Aquatic Leadership Programs

Markham Recreation needs daytime aquatic staff

If you’re available to work during the day and have a passion for swimming, join our team and get paid doing something you love.

Not certified? No problem! All you need to do is complete our training certification courses. Swim Here, Work Here Part 1 and 2 offers everything you need to be certified to work as a lifeguard and swim instructor.

Registrants will receive credit for both parts if they successfully complete the courses with the City of Markham in the last 12 months and work with us for 50 hours. Extra fees excluded.

So, if you're up for a rewarding opportunity, register for our training and certification courses.

Swim Here Work Here Part 1

This course is currently underway and registration is closed.

Swim Here Work Here Part 2

You can register for Part 2 if have successfully completed Bronze Cross, Standard First Aid, and are 15 years or older.

This course combines the Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard and Swim and Lifesaving Instructors.

Registration Barcode: 130333
Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays from January 7 to March 6, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Location: Centennial Community Centre

Become lifeguard & swim instructor certified

Land a great job with the City of Markham by setting yourself up for success with the aquatics team!

The City of Markham aquatic leadership pathway follows the Canadian industry standard set out by the Lifesaving Society.

By joining the aquatics team, there are amazing perks and benefit such as:

Keep active and have fun at almost any drop-in activity across the City with a free Recreation Activity Pass. Drop-in activities include: Swimming, Public Skating and Sport-based activities.
Stay fit with a free Markham Fitness membership.
Get exclusive discounts on YRT passes and leadership certifications.
Make a difference in your community.
Learn lifesaving and transferable skills like water safety, leadership,
Teamwork and conflict resolution.
Balance school, work and fun with a flexible work schedule.
Build your resume to prepare for your future.

Read below the steps needed to become a lifeguard and swim instructor in Markham.

Apply to Work

Program Registration

Step 1: Volunteer With Us

Volunteer with us!

Once you successfully complete Bronze Medallion, Emergency or Standard First Aid and are 14 years or older, you can volunteer with us! You can redeem recreation volunteer hours to pay for select courses.

Apply to Volunteer

Program Registration

Bronze Star

Excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion. Participants develop problem-solving, decision-making skills and personal fitness. Recommended: 12 years of age and older.

Bronze Medallion

Teaches the four components of water rescue education: judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness. Prerequisite: Bronze Star or 13 years of age.

Emergency First Aid or Standard First Aid

Emergency First Aid is an introduction to first aid and is recommended for those 14 years and younger. Standard First Aid is best for those 15 years and older and is a requirement for National Lifeguard certification.

Step 2: Become an Aquatic Assistant

Work With Us!

Once you successfully complete Bronze Cross, Standard First Aid and are 14 years or older, you can become a Aquatic Assistant! By working with us through the leadership pathway, you can save money on select courses! Plus there are great perks.

Apply to Work

Program Registration

flow chart of aquatic leadership pathway

Bronze Cross

Bronze Cross is an introduction to safe supervision in aquatic facilities. It is required for all future leadership courses.

Prerequisites: Bronze Medallion, and either Emergency First Aid or Standard First Aid.

Standard First Aid

Comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR-C certification.

Step 3: Become a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor

Work With Us!

Once you successfully complete Airway Management, Instructors: Swim and Lifesaving and/or National Lifeguard and are 15 years of age, you can become a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor!

Work with us for 50 hours and get a credit for Instructors: Swim and Lifesaving course fees (Courses must have been taken with the City of Markham within the past 12 months).

Apply to Work

Program Registration

Airway Management

Provides lifeguards and swim instructors with specific knowledge and training in the use of oxygen, suction devices, oral airways and bag-valve-masks (BVM).

Prerequisite: Standard First Aid.