To help communities address staffing shortages and ensure pools and recreational camp waterfronts remain safe, the Ontario government has lowered the minimum age requirement from 16 to 15 years for lifeguards, assistant lifeguards, and aquatic instructors.
These changes came into effect on June 2. As a result, communities will now have access to more lifeguards so businesses and municipalities can hire additional staff ahead of the summer season. Access to more lifeguards will also help operators maintain and expand their hours of operation for public swimming and aquatic lessons.
This change aligns with the updated age requirements established by the Lifesaving Society’s certification course. The National Lifeguard training and certification by the Lifesaving Society is the professional standard for becoming a lifeguard in Canada. It is recognized by the province of Ontario for lifeguarding public swimming pools. In July 2020, the Lifesaving Society lowered its age requirement for the National Lifeguard certificate from 16 to 15 years.
“As school rises for the summer and the weather warms up, we spend more time enjoying pools and camp waterfronts,” says Sylvia Jones, deputy premier and minister of health. “Lowering the age for youth to become lifeguards creates more job opportunities for youth in a rewarding position that can help keep community pools and recreational camp waterfronts safe.”
