🏊♂️ Staff Training, In‑Service Drills, and Supervision: Building a Culture of Safety
High-quality training and effective supervision are cornerstones of a safe and well-run aquatic facility. In Ontario and across Canada, aquatic professionals are held to high expectations for maintaining safety standards, providing proactive supervision, and preparing their teams to respond confidently to emergencies.
While regulations set the minimum requirements, investing in robust training and professional development can help prevent incidents before they occur and build a culture of safety that benefits everyone.
Note: This article is for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or replace consultation with your local public health unit.
👀 Why Ongoing Training and Supervision Matter
Even the most experienced aquatic staff need regular refreshers and clear direction to do their jobs effectively. Consistent training and supervision help ensure:
✅ Lifeguards remain vigilant and confident in their skills
✅ Policies and emergency procedures are clearly understood
✅ New staff are onboarded to the same high standards
✅ Your facility meets—and often exceeds—provincial regulations
The Lifesaving Society’s Safety Standards recommend that all aquatic facilities develop structured training plans that include:
Initial orientation and onboarding
Ongoing in-service training (e.g., rescue drills, equipment checks, emergency simulations)
Clear supervision plans for different times of day and facility activity levels
Documentation of training, drills, and staff performance reviews
🧭 The Role of the Aquatic Manager Certification
To support aquatic leadership in developing and overseeing these systems, Aquasafe Pro Training offers the Lifesaving Society’s Aquatic Manager certification.
This recognized course helps aquatic leaders:
✅ Develop comprehensive supervision and operating procedures
✅ Understand risk management principles and how to apply them
✅ Plan effective in-service training and performance evaluations
✅ Navigate regulatory requirements and recommended practices
✅ Lead teams with confidence and professionalism
Many municipalities and facility operators consider Aquatic Manager (or Aquatic Supervisor) certification an essential qualification for senior staff. Even when not formally required, these courses demonstrate a commitment to high standards and equip leaders to handle complex responsibilities.
If you’re an aquatic professional looking to advance your career—or an employer seeking to build leadership capacity—this certification is one of the most respected options available.
🎓 How AquaSafe Pro Training Can Help
At AquaSafe Pro Training, we deliver Lifesaving Society Ontario courses, including:
✅ Aquatic Manager
✅ Aquatic Supervisor
✅ SEE Auditor
Our instructors combine years of hands-on aquatic experience with a deep understanding of Ontario regulations and best practices. Whether you need to certify new supervisors or lifeguards, or plan professional development for your team, we can help you build confidence and consistency across your operation.
💡 Next Steps for Facility Operators
If you haven’t reviewed your training and supervision plan this season, consider encouraging senior staff to complete Aquatic Manager or Aquatic Supervisor certification, and/or other important courses such as Pool Operator Level 1 and/or Level 2, as well as SEE Auditor.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for general educational purposes. For site-specific regulatory advice, please consult your public health inspector or legal counsel.
Ready to enhance your team’s training and leadership capacity?
Review our Courses page to learn more about our Aquatic Manager or other certification courses and customized in-service programs.