From First Splash to Lifeguard

Follow this step-by-step pathway to build swimming skills, confidence, and leadership—starting in preschool and progressing all the way to becoming a certified lifeguard.

Introduce your litlle swimmer to the water in a Parent & Tot Class:

• Learn to be comfortable in the water with songs and activites.
• Get ready to float, go under water and jump in with a help from an adult.

Start early with age-appropriate lessons that focus on water safety, confidence, and basic swimming skills. Levels include:

• Preschool 1 to 5
• Small class sizes
• Fun, engaging activities

For school-aged children ready to advance their swimming skills through progressive levels:

• Swimmer 1 to 6
• Focus on stroke development, endurance, and safety
• Builds readiness for advanced programs

Continue developing strong swim skills and prepare for leadership programs:

• Swimmer 7 / Rookie Patrol
• Swimmer 8 / Ranger Patrol
• Swimmer 9 / Star Patrol
• Introduces rescue techniques and first aid basics

Begin leadership training with nationally recognized Lifesaving Society courses:

• Bronze Star (recommended but not required)
• Bronze Medallion (requires 13+ years or Bronze Star)
• Bronze Cross (prerequisite for NL)

Learn vital lifesaving skills:

• Standard First Aid with CPR-C (prerequisite for National Lifeguard training)
• Recognized across Canada
• Valuable in and out of the pool

Become a certified lifeguard:

• National Lifeguard (NL) Pool Certification
• Must be 15+, hold Bronze Cross & Standard First Aid
• Teaches advanced rescue skills, scanning techniques, and emergency response

Looking for extra support or personalized coaching? Private swimming lessons are a great way to grow your confidence and improve at your own pace.

• For Ages 6 and Up
  Private lessons are open to all swimmers age 6+ — youth or adult.
• One-on-One Instruction
  Work directly with an instructor on your specific goals, skills, or challenges.
• Go at Your Own Pace
  Perfect if you’ve hit a plateau or prefer learning outside a group setting.
• Set Goals That Work for You
  You’ll chat with your instructor to focus on the skills you want to improve.

Want to Learn with a Friend?

Turn your private lesson into semi-private by adding one more swimmer of a similar level (within one level difference).

Call the Gallagher Centre at 306-786-1740 to add a swimmer and arrange payment for the additional fee.

Add these instructor certifications to share your skills:

• Swim for Life Instructor
• Lifesaving Instructor
• Lifesaving Examiner (for experienced instructors)

Check our current swim lessons and leadership programs schedule and Daily Water Park Schedule to start your aquatic journey today!