National Lifeguard (40hr): This is the final course to take to become a certified Lifeguard. You must have completed Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid or Intermediate First Aid before enrolling in this course. The National Lifeguard (NL) certification is the industry standard for professional lifeguards in Canada. NL guards are water rescue professionals trained in emergency care. They prevent accidents, spot potential trouble and intervene before it becomes life-threatening.
Prerequisite: 15 years of age by the last day of the course; Bronze Cross certification and Standard First Aid with CPR C or Intermediate First Aid (need not be current).
Required materials: Alert: Lifeguarding in Action Manual (available as an add-on during registration).
Physical Requirements:
1. Rescue drill: Demonstrate endurance and strength for a submerged manikin or victim recovery and rescue: Starting in the water, swim to recover a submerged manikin or victim located 20 metres away; carry the manikin or victim 20 metres.2. Underwater swim: Demonstrate anaerobic fitness and skill for an underwater swim: Starting in the water, submerge and swim 15 metres underwater.3. Object recovery: Demonstrate anaerobic fitness and strength for an object recovery: Starting in the water, swim 15 metres and surface dive to recover a 9 kg (20 lb.) object; surface and carry the object 5 metres – all within 40 seconds.4. Sprint challenge: Demonstrate anaerobic fitness: Starting in the water, swim 50 metres within 60 seconds (50 yd. within 55 seconds).5. Endurance challenge: Demonstrate aerobic fitness and endurance: Swim 400 metres within 10 minutes (400 yd. within 9:10 minutes).6. Management of spinal-injured victims: With the assistance of one back-up lifeguard or assistant lifeguard and one bystander, demonstrate effective management of suspected spinal-injured victims (breathing and non-breathing) found in the water.
Verification of Identity Policy:
All candidates; whether original or recertification, must verify their identity to the instructor. Original, copy, or digital copies of identification are accepted.
The Lifesaving Society Ontario (the """"Society"""") requires that the candidates legal name must appear on all certifications it issues. Candidates may also provide a preferred name, which may be displayed on the certification if requested; however, it does not replace the legal name.
Important: The last day of this course includes the exam and feedback session, which may extend slightly past the scheduled end time.

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