Become a lifeguard through courses offered at the YMCA
Aquatic Certifications
Registration Dates – fall 2026 session
August 17, starting at 7:00 a.m.
Priority registration for participants who were enrolled in the spring session (March 23 to June 14, 2026) or summer session (July 4 to August 21, 2026) for aquatic certifications.
August 19, starting at 7:00 a.m.
General registration (open to everyone).
Complete the interest form - summer 2026 session
Registration for the summer session is open.
Places are limited, so don’t delay and register today.
End of free aquatic certifications
The Lifesaving Society has notified all of its partners, including the YMCA, that funding that made aquatic certification courses free has been discontinued, primarily due to budget constraints imposed by the Government of Québec.
We continue to offer our lifeguard and swim instructor courses, with pricing adapted for YMCA members and non-members, starting in the spring 2026 session.
Our time slots for the current session
Lifesaving courses
Swimming and water safety instruction has been one of the pillars of the YMCA, with over 80 years of experience in this area. Swimmers interested in becoming a lifeguard can participate in the Lifesaving Society’s certifications offered at the YMCA.
Benefits of lifesaving courses
- Psychological: stress management, improved focus and self-esteem;
- Fitness: weight management and increased cardiovascular capacity, strength and endurance;
- Motor skills: improved coordination, balance, posture and agility.
Steps to Become a Lifeguard
Steps to Become a Swim Instructor
*For more information about this course, please contact your nearest YMCA centre.
