Lifesaving Sport

Lifesaving sport is an exciting, highly competitive international sport – and we have a team at our YMCA.

Developed as a way to educate people on water safety and prevent drowning around the world, Lifesaving Sport competitors learn and practice skills used in water rescue. They might have to dive to the bottom of the pool to retrieve a heavy object, swim under and around obstacles, accurately hit targets by throwing out a line from the pool deck, race each other to test their speed or complete other challenges. 

Competitions take place both in pools and in waterfront settings. Overall physical fitness, speed, strength, skill and teamwork are key components of this sport, recognized by the International Olympic Committee and the Commonwealth Games Federation. 

Lifesaving Sport at your YMCA

Our Lifesaving Sport program offers a recreational introduction to lifesaving. It’s a unique way to involve youth in aquatics and the development of a healthy, active lifestyle through sport. They will build on their swimming skills and develop individual competition skills such as line throw, manikin tow, relays, and more.  

Participants have opportunities to compete as part of the team, both in friendly competitions with our neighbouring teams in Hanover and Saugeen Shores, and on a much bigger scale at the provincial level. 

It is recommended participants be able to comfortably swim at least two lengths of the pool to join as a beginner. Everything else we can teach you! 

Participants will need to purchase a team swim cap ($5) from our YMCA and bring their favourite pair of goggles to each lesson. 

How to Register

Members can visit their ACTIVE Net account to register, or email support@osgb.ymca.ca or call 519-376-0484 ext 0.

Swim Absences
Please call 519-376-0484 ext. 214 if you know your child will not be attending lessons or volunteering. We will inform your child’s Instructor.

Pool Policy

In order to ensure you are completely satisfied with your swim experience, please review our Pool Policy prior to arrival.

Rick Mercer has some fun learning about Lifesaving Sport with the Saugeen Shores Lifesaving Club.

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