Jobs in aquatics

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Path to become a lifeguard and swim instructor

A complete list of courses with pre-requisites are listed in our Recreation eGuides.

  • Bronze Star *optional (10-12 years)
  • Bronze Medallion / Emergency First Aid with CPR ‘B’ (13 years)
  • Bronze Cross (14 years)
  • Standard First Aid with CPR ‘C’ / AED (12 years)
  • Airway Management  or Oxygen Therapy (O2) (15 years)
  • Red Cross Water Safety Instructor – Part 1 (15 years)
  • Red Cross Water Safety Instructor – Part 2 (15 years)
  • National Lifeguard (15 years)
  • Lifesaving Society Instructor (Desired)

Application process
  1. Apply online at ottawa.ca/careers.
    • ​​​​Year-round positions (September to June)
    • Summer positions (July to August)
    • The application process opens each year in February and closes at the end of the summer season.
  2. In person screening sessions are occasionally hosted. See the Screening session section.

Opportunities

Opportunities are currently available for candidates at all stages of the certification process.

See Screening sessions for upcoming recruitment events.

Lifeguard / Instructor (pools)
  • Qualifications
    • National Lifeguard (NL)
    • Standard First Aid with CPR ‘C’ / AED
    • Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
    • Airway Management or Oxygen Therapy
    • AODA
    • Lifesaving Society Instructor (desired)
Waterfront Lifeguard (beaches)
  • Qualifications:
    • National Lifeguard (NL)
    • Standard First Aid with CPR ‘C’ / AED
    • Oxygen Therapy or Airway Management
    • AODA
Wading Pool Attendant
  • Qualifications:
    • Must be 15 years of age by June 1
    • Standard First Aid with CPR ‘C’ / AED
    • AODA
    • Recommended Bronze Cross or National Lifeguard (NL)
Aquafitness Instructor
  • Qualifications
    • Aquafitness Instructor certificate (CALA, YM-YWCA, WaterART or other recognized certification)
    • Standard First Aid with CPR ‘C’ / AED
    • AODA

Screening sessions
Lifeguard and Instructor (Pools) 

Screening dates:

Register online or in person at any City of Ottawa facility. 

Screening items:

  • Distressed victim rescue, 20 metre head up approach, 5 metre carry
  • 20 metre approach and object recovery
  • Submerged removal and management of a VSA victim
  • 50 metre head-up swim

Come prepared:

  • Bathing suit and towel
  • Pocket mask
  • Copy of LSS ID and/or certifications
    Waterfront Lifeguard (Beaches)

    Screening items:

    • Distressed victim rescue, 20 metre head up approach, 5 metre carry
    • 20 metre approach and object recovery
    • Submerged removal and management of a VSA victim
    • 50 metre head-up swim
    • 200 metre swim under 3 minutes 50 metre swim, submerged mannequin recovery, carry 25 metre in under 1 minute 30 seconds
    • 25 metre underwater swim

    Come prepared:

    • Bathing suit and towel
    • Pocket mask
    • Goggles (for Waterfront Lifeguard items only)
    Wading Pool Attendant

    Come prepared:

    • ​Review wading pool locations to determine preferred work locations.
    • Bring Standard First Aid with CPR ‘C’ / AED, AODA.