Working to prevent drowning and water-related injury

We're moving!

The new Lifesaving Society Ontario – Member Services Centre will open at 475 Cochrane Drive in Markham in late March. This new office is conveniently located close to highways 7, 401, 404 and 407.

While you’re visiting us at the Member Services Centre, you can:

• Purchase and pick up orders from the LifeguardDepot.com store
• Receive in-person customer service
• Recertify your leadership awards
• Pick up and drop off lifesaving sport rental equipment

Stay tuned for an official opening date and more information in the coming weeks. We look forward to welcoming you to our new office!

Building more aquatic centres in Ontario

The Aquatic Sport Council of Ontario has developed Building More Aquatic Centres in Ontario, a white paper designed to support government and industry stakeholders in planning for Ontario’s future sport and community infrastructure.

The white paper calls for a dedicated provincial fund to support the construction of 50m pools, development of regional recreation centres, and the creation of best practices for design, operations, and revenue generation.

Access the full white paper at this link.

Updates to Ontario Provincial Pools Regulation

The Ontario Government has issued updates to the Ontario Provincial Pools Regulation (R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 565: PUBLIC POOLS) effective January 1, 2025. To ensure your facility is adhering to the most up-to-date regulations, refer to the province's website. The Society is here to support our affiliates, so please reach out to us if you have questions. Learn more about these updates here.

National Drowning Prevention Week 2025

Save the date! NDPW 2025 will take place from July 20-26, 2025.

Leadership Recertification Points System

The Lifesaving Society has updated the instructor, coach, examiner and trainer leadership recertification process. The new Leadership Recertification Points System offers a wider variety of options to earn points and recertify with ease! Read more about recertifying.

2023 Ontario Non-Fatal Drowning Report

For every fatal drowning in Ontario, there are nearly four non-fatal drownings that are serious enough to require an emergency department visit every year. Learn more in the 2023 edition of the Ontario Non-Fatal Drowning Report.

ONTARIO LOWERS MINIMUM AGE TO BE A LIFEGUARD OR INSTRUCTOR

On June 2, 2023 the Government of Ontario announced that it was lowering the minimum age requirement to work as a lifeguard, assistant lifeguard and aquatic instructor from 16 to 15 years of age. The Lifesaving Society Ontario supports this change. Read the release.

Ontario transition to the updated National Lifeguard program

The Lifesaving Society has updated the National Lifeguard program to ensure its curriculum and performance standards remain current, relevant and grounded in the competencies required by lifeguards. Get the 2023 Update Info here.

Online and blended learning

Updated Dec. 2022 - Read the Lifesaving Society’s guide for affiliates and leadership personnel regarding the delivery of Society courses in online or blended learning formats.

Ontario Inflatable Waterpark Safety Standards

This guide will assist inflatable waterpark owners and operators in providing a safe aquatic environment for their patrons; it explains the Society’s position on inflatable waterpark issues and informs owners and operators about safety expectations as a preventive measure. Add it to your aquatic reference library today.