WHAT IS THE "TO THE RESCUE" PROGRAM?
The purpose of this program is to provide opportunity for Lifeguard and Swim Instructor training and the potential to obtain employment as a Lifeguard / Swim Instructor with the City of Nanaimo. The program offers individuals financial support to achieve
leadership certifications required to become a Lifeguard/Swim Instructor. This program encompasses seven core courses:
- Bronze Medallion
- Bronze Cross
- Standard First Aid/CPR C (OFA Level 1 Equivalent)
- National Lifeguard
- Lifesaving
Society Swim for Life Instructor certificates.
Upon successful completion of the courses, you will be offered a position as a Lifeguard/Instructor with the City of Nanaimo.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM?
To participate in our subsidized lifeguard training program applicants must be 16 years old by start of program, commit to the training courses, and have excellent availability to work.
WHY APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM?
- Subsidized training (on successful completion of employment probation)
- Casual employment with the City of Nanaimo as a lifeguard earning $22.03/hr (during probation)
- High School Credits
- Career opportunities
- Transferable skills (problem solving, responsibility, leadership & teamwork)
- Introduced to a variety of work-related fields (school teacher, nurse, paramedic, coast guard, fire rescue and more)
WHAT IS THE ORDER OF THE REQUIRED COURSES/PATH TO BECOME A LIFEGUARD/INSTRUCTOR?
WHAT ARE THE COSTS TO THE STUDENT PARTICIPANT?
There is a registration fee for each course. The registration fees will be reimbursed only after successful completion of probation. The probation period is 480 hours worked or one year from the first day of employment.
COURSE | REGULAR PROGRAM COST | REIMBURSABLE REGISTRATION FEE |
Bronze Medallion | $185 | $50 |
Bronze Cross | $145 | $50 |
Standard First Aid and CPR C | $150 | $75 |
National Lifeguard | $499 | $200 |
LSS Swim Instructor | $450 | $200 |
ARE THERE HIGH SCHOOL CREDITS FOR TAKING THIS COURSE?
High school students can earn credit towards graduation while working towards their first career. This program recognizes the 100+ hours of education and training for Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard starting at Bronze Medallion. It rewards the work
and dedication of those who strive to step onto the deck to protect the lives of others and the beginning of their aquatics career. Please contact your school’s Work Experience Coordinator for more information.
COURSE | HIGH SCHOOL CREDITS |
Bronze Cross | 2 credits for Grade 11 |
LSS Swim Instructor & Lifesaving Instructor | 2 credits for Grade 11 |
National Lifeguard | 2 credits for Grade 12 |
Work Experience Program Credits | 4 credits towards graduation |
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?
All applications for the program must be received by the City of Nanaimo at a date yet to be determined. Check back in February 2024.
HOW DO I APPLY TO THE PROGRAM?
- Fill out the "To the Rescue" Application Form either online or pick up an application from the Customer Service Representative at either Nanaimo Aquatic Centre or Beban Park Pool.
- Submit a cover letter, application and resume by a date yet to be determined. You can email it to kathy.gonzales@nanaimo.ca or drop it off to the Customer Service Desk at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre (741 Third St) to the attention of KATHY GONZALES, AQUATIC MANAGER.
- If selected, we will call you to set up an interview.
WHAT IS THE COURSE SCHEDULE AND TIME COMMITMENT?
COURSE NAME | DAYS | PREREQUISITES |
Bronze Medallion | 20 hours evening and weekend TBD | 13 years by last day of course or Bronze Staf |
Bronze Cross | 20 hours evenings and weekend TBD | Bronze Medallion |
National Lifeguard (NL) - Pool Option | 48 hours evenings and weekends TBD | 15 years by last day of course, Bronze Cross & AEC or SFA (recommended to be current) |
LSS Swim Instructor (Swim for Life) and Lifesaving Instructor Combo | 40 hours evenings and weekend TBD | 16 years by last day of course and Bronze Cross (need not be current) |
Standard First Aid (SFA) | 16 hours evenings and weekends TBD | 12 years min. (15 years recommended) |
Please note that courses require physical strength and swimming ability to complete. All participants must demonstrate a minimum swimming ability to participate. Please contact Kathy Gonzales with questions about strength and ability requirements for participation. There may be other course dates beyond what is listed above.
IF ACCEPTED INTO THE PROGRAM, HOW DO I REGISTER FOR COURSES?
Once accepted into the program, you will be directed to register and pay for the courses.
WHAT ARE THE PROGRAM POLICIES FOR "TO THE RESCUE"?
The following policies have been developed to support the participation and success for each participant enrolled in the program:
Attendance
Participants will need to clear their calendars to ensure availability on scheduled course session days. 100% attendance is the expectation for all participants as per by the Lifesaving Society and as a requirement to achieve certification at each skills level. Each session is based on the knowledge, skills and experience garnered during previous sessions.
If there is an emergency, participants must notify Kathy Gonzales, as soon as an absence is anticipated, but continuation in the program may not be possible.
Termination
Participants in the "To the Rescue" program are engaged in the program on a voluntary basis. Because the program depends on the full involvement and commitment of the participants, if for some reason you are not able to continue to be fully engaged in the program, please discuss the possibility of terminating your involvement with Kathy Gonzales.
WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
For further information or questions regarding the program, please contact Kathy Gonzales at 250-756-5201 or kathy.gonzales@nanaimo.ca.