications, paired with First Aid and CPR, are the essential lifeguard prerequisites to get started.
As a proud affiliate of the Lifesaving Society, Alex’s Swim School now offers lifeguard training, bronze courses, and First Aid and CPR certification programs across the GTA. Whether you’re searching for where to get Bronze Cross in Toronto or wondering how to become a certified lifeguard in Markham, this summer’s lineup is designed for you.
From bronze medallion certification courses to lifeguard training classes for teens, the Summer 2025 program is perfect for first-time learners, returning swimmers, or anyone interested in lifeguard jobs and water safety instruction.
Why Lifeguarding Matters
Leadership in and out of the water
Lifeguarding is more than whistle-blowing from a pool deck. It’s about building confidence, reacting under pressure, and learning how to stay calm during emergencies. Every lifeguard develops communication, leadership, and situational awareness skills that carry over into everyday life.
For teens or young adults, this kind of hands-on responsibility is rare and invaluable. It’s no surprise many start their career path through lifeguard certification, leading to roles in swimming instruction, event safety, or even emergency services.
A smart move for summer job seekers
Demand for certified lifeguards continues to rise, especially during the warmer months. Completing your bronze medallion and cross weekend courses or earning your emergency first aid and CPR can give you a competitive edge when applying to public pools, private clubs, or beach lifeguard stations.
Whether you’re looking into summer swim safety programs or asking do I need Bronze Cross before applying for lifeguard jobs, the answer is clear: investing in your training pays off.
A foundation that leads to more
Through bronze medallion certification, bronze cross certification, and lifesaving training, you’ll lay the foundation to eventually pursue your National Lifeguard certification or Swim Instructor credentials. These early steps offered across locations in the GTA are designed to build real-world confidence in both aquatic settings and community leadership roles.
If you’ve ever asked what’s included in bronze level lifeguard training in or how long does it take to get certified as a lifeguard, these courses give you the answers and the skills to back them up.
What Are Bronze Medallion & Bronze Cross Certifications?
The Bronze Medallion is the first major step in the Lifesaving Society’s training pathway. It introduces essential lifesaving techniques, including how to respond to challenging water rescues and develop sound judgment in real-time scenarios. It’s the starting point for anyone interested in becoming a certified lifeguard or swim instructor.
Building on that foundation, the Bronze Cross certification prepares participants for more advanced aquatic environments. It focuses on teamwork, fitness, and expanded rescue skills, and it serves as a prerequisite for the National Lifeguard (NL) certification.
To support both courses, Emergency First Aid with CPR-B and Standard First Aid with CPR-C are integrated into the training. These certifications are required components for progressing into professional lifeguard roles and are often mandatory for pool employment.
These programs follow the Lifesaving Society’s nationally recognized standards, making them widely accepted across Canada. All offerings are available through Alex’s Swim School, a certified provider supporting communities across the GTA.
Summer 2025 Course Offerings at Alex’s Swim School
Below are the available Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, and First Aid + CPR course packages for Summer 2025. Early registration is strongly recommended, as spots fill up quickly each season.
Course Packages and Details:
1. Bronze Medallion + Emergency First Aid with CPR-B
- Schedule: Thursdays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (July 3 – Aug 14)
- Location: RH King Academy, 3800 St. Clair Ave E, Scarborough
- Resident Fee: $275
- Non-Resident Fee: $300
2. Bronze Medallion + Bronze Cross + Standard First Aid with CPR-C
- Schedule: Thursdays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (July 3 – Aug 14)
- Location: RH King Academy, Scarborough
- Resident Fee: $550
- Non-Resident Fee: $600
3. Bronze Medallion + Bronze Cross + Standard First Aid with CPR-C
- Schedule: Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (July 5 – Aug 16)
- Location: Monarch Park Collegiate Institute, 1 Hanson St, Toronto
- Resident Fee: $550
- Non-Resident Fee: $600
Each program is structured to give participants the necessary certifications to advance toward their National Lifeguard or instructor training. Early sign-up ensures you get a seat in the session that fits your schedule best.
What You’ll Learn at Alex’s Swim School
The training programs offered by Alex’s Swim School go beyond theory. Participants gain hands-on experience in core lifesaving skills, such as water rescues, recognition of distressed swimmers, and effective use of rescue equipment.
Both CPR-B and CPR-C procedures are covered, ensuring students understand how to respond to various age-specific emergencies. CPR-B focuses on child and infant scenarios, while CPR-C extends that training to include adult protocols—critical knowledge for any lifeguard or instructor.
Courses also include Emergency First Aid and Standard First Aid training. These certifications teach how to assess situations, treat injuries, and respond to sudden medical issues like choking or cardiac arrest.
Beyond the physical and technical skills, students build confidence through leadership and teamwork exercises. Situational simulations and group drills encourage better communication and real-world problem solving—qualities essential in high-stress aquatic environments.
These programs are designed to prepare participants for the National Lifeguard certification or Swim Instructor roles, offering a strong foundation for future opportunities in aquatic safety.
Hosting a Pool Party or Event? Hire a Lifeguard
If you’re planning a private event that includes swimming, having a certified lifeguard on-site is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
Alex’s Swim School provides qualified lifeguards for private events across the GTA. Whether it’s a backyard birthday party, a community block gathering, or a corporate celebration at a rented venue, safety remains the top priority.
Lifeguards arrive prepared with proper training, awareness, and equipment to monitor pool activity and step in when needed. Their presence ensures peace of mind for hosts, reduces liability, and allows everyone—kids and adults alike—to enjoy the water with confidence.
For families or organizations asking can I hire a private lifeguard for my event in Toronto, this service offers full safety coverage from start to finish.
Areas We Serve
Alex’s Swim School proudly provides lifeguard training and private aquatic safety services across the Greater Toronto Area. Whether you’re looking for bronze medallion certification courses in Scarborough or want to hire a private lifeguard for your event in Toronto, our programs are designed to be accessible and community-focused.
We currently offer services in the following areas:
- Scarborough
- Markham
- Toronto
- Vaughan
Each location offers convenient access to certified courses and trusted instructors, helping residents gain essential skills in water safety, First Aid, and CPR.
Start Your Lifeguarding Journey: Bronze Courses and Lifeguard Training in the GTA
Becoming a lifeguard means more than just watching over a pool—it means stepping into a role of leadership, responsibility, and readiness. With bronze medallion, bronze cross, and First Aid and CPR certification, you gain the training needed to protect others and respond in critical moments.
These certifications don’t just prepare you for a summer job—they open doors to lasting career opportunities in aquatic safety, swim instruction, and public service.
Enroll now for Summer 2025 to secure your spot in one of our upcoming courses, or get in touch to learn more about booking a private lifeguard for your next poolside event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross?
The Bronze Medallion is the first level of lifesaving training and focuses on water rescue, judgment, and physical fitness. Bronze Cross builds on those skills with more advanced techniques and is required if you plan to pursue National Lifeguard certification or work as a swim instructor.
Where can I take Bronze Medallion or Bronze Cross courses in the GTA?
Alex’s Swim School offers bronze medallion certification courses in Scarborough, Bronze Cross programs in Toronto, and combined packages in multiple GTA locations including Markham and Vaughan.
Do I need First Aid and CPR certification to become a lifeguard?
Yes, both Emergency First Aid with CPR-B and Standard First Aid with CPR-C are required for most lifeguard jobs. These are included in many of our course packages to help you meet all lifeguard prerequisites in one go.
How old do I have to be to take a Bronze Medallion course?
To enroll in the Bronze Medallion, you must be at least 13 years old or have completed the Swim Patrol level. It’s ideal for teens who want to begin their path toward lifeguard certification.
Can I hire a private lifeguard for my pool party or event?
Yes, Alex’s Swim School provides certified private lifeguards for events in Toronto, Scarborough, and across the GTA. This service is perfect for birthdays, corporate gatherings, or any private function involving water.