Aquatics Careers | City of Grande Prairie

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Aquatics Careers with the City

Students in lifeguard certification training at Eastlink Centre

The Eastlink Centre is proud to be the northern hub for National Lifesaving Society’s advanced aquatics courses. Courses and certifications at the Eastlink Centre are open for interested participants to start necessary training and begin their career in aquatics. Aquatics careers at the Eastlink Centre include:

Aquatic assistant
Swim instructor
Lifeguard

There are many benefits to starting your career in aquatics with the City of Grande Prairie, including flexible schedules, professional development opportunities and competitive pay.

Aquatics is a perfect work setting for those who love to be active and thrive in an energetic environment.

See the National Lifesaving Society's Lifeguard Certification Courses offered at the Eastlink Centre, search current lifeguard careers available with the Eastlink Centre here or view commonly asked questions about a career in aquatics in the FAQ section at the bottom of the page.

Aquatics New Hire Incentive Program

The City of Grande Prairie is offering compensation relief funding of $500 for certification costs. This funding may be available to qualified applicants who display a dedication to the industry and commitment to professional growth within the Eastlink Centre aquatics department.

This kind of incentive program is an excellent opportunity for people in the Grande Prairie region to start a career in aquatics.

Please note: completing courses and certifications at the Eastlink Centre does not guarantee employment with the City of Grande Prairie. Interested individuals can view and apply for aquatics positions on the City's Career Opportunities website page.

Learn more information about the Aquatics New Hire Incentive Program in the FAQ section below.

Crew Chief Lifeguard Looking Over Pool

Aquatics Careers FAQs

To become a lifeguard, you must complete:
- Intermediate First Aid (CPR-C & AED)
- Bronze Medallion
- Bronze Cross
- National Lifeguard Certification
Visit the Programs & Camps page to register for lifeguard certification courses today. See more information about the path to becoming a lifeguard below.
Becoming a Lifeguard
Step One: Intermediate First Aid (CPR-C & AED)
- See requirements from individual course providers.
Step Two: Bronze Medallion
- Ages 13 and older.
- Intermediate First Aid.
Step Three: Bronze Cross
- Ages 13 and older.
- Bronze Medallion (current not required).
- Intermediate First Aid.
Step Four: National Lifeguard Certification
- Ages 16 and older.
- Bronze Cross.
- Intermediate First Aid.
Please note: courses are subject to the City's Recreation and Culture Cancellation and Refund Policy.
To become a swim instructor, you must complete:
- Intermediate First Aid (CPR-C & AED)
- Bronze Medallion
- Bronze Cross
- Swim Instructor Certification
Visit the Programs & Camps page to register for lifeguard certification courses today. See more information about the path to becoming a lifeguard below.
Becoming a Swim Instructor
Step One: Intermediate First Aid (CPR-C & AED)
- See requirements from individual course providers.
Step Two: Bronze Medallion
- Ages 13 and older.
- Intermediate First Aid.
Step Three: Bronze Cross
- Ages 13 and older.
- Bronze Medallion (current not required).
- Intermediate First Aid.
Step Four: Swim Instructor Certification
- Ages 15 and older.
- Bronze Cross or higher.
Please note: courses are subject to the City's Recreation and Culture Cancellation and Refund Policy.
To become an aquatic assistant, you must complete:
- Intermediate First Aid (CPR-C & AED)
Aquatic experience is an asset to becoming an aquatic assistant at the Eastlink Centre.
Visit the Programs & Camps page to register for lifeguard certification courses today. See more information about the path to becoming a lifeguard below.
Becoming an Aquatic Assistant
Required: Intermediate First Aid (CPR-C & AED)
- See requirements from individual course providers.
Optional asset: Bronze Medallion
- Ages 13 and older.
- Intermediate First Aid.
Please note: courses are subject to the City's Recreation and Culture Cancellation and Refund Policy.
Bronze Medallion
This course teaches an understanding of judgement, knowledge, skill and fitness. Begin learning about different methods to rescue swimmers.
Bronze Cross
An introduction to safe supervision in aquatics facilities.
National Lifeguard Certification
Develop basic lifeguarding skills, principles and decision-making processes to evaluate and adapt to different aquatics facilities and emergencies. Learn how to prevent emergency situations and how to resolve emergencies in a timely and effective way.
Bronze Medallion
- Ages 13+ OR completed Bronze Star.
- 400-metre swim in 12 minutes.
- 25-metre head up swim.
- 25-metre manikin rescue (surface water).
Bronze Cross
- Ages 13+.
- Bronze Medallion (does not need to be current).
- 400-metre swim in 11 minutes.
- 20-metre swim and manikin rescue in two minutes.
- 15-metre swim, rescue a 10-pound brick and carry 5 metres within one minute.
- Intermediate First Aid (CPR-C & AED).
Swim Instructor Course
- Ages 15+.
- Stroke proficiency.
- Bronze Cross (does not need to be current).
National Lifeguard Certificate
- Ages 16+
- Bronze Cross (does not need to be current)
- 400-metre swim in 10 minutes.
- 15-metre swim, rescue a 20-pound brick and carry 5 metres in 40 seconds.
- Submerged manikin rescue in under 90 seconds.
- 50-metre sprint in one minute.
- Performance of guarding, awareness, spinal recoveries and more.
- Intermediate First Aid (CPR-C & AED).

What are the age requirements?

Aquatics New Hire Incentive Program FAQs

New hires need to meet the following criteria to be eligible for reimbursement:
- Remain employed by the City for a minimum of three months, maintaining a minimum of 20 hours bi-weekly.
- Courses must be completed in the year 2024.
- Receipts must be submitted to your supervisor within three months of your start date.
Any advanced aquatics courses that were needed for training and completed in 2022, 2023 or 2024. Courses include:
- Bronze Medallion.
- Bronze Cross.
- National Lifeguarding Certificate.

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