Become a lifeguard through courses offered at the YMCA
Aquatic Certifications
Registration for the 2026 spring session is now open
Je m'inscris
Registration Dates – summer 2026 session
Starting at 7:00 a.m. on June 8
Priority registration for participants who were enrolled in the winter session (January 5 to March 22, 2026) or spring session (March 23 to June 14, 2026) for aquatic certifications.
Starting at 7:00 a.m. on June 10
Registration for the general public (open to all).
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.
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.
