First Aid Swim Training
(FAST)

FAST exceeded my expectations in every way. As a result of my participation in the FAST Program, I easily acquired employment at the Aquatic Centre. I thoroughly enjoy my hours at the pool, both as a game leader, and as a volunteer teaching swim lessons. I have met a number of people who I now count as my best friends.
Conor T. (Rockridge)
The FAST Program helped me achieve my goal of getting a job in aquatics. Everything you learn in this program is more detailed than the lifeguarding/first aid courses you can take elsewhere. It was a great experience that I would do all over again!
Kimia A. (Sentinel)
The FAST program gave me skills and confidence around the aquatic environment. This has led me to move forward in pursuing my goal of being a swim instructor. I gained many friendships throughout the year, and that made it a very enjoyable course. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys swimming and wants to learn first aid. You also get 10 credits, so that's a bonus!
Haley F. (Rockridge)
FAST has given me the opportunity to give back to my community and be prepared for emergency situations; also it has given me an amazing opportunity, to be able to work as a game leader at the West Vancouver Aquatic Centre. I believe without taking FAST this would not have been possible. I hope that anyone considering whether to join the FAST program makes the right decision and applies!
Jake B. (West Van)
FAST is by far the most practical and enjoyable way to complete your Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid. Dave and Karley create an uplifting, fun and educational atmosphere where you can fully understand the lifesaving skills taught. I highly recommend the course and I am so grateful I did it.
Rachel T. (West Van)
The FAST program made learning first aid and swimming very enjoyable. The mix of activities including field trips made the program interesting as well. I encourage anyone interested, to apply for FAST. You will gain tons of experience for becoming a lifeguard.
Adam T. (West Van)
The FAST program was a great addition to my school year. It provided me with many hours of first aid skill practice and certification in Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid. I very much recommend the program to anyone who loves to swim or wants a job at the Aquatic Center.
Quinn S. (Sentinel)

Applications to the FAST Program for the 2024-2025 school year are now closed. You may apply to the waitlist by clicking the “Apply Here” button.

Please contact David Dickinson at ddickinson@wvschools.ca if you have questions about the program.

Apply Here

FAST is a young lifeguard education program that will allow students to develop the essential skills to be successful and confident lifeguards. At the completion of the FAST program students will have obtained all of the required certification prerequisites necessary to enroll in the National Lifeguard Course, which students can take independently when they are 15 years of age or older. Completion of the National Lifeguard Course is the final credential necessary to qualify an individual to work as a lifeguard.

In addition to developing strong first aid skills, the FAST program also focuses on providing students with a practical foundation in resistance and cardiovascular training, swimming, stroke-development and leadership.

FAST Program

Prerequisites

The FAST Program is available to students who are at least 13 years old and will be entering grade 9 or above at the start of the program. The program can support a maximum of 24 participants and students will be selected based on a combination of their grades, application date, and swimming ability (demonstrated at a screening). Students should have Red Cross Swim Kids level 8 strokes as a minimum. Providing access to this program for students of all gender identities from all three high schools is a priority.

Schedule

The FAST Program is offered entirely out of the West Vancouver Aquatic Center. This program consists of aquatic components, physical training, and classroom sessions. The program operates from 2:00pm to 4:30pm on Tuesday and Thursday.

Transportation

Public transportation is available to allow Rockridge students to depart during their lunch break and arrive on time for the start of the FAST program. Sentinel and West Vancouver Secondary School students are within walking distance of the aquatic center during their respective lunch breaks.

Program Specifics

Students will complete the following courses as part of the FAST Program:
- Physical & Health Education 9-10 or Fitness & Conditioning 11-12 dependent on the student’s grade.
- Emergency Response Leadership 11.
- Students will also receive 2 credits for Lifesaving 11 (awarded upon completion of Bronze Cross).
Students will obtain certification in the following courses during the course of the year:
- Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, CPR-C, Standard First Aid.
Students will have a facility pass that will grant them unlimited access to both the Gleneagles and West Vancouver Community Centers for the full length of the program.
The program cost is $100-150/month for 10 months. The final participant cost is subject to the number of students enrolled.

For further Information please contact:

Dave Dickinson
ddickinson@wvschools.ca