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Aquatic Leadership Program
Explore the City of Toronto’s FREE Aquatic Leadership stream, beginning with Bronze Star and progressing through nationally recognized lifesaving certifications.
About the Leadership Stream
The City of Toronto offers a unique Aquatic Leadership pathway designed to support youth in developing strong lifesaving skills, leadership abilities, and confidence in the water. Eligible youth can begin the program through the FREE Bronze Star (BSTR) course, continuing into Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, and Standard First Aid. This pathway prepares young leaders for future lifeguarding and instructional opportunities.
Bronze Star (BSTR) — FREE
Bronze Star is the first step in the City’s leadership stream and is offered at no cost for eligible youth. It prepares students for Bronze Medallion while developing:
- Basic lifesaving & personal safety skills
- Endurance swimming
- Beginner rescue techniques
- Water safety awareness
- Teamwork & responsibility
Bronze Medallion
Prerequisite: Bronze Star OR 13 years old.
Bronze Medallion focuses on judgment, problem-solving, and practical rescue skills. Students learn:
- In-water rescue strategies
- Endurance swimming (400m in 12 minutes)
- Complex rescue scenarios
- Lifesaving principles & decision-making
Bronze Cross
Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion.
Bronze Cross is the final step before National Lifeguard training. It includes:
- Advanced lifesaving & rescue techniques
- Safe supervision skills
- Endurance swimming (600m in 18 minutes)
- Recognition of high-risk aquatic environments
Standard First Aid with CPR-C
Standard First Aid (SFA/CPR-C) is a workplace-recognized certification that focuses on:
- CPR for adults, children, and infants
- AED (defibrillator) training
- Emergency scene management
- Recognition and treatment of injuries
Required before moving into National Lifeguard (NL).
Future Lifeguard Pathway
After completing Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid, students can progress into:
- National Lifeguard (NL)
- Swim Instructor Certification
- Lifesaving Instructor Certification
These certifications open doors to employment in aquatics across Toronto.
Student Testimonials
“Bronze Star being free made it easy for me to get started. Now I’m already working toward Bronze Cross!”
— A.M., Age 14
“These courses improved my confidence in and out of the water.”
— J.S., Age 15
Register for Aquatic Leadership Training
Complete the form below to express interest in attending Aquatic Leadership Training through The ACE Foundation.
For full course details from the City of Toronto:
➤ City of Toronto Aquatic Leadership Stream (Bronze Star, Medallion, Cross)