Certification Courses

Open the door to employment and volunteer possibilities through our YMCA Aquatic Certifications and Leadership programs. Certification as a lifeguard or swimming instructor can lead to employment opportunities at the YMCA and elsewhere. You’ll also develop leadership skills that can have a profound impact on your future success.

View Our Current Program Guide Now! 

 Leadership Certification Courses

Aquatic certifications through the Lifesaving Society (10+ years old) are offered at the YMCA of Fredericton to both members and non-members (fees apply).

First Aid certifications through the Lifesaving Society (12+ years old) & Babysitters Training certification through the Canadian Safety Council (12 – 15 years old) are offered at the YMCA of Fredericton to both members and non-members (fees apply).

Please view our program guide (link above) for up-to-date schedules and fees. 

Lifesaving Society Aquatic Leadership Certification Courses

Develops swimming proficiency, lifesaving skill and personal fitness. Candidates refine their stroke mechanics, acquire self-rescue skills, and apply fitness principles in training workouts. Bronze Star is excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion and provides a fun introduction to lifesaving sport.

Prerequisite: 10 – 12 years old or Star 6 (or an equivalent skill level).

10 hours with successful learning activities for Bronze Star certification │ $50.00

Bronze Medallion challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. Candidates acquire the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make decisions in, on, and around the water. Bronze Medallion is a prerequisite for assistant lifeguard training in Bronze Cross.

Workplace Standard First Aid provides comprehensive training that covers all aspects of first aid and CPR. Workplace Standard First Aid is designed for those who require a more in-depth understanding of first aid including: legal implications of first aid treatment, spinal injuries, heat or cold injuries, bone and joint injuries, chest injuries and medical emergencies.

Prerequisite: Minimum 13 years of age or Bronze Star certification (need to be current) and intermediate stroke standard.

15 hour course + 3 hour successful exam for Bronze Medallion certification; 16 hour course + 70% written exam and on-going evaluation for WSFA certification │ $200.00 +HST

Begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for the responsibilities as assistant lifeguards. Candidates strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills and begin to apply the principles and techniques of active surveillance in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies. Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for advanced training in the Society’s national Lifeguard and leadership certification programs.

Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion and Lifesaving Society Emergency or Workplace Standard First Aid certifications (need not be current).

20 hour course + 3 hour successful exam for Bronze Cross certification │ $175.00 +HST

Canada’s only nationally recognized lifeguard certification program. National Lifeguard is a legal certificate for lifeguarding throughout the country.

Prerequisite: Minimum 15 years of age. Bronze Cross certification and Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid (need not be current).

40 hour course + 4 hour successful exam for NL-Pool certification │ $250.00 +HST

National Lifeguard certification is current for 2 years and is recertified by completing a National Lifeguard recertification exam.

The National Lifeguard recertification exam is your opportunity to demonstrate your skills and recertify your award. You are responsible for reviewing the required content and skills and preparing yourself for the exam. Your exam is based on the National Lifeguard Award curriculum. The required content for this curriculum can be found in your Alert text and the Canadian Lifesaving Manual.

5 hour exam for NL-Pool recertification │ $80.00 +HST
Recert available based on demand. Contact Aquatics manager for more info (Kathleen.Kowalchuk@ymcafredericton.org or 462-3000 EXT 108).

  • Airway Management
  • Lifesaving Instructor (LSI)
  • Examiner Course
  • First Aid Instructor (FAI)
  • National Lifeguard Instructor (NLI)

For more information on when these leadership courses will be offered, please visit Lifesaving Society New Brunswick.

YMCA Aquatic Leadership Certification Courses

YMCA Swim Instructor course provides people with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to work or volunteer as a Swim Instructor with the Y.

Prerequisites: Minimum 15 years of age. Bronze Cross or Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard certification (needs to be current). Standard First Aid with CPR C/AED (needs to be current). Swim strokes at YMCA Intermediate stroke standard or equivalent.

21 hour course including self-directed learning module, in-person training and successful observation and evaluation for YMCA Swim Instructor certification │ $TBD +HST

YMCA Aqua Fit Instructor course provides people with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to work or volunteer as a group fitness instructor with the YMCA.

Prerequisites: Minimum 16 years of age. Current CPR–A (Adult). 30 hours as a participant in Aqua Fit (recommended).

30 hour course including basic fitness theory self-directed e-learning (80% on written test), Aqua Fit e-learning and in-person learning & practice sessions and apprenticeship for YMCA Aqua Fit Instructor certification │ $TBD +HST

For more information, please contact Joan at Joan.Gillespie@ymcafredericton.org.

First Aid & Safety Leadership Certification Courses

Provides comprehensive training that covers all aspects of first aid and CPR. Workplace Standard First Aid is designed for those who require a more in-depth understanding of first aid including: legal implications of first aid treatment, spinal injuries, heat or cold injuries, bone and joint injuries, chest injuries and medical emergencies.

Prerequisite: Minimum 12 years of age.

16 hour course + 70% written exam and on-going evaluation for WSFA certification │ $125.00 +HST

The Babysitters Training Course is one of Canada Safety Council’s longest running programs. The course is an ideal community project, which can help prevent injuries and promote the responsible management of common situations that may arise while children are under the care of babysitters.

Prerequisite: 12 – 15 years old.

10 hour course + 75% written exam for Babysitters Training Course certification │ $55.00 +HST