In Water
As parents, we're constantly looking for ways to equip our kids with real-world skills – the kind that build confidence, show leadership, and can genuinely make a difference. And for adults, maybe you're looking to challenge yourself, boost your resume, or simply feel more prepared in an emergency.
At Aqua Essence, our "In-Water" courses are designed for exactly that. These aren't just certifications; they're an investment in confidence, quick thinking, and the ability to act when it matters most. Taught by our passionate team in an inclusive, supportive environment, you'll gain skills that truly last a lifetime. Plus, if you're looking to keep your current certification active, we offer recertifications for Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, National Lifeguard (NL), and Lifesaving Instructor.
Bronze Star: The Perfect Jumpstart for Young Leaders
Got a strong swimmer who's already aced our Ready, Set, Swim! levels but isn't quite old enough for the next big step? Bronze Star is their perfect next adventure. This course is all about building crucial problem-solving and decision-making skills – individually and with a partner. They'll learn essential CPR and develop the core lifesaving techniques they need to be their own lifeguard. It's a fantastic foundation, preparing them for success in all future lifesaving programs.
-
Minimum Age: 10 years old
-
Prerequisites: Ability to swim sufficiently
-
Cost: $180 plus GST
-
2026 Dates: January 3&4, April 11, 18 & 25
Bronze Medallion: Your Gateway to Water Rescue & Emergency First Aid
Ready to truly understand what it takes to be a lifesaver? Bronze Medallion dives deep into the four pillars of water rescue: judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness. You'll build incredible confidence as you master various tows, carries, and release methods, preparing you for challenging rescues involving conscious and unconscious victims. You'll also refine your swimming efficiency and endurance with a timed swim.
Here's a big plus that sets us apart: We proudly include your full Emergency First Aid certification with this course! You'll cover vital skills like assessing victims, rescue breathing, CPR, AED use, managing bleeds, choking, and more. Bronze Medallion is a highly valued certification for so many jobs – including becoming a swim instructor yourself – and it's an incredible way to build personal confidence for any emergency life throws your way.
-
Minimum Age: 13 years old OR completed Bronze Star
-
Prerequisites: Age 13+
-
Cost: $459.80 plus GST
-
Supplies Needed (Included): Manuals, CPR mask and Whistle
-
2025 Dates: December 22-24
-
2026 Dates: Jan 10 - Feb 14 (Saturdays), March 17-19, April 2 & 4-5
Bronze Cross: Elevate Your Skills, Master Standard First Aid
If you've completed Bronze Medallion and you're ready for the next level of challenge, Bronze Cross is calling your name. This course is your introduction to safe supervision in aquatic facilities, teaching you the key differences between lifesaving and lifeguarding. You'll grasp the principles of emergency procedures and learn how to approach situations using teamwork and trust. We'll build on your Medallion skills, covering advanced techniques for spinal injury rescues, victims with no pulse, and managing deteriorating circumstances.
Another key advantage with us: Our Bronze Cross course comes with a comprehensive Standard First Aid certification. This is often a requirement for many workplaces, including Aqua Essence itself. You'll gain an in-depth understanding of first aid for situations like spinal injuries, heat/cold emergencies, bone and joint injuries, burns, and other medical emergencies. You'll also get your CPR-C certification upon completion.
Join us for a rigorous yet incredibly rewarding experience that will truly test your endurance, intuition, and problem-solving abilities. We foster a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where questions are always encouraged and celebrated!
-
Minimum Age: 13 years old
-
Prerequisites: Bronze Medallion
-
Cost: $378 plus GST
-
Supplies Needed (Not Included): Canadian Lifesaving Manual, Canadian First Aid Manual, Whistle and Leadership Kit
-
Recertification Available
-
2025 Dates: December 26 - 28, 2025
-
2026 Dates: Feb 21 - March 28 (Saturdays)
-
Recertification Date: January 4, Feb 18, March 29, April 5 | $175 + GST
National Lifeguard Pool (NL): Become a Certified Lifeguard!
Aqua Essence is proud to offer the Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard Program – it's truly the gold standard for water rescue, accident prevention, and emergency care. Finish this course with us, and you'll officially be a certified lifeguard, opening doors to an exciting and vital career in aquatic safety!
This intensive, 44-hour course ensures every participant receives significant individual attention, helping you master every critical skill. It can feel a bit daunting at the start, but trust us, it's incredibly rewarding and even fun along the way. The skills you honed in Bronze Medallion and Cross will absolutely set you up for success in NL.
You'll learn and demonstrate some serious skills, like: swimming and surface diving to retrieve a 20-pound object from the bottom of the pool, submerged swimming for 15 metres, fast head-up/head-down swimming for 50 metres, rescuing a submerged victim within 90 seconds, and a timed 400-meter swim within 10 minutes. It's demanding, but in the best, most accomplished way that truly opens up so many opportunities for you in the lifesaving and employment world!
-
Minimum Age: 15 years old
-
Prerequisites: Bronze Cross & Standard First Aid (Must be listed in the Manitoba Public Health Act P210: Swimming Pools and Other Water Recreational Facilities Regulation M.R. 68/2015)
-
Course Cost: $585 plus GST
-
Supplies Needed: Leadership Kit, Canadian Lifesaving Manual, Canadian First Aid Manual, Whistle (all other course supplies are included)
-
Recertification Available: $175 plus GST
-
Dates: Dec 29, 2025 - Jan 3, 2026 (no class on Jan 1), March 29- April 2
-
Recertification Dates: Dec 28, 2025, Feb 19, March 28, April 5, 2026 | $175 + GST
Ready, Set, Swim!: Next Wave - The Bridge to Lifesaving Mastery
As a parent, you've watched your child work hard to complete all 12 levels of our Ready, Set, Swim curriculum. Now, what's next?
Ready, Set, Swim: Next Wave is the answer. This isn't just another swim class; it’s the perfect bridge between foundational swimming and the exciting world of lifesaving. Tailored for youth aged 10-16, this program is designed to build the endurance and introduce the critical skills needed for a successful transition into future Bronze courses.
Here, we shift the focus from basic strokes to genuine aquatic mastery. Through dedicated, weekly 30-minute sessions, your swimmer will gain strength, endurance, and confidence in the water.