National Lifeguard (NL) is the highest lifeguard training award in the country and is the basic certification required to lifeguard as recognized by the Ontario Health Act. The course emphasizes teamwork, leadership, emergency procedures and accident prevention. Candidates must bring their own pocket mask and whistle by day two of the course. Pocket masks are available at the admission desk for purchase. Entry requirements: Bronze Cross and current Standard First Aid and CPR C and must be 15 years old by the first day of the course. (Please note Emergency First Aid/CPR B taught in Bronze Medallion is not an equivalent to Standard First Aid and CPR C certification). Book: Alert Manual.
2026 LEADERSHIP NOTIFICATION – LSS VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY POLICY
UPDATED April 2026
The Lifesaving Society of Ontario has implemented a Verification of Identity Policy for all vocational courses, including both original certifications and recertifications. As an Affiliate of Lifesaving Society Ontario, the City of Waterloo will require all candidates registering in leadership and vocational courses (Bronze Star and above and including recertifications) to verify their identity through the registration process and present valid, government-issued identification to the course instructor, examiner or trainer on the first day.
The candidate’s legal name must appear on all certifications issued by the Lifesaving Society Ontario. Candidates may request that a preferred name be displayed on their certification, however, this does not replace the requirement for their legal name to appear on official records.
The provided identification must:
• Be up to date and valid
• Include legal name, date of birth and a photo (where applicable)
• Be an original document issued be a federal, provincial, territorial or state government authority, or the equivalent abroad
Acceptable identification includes the following:
• Driver’s License
• Health Card (with photo)
• Passport
• Permanent Resident (PR) card
• Canadian Citizenship Card
• Certificate of Indian Status
• Ontario Photo Card
Participants unable to show valid identification on the first day of the course will not be permitted to take part in the program.
Questions? Email Gus Siountres, Manager of Aquatics at gus.siountres@waterloo.ca.