For the first time since about 2016, lifesaving courses were offered on Haida Gwaii. From Sept. 28 to Oct. 12, 2026, Shandy Kariatsumari of Tofino taught a variety of lifesaving and surfing safety courses to brave participants keen to suit up and hit the 12-degree ocean.
The dream of bringing an instructor to Haida Gwaii became a reality thanks to the Haida Gwaii Surfing Society, a new organization formed to promote a culture of ocean safety and increase access to surfing and other water sports for people across Haida Gwaii.
The society received generous support for the project from the Haida Gwaii Recreation Commission, Northern Savings Credit Union's Community Funding Program and the Northern Health physician team. Special thanks go to Alissa and the Recreation Commission board, Nicole MacGillivray and the doctors, and everyone who helped make the courses possible.
Kariatsumari is a Canadian surf instructor, judge and coach affiliated with Surf Canada and the International Surfing Association (ISA). She is also a certified international lifesaving instructor and one of the few National Lifesaving Society instructors who teach lifesaving courses in the ocean rather than a pool. This approach is particularly valuable for communities like Tofino and Haida Gwaii that do not yet have swimming pools.
The courses were held at a beach near Tugwaal, also known as the Keyhole. Participants completed indoor theory sessions before donning their five-millimetre wetsuits, booties, hoods and gloves and heading into the open water. Training included distance swimming, underwater breath-holding, water rescues, CPR and calling for help.
Several children aged 10 to 13 earned their Bronze Star and Bronze Medallion certifications. They will have the opportunity to continue their lifesaving training through Bronze Cross and eventually pursue lifeguard certification as they get older.
Several adults also had the opportunity to renew their expired Bronze Cross certifications and earn Level 1 international surf instructor qualifications.
The Haida Gwaii Surfing Society is now looking to partner with other organizations across the islands that share an interest in promoting water safety, whether in pools, lakes, rivers or the ocean. The society is also interested in working with groups hoping to offer water-based programming.
Historically, this type of programming has been difficult to offer because of insurance barriers. We are hopeful that through partnerships and safety training, we can find a way to the water!
We also hope that having local youth well on their way toward lifeguard certification will bring the long-held dream of a swimming pool on Haida Gwaii, wherever that may be, one step closer to reality.
Haawa, Haw'aa, merci and thank you!
To contact the Haida Gwaii Surfing Society, email hgsurfingsociety@gmail.com or reach out to one of its board members: Chloe Bourassa, Marilyn Brière-Deschênes or Meghan Wallace.