Prerequisite Policies
Some Lifesaving Society awards have prior
training or age prerequisites to ensure that candidates have
the necessary knowledge and ability to achieve success. Affiliates,
Instructors, Examiners and Trainers are responsible for checking
prerequisites. The Society will not issue awards to candidates who
do not have the required prerequisites. Proof of prerequisites must
be available to the Instructor, Examiner or Trainer.
Age prerequisites
Minimum age prerequisites must be attained by the last day of
the course or the day of the exam. There are no exceptions.
Acceptable proof of age includes: birth certificate, driver's
license, health card or passport.
Award prerequisites
Prerequisite awards must be earned prior to the start of the
course to which they apply. When two or more awards are offered
together (e.g., Standard First Aid and National Lifeguard), the
Society deems the prerequisite award to have been earned in the
correct order. Prerequisite awards need not be current (see
"Currency" below)
The following are acceptable proof of award prerequisites: a
printout from Find a Member; or confirmation using
Find a Member Mobile (www.findamember.ca); a Lifesaving
Society certification card or current temporary card (expired
temporary cards - more than 90 days old - may not be used).
First aid prerequisites
For prerequisite purposes, the Lifesaving Society accepts First
Aid certifications provided by training agencies approved by the
Government of Prince Edward Island. The only Emergency First Aid
and Standard First Aid certifications that may be used as
prerequisites to the Society's awards are from the approved
agencies. The Society updates its list periodically to align with
changes approved by the Prince Edward Island government.
When a first aid certification from an agency other than the
Lifesaving Society is used as a prerequisite for a Lifesaving
Society award, a photocopy of the certification card must accompany
the Lifesaving Society test sheets. The Society will not issue
awards if this proof of prerequisite is missing.
Affiliates, please notify candidates of this prerequisite
requirement in promotional materials and at registration locations.
Before you submit test sheets to the Society, please attach copies
of prerequisites when necessary.
Currency
Lifesaving Society certifications are held for life but they are
"current" for only 24 months from the date of certification -
except for Emergency and Standard First Aid which are valid for 36
months. To maintain a valid or current certification, award holders
must recertify.
Recertification
Award holders are encouraged to maintain up-to-date skills and
ability through recertification. Award holders may recertify
Lifesaving Society awards at any time regardless of the
certification date of the original award.