Vancouver Lifeguard Association

Teen Level 1(13+ years) is designed for those new to swimming or looking to improve foundational skills. This level includes entering and exiting shallow water, jumping into deep water and returning, and performing sideways entries while wearing a PFD. Participants will practice treading water for 30 seconds with a PFD, holding their breath underwater for 5-10 seconds, and submerging and exhaling multiple times. They will also open their eyes underwater, recover objects from chest-deep water, and perform various floating, rolling, and gliding techniques. Skills include flutter kicking on the front, back, and side, and performing a vertical whip kick. Swimmers will cover 10-15 meters of front crawl or back crawl and engage in interval training with flutter kicks. WaterSmart® messages are integrated to promote essential safety practices.

Teen Level 2 (13+ years) builds on foundational skills with a focus on advanced techniques and endurance. Participants will perform a standing dive and forward roll entry into deep water, with and without a PFD, and a tuck jump (cannonball). They will tread water for 1-2 minutes, execute a handstand and front somersault in shallow water, and swim underwater for 5-10 meters. They will meet the Canadian Swim-to-Survive® Standard, which requires a roll entry into deep water, followed by treading water for 1 minute and a 50 meter swim. Swimmers will practice flutter kicks on the back and front, including rolling between the two positions, and whip kicks both on the back and front. They will drill breaststroke arms, swim front crawl and back crawl for 25-50 meters each, and engage in interval training with flutter kicks and crawl strokes. A sprint of 25 meters in front crawl is included, along with WaterSmart® messages for safety awareness.

Refunds, credits or transfer requests must be emailed to info@vancouverlifeguards.com.

5+ days before the course starts: If a refund request is received a minimum of 5 days prior to the start of the course a full refund will be provided, less a $10 administration fee. If a transfer request is received a minimum of 5 full days prior to the start of the course participants can transfer to a different course date at no cost. Transfer options/availability can be discussed at that time. Future course must be within 6 months of initial course.

Less than 5 full days notice before the start of the course: If a request is received with less than 5 full days prior to the start of the course, participants can transfer to a different course date for an administrative transfer fee equal to HALF (50%) of the course cost. If a course has already begun, a doctor's note is required to transfer to another course for an administrative transfer fee equal to HALF (50%) of the course cost. Course materials (Canadian Lifesaving Manual, Alert Manual) are excluded from the 50% transfer credit amount. No transfers will be permitted once course has completed. No refunds will be permitted within 5 days prior to start of the course.