The city hopes the program will help train lifeguards to work at two new rec centres opening in 2028

The City of Burnaby will pilot a free lifeguard certification program with the Burnaby school district this fall in an effort to train enough lifeguards for two new community centres opening in 2028.

Twenty-four students from Alpha and Burnaby North secondary schools will be picked to participate in the program during the 2026–2027 school year, according to a report to city council Tuesday.

Those who complete it will earn graduation credits while becoming Lifesaving Society certified.

The pilot will run outside of regular school hours, but the Parks Recreation and Culture Department hope it will lay the groundwork for a formally credited course in the school district in the future.