Aquatic Camps
Teamwork. Leadership. Rescue.
Dive into the world of lifeguarding this summer and prepare for one of the most rewarding jobs you will ever have. We have lifeguarding options for ages 10 and up.
Responsible youths can take their babysitters course and be ready to tackle looking after younger kids.
Or try one of our most popular camps: realize the dream of becoming a mermaid at UCalgary's Mermaid University.
Lifeguard and Swim Instructor Prep Camp
Entering Grades 5-9 (Age 10 years+)
If you’re thinking of becoming a lifeguard or swim instructor, this camp is for you! Swimmers will be introduced to lifeguard rescue and first aid skills. Have fun with rescue tubes and other lifeguard tools. This camp will also provide you with the opportunity to review your swimming skills and gain added insight on your strokes. Instructors will give an orientation to the lifeguard and water safety instructor programs.
Red Cross Assistant Lifeguard
Age 12 years+
This fun and challenging course is your first-step to lifeguarding with the Canadian Red Cross. Swimmers will learn injury prevention, teamwork, basic rescues, and lifeguarding skills. Participants will even get hands-on experience lifeguarding others in the pool! This Assistant Lifeguard course is the pre-requisite to the Red Cross Lifeguard course. Participants must have Swim Kids Level 10 or equivalent swimming ability.
Red Cross Lifeguard
Age 15 years+
This 6-day course will certify lifeguards with the Red Cross Lifeguard program. This course prepares deck-ready lifeguard to prevent and respond to lifeguard emergencies, create a safe environment, work in teams and handle public relations in a professional manner. Candidates are continuously evaluated throughout the course, and complete final skills and scenarios. Participants must have taken a Red Cross Assistant Lifeguard Course and hold a current Standard First Aid with CPR-C/AED.
Water Safety Instructor
Age 15 years+
The Water Safety Instructor (WSI) course prepares you to instruct Red Cross Swim programs. You will focus on strategies to introduce and develop swimming and water safety skills in the Red Cross Swim programs. In this fourth step of the program, you will demonstrate and receive feedback on your instructional skills to ensure you can effectively plan, teach, and evaluate the Red Cross Swim program. Participants must have completed step 1-3 prior to the start of this course.
Stay Safe and Babysitters Camp
Entering Grades 5-9
Offers basic first aid, safety and caregiving skills for youth 11-16 years old. Participants learn how to provide care to children in a variety of age groups, and how to prevent and respond to emergencies. The course also offers youth the skills to promote themselves as babysitters to prospective families. Participants must have completed Grade 5 before starting this class.
Mermaid University
Entering Grades 3-8
This is your chance to experience what it’s like to swim like a mermaid! Mermaid University puts safety first, starting with basic swimming skills before transitioning into the monofin. Instructors will teach safe fin use and proper breathing while swimming. Swim sessions incorporate movement skills, fitness, spins, turns, and of course mermaid games. All this excitement builds up to learning choreography, and a final day with costumes, mermaid makeup and a photo shoot. Best of all, the fin is yours to keep!