Bates Wardle Award for Lifeguards

What you will need

• ✓ Proof of age (12 to Grade 12)
• ✓ Proof of enrollment in lifeguard certification or advanced training
• ✓ Community involvement and volunteering
• ✓ Attendance at an eligible school (Bow Valley, Cochrane, St. Timothy, Innisfail Middle, Innisfail High, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, or École Secondaire Notre Dame)
• ✓ One letter of reference (optional)

About this award

You can win one of two awards valued at $1,000 each. This is a grant, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a well-rounded student who spends your time helping others through unpaid volunteer work while training to be a lifeguard. Applications closed on May 1, 2026. Ask Calgary Foundation whether a new window has opened before you plan around this award. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — email, portal, or phone. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Calgary Foundation how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. The money is provided to you through your school or post-secondary institution. Confirm with Calgary Foundation if this means a direct payment to your account or a credit to your school fees so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Calgary Foundation whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be aged 12 and upwards to Grade 12 and be pursuing certification or advancing training as a lifeguard. You also need to be a well-rounded student who contributes to the community through volunteering. While anyone meeting the criteria can apply, the funder ideally wants to give one award to an Innisfail student and one award to a Cochrane student. You must attend one of these schools: Bow Valley High School, Cochrane High School, St. Timothy Jr./Sr. High School, Innisfail Middle School, Innisfail High School, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School, or École Secondaire Notre Dame High School (which requires residency within the Innisfail catchment school boundary).

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Open to high school students
• ✓ Resident of Alberta
• ✓ Studying lifeguard

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

3. 3

   This round closed on May 1, 2026

   Check the award's official page for the next round before you prepare anything.

Tips for applying

• Community InvolvementAvoid simply listing your volunteer hours. Instead, tell stories about the impact you had on others and why you care about lifeguarding. Describe a specific time you helped someone in your community.
• ReferencesAvoid leaving the optional reference letter out. Instead, provide a strong letter from a swim coach or community leader who can vouch for your character and reliability.
• StrategyFocus your application on the intersection of safety and service. Show the committee that you aren't just getting a certificate, but that you are dedicated to the role lifeguards play in keeping the community safe.
• RealismSince there are only two awards available—ideally split between Innisfail and Cochrane—competition will be tight. Ensure your school and residency details are crystal clear so you are categorized correctly.

Questions students ask

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