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Lifeguard / Swim Instructor Training
Lifeguards and swim instructors are essential to the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) being able to offer public swimming times and lessons. As with many other local governments across Canada, the SCRD has experienced a shortage of qualified lifeguards and swim instructors which has impacted our ability to maintain service delivery in the region.
We have had to reduce some pool hours in April and May in response to the lifeguard shortage. If you are already a qualified Lifeguard, we will be hiring in the summer. Check our Careers Page frequently. The starting wage is $27.23/hour.
This July and August, we are offering all the training you need to become a qualified lifeguard and/or Swim Instructor by the end of the summer.
Lifeguards monitor pools to prevent drowning or injuries and administer first aid if required. While at times challenging, lifeguarding is a very rewarding job – and could be perfect for those who love the water. We are offering all the training you need this July and August to become a qualified Lifeguard.
How to Become a Qualified Lifeguard this summer!
Step 1: Complete Bronze Program (both Medallion and Cross programs)
Step 4: Complete Standard First Aid
Step 5: Complete National Lifeguarding Certification
Are you living on a low income?
We may be able to help. Apply for the 2025 LIFE program.
You can use the LIFE program credit towards Lifeguard training. The SCRD LIFE application can take up to two weeks to process and must be in place on your account before you register.
If you are a lifeguard, we will be hiring! Please check our Careers Page frequently for postings coming soon!
Lifeguard training is an investment in specialized skills which are in high demand. The starting wage is $27.23 per hour. If you are a high school student, Lifeguard Certification is worth two high school credits.
Stay tuned! Lifeguard Training in Fall 2025 and Winter 2026
We will be offering the Bronze Cross and Medallion courses Fall 2025. National Lifeguard Certification and Standard First Aid will offered Winter 2026.
You could become a certified Lifeguard by end of March 2026.
If you enjoy working with people and love the idea of teaching swimming skills that can last a lifetime, this could be the perfect fit for you! 🏅
✅ You don’t need to be a lifeguard to become a Swim Instructor
✅ Or… get certified as both by the end of August with our full summer training schedule!
Swim Instructors are responsible for teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the Swim for Life – Learn to Swim program.
How to Become a Swim Instructor this summer!
- Pre-requisite: 15 years of age by the last day of the course
- Complete Bronze Cross. (We are offering Bronze Cross July 29 to Aug 1)
- Complete the Swim Instructor Course
Candidates will learn about evaluation and techniques/approaches required for teaching. They will learn about long-term and short-term planning, class management and safety supervision and get teaching experience.