Swimming, Aquatics & Lifeguard Certification

Open the door to employment and volunteer possibilities through our YMCA Aquatic Certifications programs.

Certification as a lifeguard or swimming instructor can lead to employment opportunities at the YMCA and elsewhere. You’ll also develop leadership skills that can have a profound impact on your future success.

Click the links below to see Aquatic Certification Courses that are being offered at our branches:

Making Waves Swimming & Leadership Bursary

Children who are interested in becoming a lifeguard may qualify for our Making Waves Swimming & Leadership Bursary. Making Waves Swimming and Leadership Bursaries provide Child memberships to kids and access to YMCA swim lessons and aquatic leadership programs. Youth are then able to apply for a bursary covering 90% of the cost to take the qualification courses to become a lifeguard. Supported initially through a generous donation from the Ilenchuk family, many youth have gained lifesaving skills and have successfully completed the qualifications to be employed as a swim instructor and lifeguard. Toney and Tisha Ilenchuk have made the commitment to build the sustainability of the program through a donation to match all other private or public sector donations of up to $25,000 for the current year.

Please review the application criteria. Only those applications that meet the criteria will be considered for the Making Waves Bursary. Applications for 2018 are now closed, but you may now apply for the 2019 program below. Apply by filling out the form below. Click here for application criteria. Download a paper application here.

Legal Name *

First

Last

Preferred Name (If different from legal name)

First

Last

Parent / Guardian Name *

First

Last

Preferred Pronoun

She/her
He/him
They/them
Other

Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY) *

Current Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

Postal Code

Country

Phone *

Email *

Swimming Levels Achieved *

Swimming Levels Applying To Achieve *

If you do receive the Making Waves Swimming and Leadership Bursary, would you be willing to write a short letter at the end of the program explaining the impact the bursary had for you? We would use this information to help encourage other people to donate to the bursary fund. We would not share your name or any identifying information if you request to be anonymous. Saying ‘no’ will not affect your chances of getting a bursary.

Describe the aquatic program or opportunity you are planning to undertake and the reasons why you have chosen this. *

Describe your financial need and how the Making Waves Swimming and Leadership Bursary will help you achieve your goals? (minimum 200 words) *

List your achievements and Participation (ex. school clubs, teams, community clubs, volunteer roles or YMCA experience) *

Reviewing your list of Community service and extracurricular activities, please identify the one that meant the most to you. (minimum 200 words) *

What is your biggest accomplishment that demonstrates Leadership? Please describe the leadership role that you played in it. (minimum 200 words) *

Why are you interested in the Making Waves Swimming and Leadership Bursary program? How will your experience help you become a YMCA Lifeguard and Swim Instructor? (minimum 200 words) *

What else should the Y know about you that wasn’t already asked? *

Please provide us with the name of a reference and their email and phone number. *

Phone

Every dollar donated is a dollar matched. For more information or to make a donation please contact philanthropy@niagara.ymca.ca

Aquatic Certifications

Open the door to employment and volunteer possibilities through our YMCA Aquatic Certifications programs.

Making Waves Swimming & Leadership Bursary

Thank you to our individual and corporate donors who are ensuring the sustainability of this program.