The City of Vaudreuil-Dorion will now offer the Lifesaving Society Canada's Swim for Life program. This decision follows the announcement made in January 2022 by the Canadian Red Cross regarding the end of  its swimming lessons program.

This transition will be effective for the next session, Winter 2023, with registration on December 12 at 6 p.m. (residents) and December 14 at 9 a.m. (non-residents).

The Lifesaving Society, whose mission is also to reduce drowning and injury in the water, will continue to provide swimming for all, lifesaving and leadership courses.

The Swim for Life program is a five-module program that provides a seamless transition to lifesaving training. The equivalencies between the Red Cross courses and the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life program are detailed on the City's website.

"The transition to the Swim for Life program will be seamless as the teaching tools and swim instructors are ready. The transition to the Swim for Life program will be seamless as the teaching tools and instructors are ready. Users will not be confused by the new training as the goal is the same - to develop swimming skills for young and old. The famous booklets, stickers and badges will still be given to participants. In addition, the water safety and lifesaving component will play a more important role in the sessions," explains Anik Levac, Section Head - Aquatic Programs.

It is strongly suggested that you refer to this document before the registration date, which will take place online on December 12 for residents. Remember that to register, it is important to have a valid citizen card and to have previously created an account on the registration platform. The description of each course, as well as a decision support tool, are also available on the City's website.

Free lifesaving courses

Last June, the ministère de l'Éducation decided to offer free training to become a lifeguard or instructor. This initiative aims to alleviate the labour shortage in this sector by removing the monetary barrier to taking these courses. This announcement is part of the unveiling of the Action Plan to promote the practice of physical, sports and recreational activities in Quebec 2022-2027, which provides for total investments of 250 million over five years.

"It is with great enthusiasm that we joined the free training program proposed by the Ministry. This agreement gives everyone the chance to obtain a rewarding and essential job in the aquatic environment. In the City of Vaudreuil-Dorion, some 40 lifeguards and instructors have the opportunity to work year-round in the indoor and outdoor pools," said Vincent Bastien, Director of Recreation and Culture.

Since Monday, November 7 at 9 a.m., Vaudreuil-Dorion residents can register online free of charge for the Swimming Instructor, Bronze Medallion/Cross Bronze Medallion (combined training), National Lifeguard and General First Aid courses that will start in December.

Non-residents will be able to take advantage of the remaining spots starting November 21, 9 a.m. On December 12 and 14, a second cohort will be able to register for another session starting in January 2023. Please note that space in each course is limited.

For more information on the program change, please contact the Recreation and Cultural Services Department at 450-455-3371, option 4.

All the details of the courses offered, prerequisites and course dates, are also available on the City's Web site.