Help CenterWhat happens if I fail?
We want to reassure you that our team will try our hardest to get you to a point where you'll be able to pass. We will read over the answers that you provided in your survey, and if we feel you are at risk of failing the course we will put measures in place to help you pass!
As many of these courses provide several certifications, it is possible to receive a different level of lifeguarding certification or you could receive a first aid certification without completing the lifeguarding certification. For example, if you are registered for National Lifeguard but do not complete this course, you may still receive your Bronze Medallion and Cross with Standard First Aid and CPR C.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
You should arrange to fly to Canada at least one day before your course begins. Don't worry though, Camp Canada will give you information on when to arrive when you're in the Get Prepared stage.
In the unlikely event that your flight is delayed or cancelled and you cannot make it to Canada in time for your course, let the Camp Canada team know as soon as possible. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and we will do our best to ensure you attend the full course and obtain your full qualification.
Will I have to take the course again if I come back next year?
All certifications - Emergency First Aid with CPR B, Standard First Aid with CPR C, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, and National Lifeguard are valid for 2 years. You will not have to take another course next year. After two years, you will have to take a recertification course, which is typically 4-5 hours per certification. You will have to recertify your First Aid and the highest Lifeguard Certification only (e.g. either Bronze Cross or National Lifeguard - not both).
When do the certifications expire?
All certifications - Emergency First Aid with CPR B, Standard First Aid with CPR C, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, and National Lifeguard are valid for 2 years. You will not have to take another course next year.
After two years, you will have to take a recertification course, which is typically 4-5 hours per certification. You will have to recertify your First Aid and the highest Lifeguard Certification only. (Eg. either Bronze Cross or National Lifeguard - not both).
Where do I stay during the course?
It is your responsibility to book yourself into accommodations for the duration of your course unless otherwise specified by your camp director. The hostel guide will be available in your Camp Canada portal under Travel & Flights.
How do I get to the course?
You will be responsible for getting yourself to the course. We will provide exact transit instructions on the course content page of your portal.
What if I miss the course due to illness or other extenuating circumstances?
If that situation arises, please contact quals@campcanada.ca and we will figure out a solution together.
I can't get to the pool to practise
Even if you are not able to get in the pool and practice, you should try early morning jogging and short-burst sprinting. If you have space around your home or garden you should also set up some bodyweight circuit training.
The most ideal training for a lifeguard certification would be to get in the water, but these exercises can help with your endurance as well as your lung capacity - both of which are essential for your lifeguard training.
How much training will I need to do?
This depends on your current swimming abilities and will differ from person to person. Depending on the course you are completing, you will be required to carry out a timed swim and some other tasks.
When you complete your swim survey, you will get a response regarding your results, and this will provide an indication of which areas could do with more practice.
It is important to do your swim test as early as possible, so we can determine how much training you will need to do, and this will also allow for more time to make improvements.