Students earn high school credit, lifeguarding certification

Some York Region District School Board (YRDSB) students are diving into a program that allows them to earn a high school credit while gaining swim, lifeguarding and instructor certifications.

“This gives them real life experience because many of these kids want to do lifeguarding one day and have this as a job,” says Tayler Gorman, program instructor and YRDSB teacher. “This gives them that opportunity to work towards that and earn a high school credit.”

The Aquatic Leadership Program, developed in partnership between the YRDSB Board and municipalities, is currently offered in Markham, Richmond Hill, Aurora, East Gwillimbury and Vaughan.

The program combines pool instruction with face-to-face and online learning. “I’m learning how to save people, also how to swim better, also how to have better critical thinking skills to judge situations,” says Irene, a Grade 11 student from Dr. G.W. Williams S.S. in Aurora.

Students earn a health and physical education credit and, depending on the course, can work towards the following certifications: Lifesaving Society Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross, Standard First Aid with CPR-C, National Lifeguard Certification and Lifesaving Instruction Certification.

Additionally, 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.

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.

Photo courtesy of the York Region District School Board.