NLS National Lifeguard – Proficient Training

National Lifeguard (NL or NLS) is the only nationally recognized lifeguard program in Canada.

On this page, you will find information about:

National Lifeguard courses;
National Lifeguard Re-certifications; and,
National Lifeguard Waterfront courses.

You will learn about rescue techniques through hands on scenario-based situations. You will also learn about pool operations, administration, programs, and other related topics. Much of the course is in the water but there will also be an online component and a classroom lecture component.

This course is about 44 hours long.

There are a few prerequisites. You must be:

At least 15 years old; and,
Have Standard (Intermediate) First Aid (from either Red Cross, Lifesaving Society, St John Ambulance, Criti-Care EMS, or Heart Beat ECSI); and,
Have Bronze Cross.

Next Courses:

National Lifeguard Pool (NL)
- We are contracted to deliver courses for Pan-Am Pool, City of Winnipeg, over the Fall, Winter and Spring sessions. Registration is through the City of Winnipeg.
- Our next course will be in May 2026.

National Lifeguard (NLS or NL) Pool Recertification

Your NLS must be recertified every 2 years in order to remain current.

Our next National Lifeguard Pool Recertifications will be in May and June 2026.
There are NL Recertifications year-round at Pan-Am Pool, City of Winnipeg. Registration is through the City of Winnipeg.

National Lifeguard Waterfront

Lifeguarding a waterfront is very different than lifeguarding a pool. This course is an add-on to an NLS Pool course. To take this course, you must have already completed NLS.

Next NL Waterfront Courses

Thursday to Saturday, June 11-13, 2026, from 8:30-6:00.
- Part of Thursday will be at an Indoor Pool (location: TBA).
- Friday and Saturday will be at Birds Hill Park Waterfront.
- $309 after that. GST will be added to the total.
Thursday to Saturday, July 2-4, 2026, from 8:30-6:00.
- Part of Thursday will be at an Indoor Pool (location: TBA).
- Friday and Saturday will be at Birds Hill Park Waterfront.
- $309 after that. GST will be added to the total.

Candidates are expected to be reasonably fit, and must have the following equipment: wetsuit, mask and snorkel, CPR mask or face shield, first aid gloves, Alert: Lifeguarding in Action manual, NL Award Guide, and Canadian Lifesaving Manual.

To register, just send us your first name, last name and email address to this email: brian@proficient-training.com.

Payment can be made by e-transfer to brian@proficient-training.com. Please email us if you would like different payment options.