Lifesaving Sport

Officiating Certification Program

The Lifesaving Sport Officials Certification program is designed to assist with the flexibility of a variety of lifesaving sport formats, including Pool, Open Water and Emergency Response competitions. Certification is earned after participation and completion of each course. Experience is required to advance to the next level of the Lifesaving Sport Officials Certification program.

The Community Officials Certification courses provide training for parents, staff members, and volunteers who wish to officiate lifesaving sport at the community level.

• The Community Officials course focuses on the duties and roles that are required in large numbers when hosting a lifesaving sport event.
• Candidates must be 13 years of age. 

For information on hosting a community official’s clinic, or where and when they are being offered, please contact your branch of the Lifesaving Society.

The Pool, Open Water, Emergency Response Officials Certification courses provide training for lifesaving sport officials who wish to officiate in different roles at community, provincial and national lifesaving sport events.

• The courses consist of core material together with environment-specific modules leading to certification in the following options: Pool Officials Certification, Open Water Officials Certification or Emergency Response Officials Certification.
• Candidates must be 16 years of age and have experience at a sanctioned Lifesaving Sport event in a Community Officials role.
• Candidates require the Canadian Officials Manual and the ILS Competition Manual for onsite reference.

For information on hosting a pool, open water or emergency response official’s clinic, or where and when they are being offered, please contact your branch of the Lifesaving Society. 

The Meet Manager & Referee Officials Certification is designed to prepare experienced senior officials for the duties and responsibilities of planning and running fair and safe lifesaving sport competitions.

• Candidates must hold a Lifesaving Sport Pool, Open Water, and/or Emergency Response Officials certification and have officiating experience at a minimum of three sanctioned lifesaving sport events in a minimum three 3 different roles.
• Candidates require the Canadian Officials Manual and the ILS Competition Manual for onsite reference.

For information on hosting a Meet Manager & Referee course, or where and when they are being offered, please contact your branch of the Lifesaving Society. 

The Officials Instructor Certification course is currently in development. The Lifesaving Sport Officials Instructor evaluates and certifies candidates in the Lifesaving Sport Officials Certification program.