Seniors are heading back to work as lifeguards

Louise Cournoyer, a former chemist for Environment Canada and mother of two, is stepping out of retirement and back at work in a new job: lifeguarding and teaching aquafit at the YMCA in Cartierville.

“I love it and I love to see people move and just having fun,” said the 63-year-old.

Louise is one of many senior lifeguards, or “grey guards,” as they’re fondly called, working poolside.

According to the Lifesaving Society’s Quebec chapter, it’s a new trend in that age group.

Many retirees are becoming certified, and are evaluated the same as everyone else.

“It’s important to tell everyone that it’s not because they are over 50 years old that they don’t have to meet the same standard [as] the 16-year-olds. Everyone has to follow the same standard,” said executive director Raynald Hawkins.

The increase has happened in recent years when certification was free, thanks to a government grant that is no longer in place for 2026. Now, it costs $1,700.

Many aquatic managers say they’re always looking for extra help, says Cournoyer. “They need replacements during the year when the students are at the school.”

The Lifesaving Society is pushing to make the certification free once again.

“We started a discussion with the Quebec government. They said to us, listen, we are ready to revise that in the future … But at this moment, with the economy which we have in Quebec province, we cannot do that for this year,” Hawkins says.

The organization is keeping a close eye on whether the number of new lifeguards drops, and Hawkins says the knowledge the grey guards bring is priceless.

“They have a lot of experience … about the work they have done in the past, they can teach that to the youth," he said.

Cournoyer adds that seniors shouldn’t let their age define them.

“If you love to see people and talk, it’s the best. I I’m able, you are able.”