Become a lifeguard through courses offered at the YMCA
Aquatic Certifications
Registration Dates – spring session 2026
Starting at 7:00 a.m. on March 9
Priority registration for children who were enrolled in the fall session (September 8 to December 21, 2025) or winter session (January 5 to March 22, 2026) for swimming lessons, physical activities for kids or aquatic certifications.
Starting at 7:00 a.m. on March 11
Registration for the general public (open to all).
End of free aquatic certifications
Following discussions with the ministry responsible for Sport, Recreation, and Outdoor Activities, the Lifesaving Society has notified all of its partners that funding for free aquatic certifications, which has been in place since 2022, will be significantly reduced due to budget constraints imposed by the Québec government.
We will, of course, continue to offer our lifeguard and swim instructor courses, with new pricing for our YMCA members and non-members, starting in the spring 2026 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.
