FAQ – Hiring Underage Workers In Manitoba as Lifeguards and Assistant Lifeguards

Q. Can 15-year-olds be hired as Lifeguards and Assistant Lifeguards at swimming pools in Manitoba
A. Yes, according to the Public Health Act Swimming Pools and Other Water Recreational Facility Regulations adopted June 1, 2025:
• section 12(1) (a) states Lifeguards must be at least 15 years of age, and
• section 12(2)(a) states Assistant Lifeguards must be at least 15 years of age.

Q. What is the Young Workers Readiness Course and who needs to take it?
A. The Young Workers Readiness Course is for all employees under 16 years of age. The course covers the following:
• Workplace safety and health including:
o Workers’ and employers’ responsibilities for maintaining a safe work environment.
• Employment standards including:
o Employment related regulations including minimum wage, hours of work, overtime.
• Rights and responsibilities including:
o Obligations to employers including showing up for work, following directions, providing proper notice.
• Specific restrictions for young workers.
• Age related restrictions for workers.

Q. Can a young work start working as soon as they have completed the Young Workers Readiness Course?
A. Yes. They will need to give a copy of their Certificate of Completion that has been signed by a parent or guardian to their employer before they can begin working.

Q. What are other restrictions place on 15-year-old workers that would impact their ability to work as a lifeguard or a swimming instructor?
A. 15-year-old workers cannot work:
• at heights more than 1.5 meters.
• without direct adult supervision who is in the workplace.
• in confined spaces.
• between the hours of 11:00pm and 6:00am.
• more than 20 hours per week during a school week. They may may work as much as other employees during school breaks.

For more information and links to the Young Workers Readiness Course go to:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/standards/doc,young-workers,factsheet.html