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International Certification

Certified Lifeguards Transferring out of Canada

Several Lifesaving Society awards are recognized for equivalency by the International Life Saving Federation (ILS). Canadian holders of the NLS awards are eligible to apply for the equivalent international certificate.  These certificates are recognized by many ILS member countries.

The process for applying is as follows:

  1. Complete and sign the Request Form for International Certificate, indicating the award and type of package for which you want to apply.
  2. Attach a copy of your current certification.
  3. Attach a clear photo (which goes on the card) in jpeg (or similar) format, minimum 300 dpi .
  4. Pay the fee, which covers the ILS certification fees, postage and international banking charges. You may pay by certified cheque or money order, made out to the Lifesaving Society  Canada or e-transfer (instructions to be provided once application reviewed and processed to ILSF). Please refer to pricing table as follows: PDF copy emailed only – $20 / Basic package printed and mailed – $60 / Complete package printed and mailed – $80
  5. Submit your application to the National Office via email to experts@lifesaving.ca

Once verified, the application will be sealed and sent to ILS Headquarters in Belgium for processing. The estimated time for processing an application is 2 months from the time it is received at the National Office.

For anyone who applies for work in Canada with an ILS international certificate, the Lifesaving Society may recognize that the person has demonstrated successful completion of the approved knowledge and skills for that particular level. The Society still retains the right to test for other skills and knowledge, as required by provincial/territorial regulations or to require additional training. Please read the complete International Certificates Guidelines for more information. Contact the National Office if you have any further questions.

Certified Lifeguards Transferring to Canada
Individuals who hold a current lifeguard certification in their home country, or an ILS lifeguard certification can challenge the Lifesaving Society Canada Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross awards.  If successful, the candidate will then be required to take a full Standard First Aid course in Canada as required by provincial/territorial legislation, followed by the full National Lifeguard course.
Qualified pool lifeguards from the United Kingdom (NPLQ Level 3), Australia (SISSS00133 – Pool Lifeguard) and South Africa (Lifeguard Award) can apply to participate in the RLSS Commonwealth Reciprocity Pilot whereby they will not be required to take the Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross exams.  The approved applicant must take a full Standard First Aid course in Canada as required by provincial/territorial legislation, prior to taking the National Lifeguard Pool update and exam.