Working to prevent drowning and water-related injury

Extension of Award Currency - Dec. 31

COVID-19 continues to affect the re-opening of aquatic facilities in Prince Edward Island. To help affiliates coordinate the recertification of their instructors and lifeguards when they re-open their facilities, the Lifesaving Society is extending the validity of awards needed for employment until December 31, 2020. Read more details

Policy Changes

The Lifesaving Society Canada is adopting 15 years as the minimum age prerequisite for certification as a Swim Instructor, Lifesaving Instructor, or National Lifeguard. The Society is also broadening access to its courses by accepting, for prerequisite purposes, Workplace Standard First Aid certifications provided by training agencies approved by the Government of New Brunswick. Read the details here.

WHO identifies drowning as leading global killer

The Lifesaving Society is assisting the World Health Organization (WHO) to spread awareness in Canada of the first ever Global Report on Drowning: Preventing a Leading Killer. The report identifies drowning as a major public health issue and calls on the worlds nations to ramp up drowning prevention efforts. Read the Lifesaving Society communiqué.

Read the WHO media release and read or download the Global Report on Drowning: Preventing a Leading Killer.

LifeguardDepot.com

The Lifesaving Society's online store is open for business. Enjoy the convenience of 24/7 shopping. It's all here - from first aid and pool supplies to everything required for lifesaving courses and training. Visit LifeguardDepot.com now!

2019 Canadian Drowning Report

Seniors age 65 and older have the highest drowning rate of all age groups according to the Lifesaving Society's 2019 Canadian Drowning Report. Despite the long-term downward trend, high numbers of preventable drowning deaths continue to occur: 2,220 people lost their lives in Canadian waters between 2012 and 2016, the most recent year for which complete data is available. Learn more.