LIFESAVING PROGRAMS
Swimmer 7-9 (Canadian Swim Patrol)
The Canadian Swim Patrol program is the on-ramp to lifeguarding.
The Swim Patrol provides enriched training for those who are ready to go beyond learn-to-swim. Swim Patrol’s three levels – Rookie, Ranger, and Star – continue to develop participants’ swim strokes and provide the skill foundation that prepares them for success in the Society’s Bronze medal awards.
SWIMMER 7 (ROOKIE PATROL)
Swimmers continue stroke development with 50 m swims of front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke. Lifesaving Sport skills include a 25 m obstacle swim and 15 m object carry. First aid focuses on assessment of conscious victims, contacting EMS and treatment for bleeding. Fitness improves in 350 m workouts and 100 m timed swims.
SWIMMER 8 (RANGER PATROL)
Swimmers develop better strokes over 75 m swims of each stroke. They tackle Lifesaving Sport skills in a lifesaving medley, timed object support and rescue with a buoyant aid. First aid focuses on assessment of unconscious victims, treatment of victims in shock and obstructed airway procedures. Skill drills develop a strong lifesaving foundation.
SWIMMER 9 (STAR PATROL)
Swimmers are challenged with 600 m workouts, 300 m timed swims and a 25 m object carry. Strokes are refined over 100 m swims. First aid focuses on treatment of bone or joint injuries and respiratory emergencies including asthma and allergic reactions. Lifesaving skills include defence methods, victim removals and rolling over and supporting a victim face up in shallow water.
Bronze Medals
The Bronze medals are the prerequisite to lifeguarding.
BRONZE STAR
develops swimming proficiency, lifesaving skill and personal fitness. Candidates refine their stroke mechanics, acquire self-rescue skills, and apply fitness principles in training workouts. Bronze Star is excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion and provides a fun introduction to lifesaving sport.
Prerequisite: 10 years+ (Swim Patrol experience recommended.)
To learn more about the Bronze Star program, please click here.
BRONZE MEDALLION
challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. Candidates acquire the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on, and around the water. Bronze Medallion is a prerequisite for assistant lifeguard training in Bronze Cross.
Prerequisite: Minimum 13 years of age or Bronze Star certification (need not be current).
To learn more about the Bronze Medallion program, please click here.
BRONZE CROSS (Assistant Lifeguard)
begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as assistant lifeguards. Candidates strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills and begin to apply the principles and techniques of active surveillance in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies. Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for advanced training in the Society’s National Lifeguard and leadership certification programs.
Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion and Lifesaving Society Emergency or Standard First Aid certifications (need not be current) or EFA or SFA from one of these approved agencies.
To learn more about the Bronze Cross program, please click here.
BRANKSOME HALL LIFESAVING CLUB – BHLC
(Previously known as Lifesaving Sport)
BHLC offers participants an introduction to lifesaving skills. The program teaches team building, fair play, ethics in sport and responsibility. In this program, the swimmers will be learning skills that work towards skills used in the Bronze Program (pre-lifeguarding) and National Lifeguard. Skills includes: – Swimming with fins -Tow with Fins -Object/Manikin Carry -Lifesaving Medley (Front Crawl, Breast Stroke, Lifesaving Kick, Back crawl) -Throwing Accuracy – and much more.
The program is divided into 2 groups, JUNIOR (7 to 10 years old) and YOUTH (11 to 14 years old). BHLC focuses on the individual swimmer’s ability and work towards their Personal Best (PBs). There are 2-3 competition opportunities including the in-house Lifesaving Meet every session, competitions are encouraged although not mandatory.
To view a video of the 2017 Junior Lifeguard Games hosted in Oakville, please click here .
Prerequisite: Swimmer 5, ability to complete the Swim To Survive standards (roll into deep water, tread 1:00 and swim 50m) or approved by a Deck Supervisor from the Branksome aquatic team.
To learn more about Lifesaving Sport program, please click here.
