Learning is a never-ending journey…one that can take you wherever you want to go! Leadership and learning opportunities are available for all ages at all Vancouver Island Y Health, Fitness and Aquatic Centres. Become a Fitness Instructor, take the Babysitter course or enhance your health-related knowledge to help improve your overall health.
Fitness Workshops are designed for members who are interested in learning more about specific health and exercise related topics. Registration is required in advance for fitness workshops.
For specific information on the workshops, please talk to a memberships services or fitness staff in the branch.
Cost: Included in memberships for current Classic and Premium members; $10/workshop for Basic and Non-Members.
Fitness Leadership courses are for those who are interested in teaching group fitness classes or providing personal training. All courses are delivered in a blended learning format – in person sessions combined with self-directed online learning. Participants are required to have access to the internet. 100% attendance and participation required.
All courses include a written final exam as well as an apprenticeship which must be completed before final certification. Please note: apprenticeship hours are held outside of in person sessions.
Prerequisites for all courses: Minimum 16 years of age; current CPR (A) at time of certification; minimum 50 hours of participation in class type. Please note: current Standard First Aid/CPR (C) required for Personal Training Certification.
Cost: $235+tax/course for current Classic and Premium members; $295+tax/course for Basic and Non-Members.
YMCA Group Fitness – Cardio Instructor Certification
This course is for those interested in teaching group fitness Cardio based classes (i.e. Cardio Dance, Step, Cardio Fit).
Dates: TBA 2019
YMCA Group Fitness – Cycle Instructor Certification:
This course is for those interested in teaching Cyclefit classes.
Dates: TBA 2019
YMCA Group Fitness – Aquafit Instructor Certification:
This course is for those interested in teaching Aquafit classes.
Dates: TBA 2020
YMCA Personal Training Certification
This course is for those interested in working one on one to prescribe exercise.
Dates: TBA 2019
YMCA Group Fitness – Older Adult Instructor Certification
This course is for those interested in teaching older adults in a group fitness setting.
Home Alone Course
Your child will learn what to do in case of an emergency, how and when to call 911, basic first aid skills, and internet safety. This course is offered through Canada Safety Council. 100% participation and attendance required.
Prerequisite: Minimum 10 years of age.
Cost: $32 for current Classic and Premium members; $40 for Basic and Non-Members.
Deadline for registration is 3 days prior to course start date.
Check Online for Upcoming Courses or Register Now
Dates: TBA 2019
Babysitter Training Course
Learn the business of babysitting, creating safe environments and handling emergencies. This course is offered through Canada Safety Council. 100% participation and attendance required.
Prerequisite: Minimum 12 years of age during this calendar year.
Cost: $60 for current Classic and Premium members; $75 for Basic and Non-Members.
Deadline for registration is 3 days prior to course start.
They Y offers Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross programs. To register candidates must be the correct minimum age by the last day of the course, no exceptions. Proof of pre-requisites are required to be presented on the first day of the course.
Bronze Star
The Bronze Star program helps to prepare swimmers for success in Bronze Medallion. Candidates are taught about how to make WaterSmart® choices and learn basic lifesaving and resuscitation skills needed to be their own personal lifeguard. Includes a 400 metre timed swim. 100% participation and attendance required.
Prerequisite: Recommended 10-12 years of age and completion of Star 7 or equivalent.
Cost: $60.00+gst for current Classic and Premium members; $75.00+gst for Basic and Non-Members.
Deadline for registration is 3 days prior to course start.
Check Online for Upcoming Courses or Register Now
Bronze Medallion
The first step in becoming a swim instructor and lifeguard, Bronze Medallion teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles embodied in the four components of water rescue education: judgment, knowledge, skills and fitness. Candidates learn advanced lifesaving techniques for challenging rescues of increased risk, involving conscious and unconscious victims in varying water depths.
Prerequisite: Bronze Star or 13+ years.
Cost: $136.00+gst for current Classic and Premium members; $170.00+gst for Basic and Non-Members. Additional required manual cost $43.68+gst (Please note: this manual is used for both Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross)
Deadline for registration is 5 days prior to course start. Registration after deadline is available for an additional cost.
Bronze Cross
The second step in becoming a swim instructor and lifeguard, Bronze Cross is designed for lifesavers who want the challenge of more advanced lifesaving training and an introduction to safety supervision.
Candidates develop proficiency at performing patient assessments, managing aquatic spinal injuries, and preventing the loss of life in a variety of aquatic emergencies.
Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion.
Cost: $133.50+gst for current Classic and Premium members; $172+gst for Basic and Non-Members.
Deadline for registration is 3 days prior to course start. Registration after deadline is available for an additional cost.
Lifesaving Instructors Course
For those wishing to teach Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion or Bronze Cross. You will be contacted before the course for your LS ID# to verify prerequisite.
Prerequisite: Bronze Cross or National Lifeguard
Cost: $265+gst for current Classic and Premium members; $310+gst for Basic and Non-Members.
Deadline for registration is 5 days prior to course start. Registration after deadline is available for an additional cost.
National Lifeguard – Pool RECERT
For those wishing to recertify their award. Course includes precert and recert – you are required to attend both sessions. Please bring pocket mask and whistle to the course. You will be contacted before the course for your LS ID# to verify prerequisite.
Prerequisite: National Lifeguard – pool option
Cost: $80+gst for current Classic and Premium members; $100+gst for Basic and Non-Members.
Deadline for registration is 1 day prior to course start.
Lifesaving Instructors RECERT
For those wishing to recertify their award. You will be contacted before the course for your LS ID# to verify prerequisite.
Prerequisite: Lifesaving Instructors
Cost: $100+gst for current Classic and Premium members; $120 for Basic and Non-Members.
Deadline for registration is 1 day prior to course start.
S.E.E. Auditor Course
The Supervision Evaluation and Enhancement [S.E.E.] course is designed to give participants the knowledge, training and tools required to evaluate the effectiveness of lifeguard and instructor supervision. Please bring deck shoes and a writing utensil to the course. You will be contacted before the course for your LS ID# to verify prerequisite.
Prerequisite: National Lifeguard Certification– need not be current; minimum 100 hrs guarding experience
Cost: $60+gst
Deadline for registration is 1 day prior to course start.
Cancellations must be made in person or by email to Registration Services registration@vancouverislandy.ca 4 days (96hrs) before the start of the course to receive a full refund.
Cancellations made less than 4 days (96hrs) before the start of the course will be refunded less an administration fee of 40% of the full fee.
Cancellations will not be refunded after a course begins unless a medical note is provided; the refund will be pro-rated.
Courses/workshops cancelled by the Y due to insufficient registration will receive a full refund.