Has your child completed our School-Aged Swim Program and is ready for something more? Our Junior Lifeguard Program is the perfect next step combining rescue skills, leadership development, and teamwork in a fun, structured environment.
Whether your child dreams of becoming a lifeguard or swim instructor one day or just wants to challenge themselves this program sets them up with life-saving skills and a huge confidence boost.
What Is the Junior Lifeguard Program?
The Swim Fins Junior Lifeguard Program is a 5-level progressive series designed for swimmers ages 9-12 who have completed our School-Aged Swim Program. It builds on a strong foundation by introducing the key elements of lifeguarding, emergency response, and water safety leadership.
It’s an excellent program to complete before entering the official lifeguard and instructor certification path, which includes:
Bronze Star
Bronze Medallion
Bronze Cross
National Lifeguard (NL)
We highly recommend completing all 5 levels, as the failure rate for lifeguarding and swim instructor certifications is very high. This program gives participants the tools and confidence to succeed.
Why Parents Love It
After finishing swim lessons, many kids are ready for a more meaningful challenge. Junior Lifeguarding gives purpose to their swimming skills and introduces new areas of growth, like:
Rescue techniques and first aid
Emergency preparedness
Teamwork and leadership
Water safety that lasts a lifetime
It’s also a launchpad for future jobs from becoming a certified lifeguard to becoming a Swim Fins instructor!
The Path to Becoming a Lifeguard or a Swim Fins Instructor
The Junior Lifeguard Program is a key step in our long-term development path:
Swim Fins Progression Path:
School-Aged Program (Levels 1–12) ➝ Junior Lifeguard (Levels 1–5) ➝ Bronze Star ➝ Bronze Medallion ➝ Bronze Cross ➝ National Lifeguard
Want to work with us someday?
After completing your National Lifeguard, plus your Swim for Life Instructor, Standard First Aid, and CPR-C certifications, you can apply to become a Swim Fins Instructor and lead the next generation of swimmers.
What’s Covered in All 5 Levels?
Each level of the Junior Lifeguard Program focuses on:
Fitness Conditioning: Boosting endurance, strength, and stamina in the water
Swimming Strokes: Improving technique and efficiency across all core strokes
First Aid, Rescues & Water Safety: Learning how to recognize hazards, respond to emergencies, and apply practical rescue techniques
Every level builds on the last, so participants grow in both skill and confidence as they advance.
What Kids Can Expect
Expect hands-on training, interactive simulations, and lots of poolside fun:
Rescue drills & partner challenges
Team-building games
Intro to CPR and first aid
Stroke refinement and fitness goals
Real-life “lifeguard” scenarios
Kids finish the program feeling empowered, capable, and excited for what’s next.
Ready to Dive In?
Register with Swim Fins today if you want to improve your swimming confidence & water safety skills. We offer swim lessons year-round at our locations in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. Learn more about our programs, registration, and schedules at www.swimfins.ca