The Aquatic Leadership Program continues to expand, offering students around York Region a unique opportunity to earn high school credits while gaining swim, lifeguarding and instructor certifications.
Developed in partnership between York Region District School Board and municipalities, the program combines pool instruction with face-to-face and online learning. It is currently offered in Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan.
“I’m learning how to save people, also how to swim better, also how to have better critical thinking skills to judge situations,”
- Irene, Grade 11 student from Dr. G.W. Williams S.S..
Through the program, students earn a Health and Physical Education Credit and depending on the course, can work towards certifications including:
- Lifesaving Society Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross
- Standard First Aid with CPR-C
- National Lifeguard Certification
- Lifesaving Instruction Certification
In addition to the qualifications, students build leadership, collaboration, communication and critical thinking skills.
Courses are taught by Ontario Certified Teachers who also hold National Lifeguard Instructor and Examiner Certification.
“This gives them real life experience because many of these kids want to do lifeguarding one day and have this as a job,” said Tayler Gorman, program instructor and YRDSB teacher. “This gives them that opportunity to work towards that and earn a high school credit.”
Registration opens in August for the first semester session and December for second semester.
Aquatic Leadership Program details including registration information and requirements can be found on the Board website.
Watch the video to see what the program looks like and to hear from students in the program.