Bronze Medallion
- Rescuers learn advanced lifesaving techniques for challenging rescues of increased risk, involving conscious and unconscious victims in varying water depths. Participants develop stroke efficiency and endurance in timed swims (400 m) and fitness training skills, as well as performing patient assessments, managing aquatic spinal injuries, and preventing the loss of life in a variety of aquatic emergencies.
- Candidates are taught an understanding of the lifesaving principals embodied in the four components of water rescue education: judgement, knowledge, skills and fitness.
Prerequisite(s): Bronze Star (need not be current) or minimum 13 years old at the time of the exam.
Bronze Cross
- Rescuers learn advanced lifesaving techniques for challenging rescues of increased risk, involving conscious and unconscious victims in varying water depths. Participants develop stroke efficiency and endurance in timed swims (400 m) and fitness training skills, as well as performing patient assessments, managing aquatic spinal injuries, and preventing the loss of life in a variety of aquatic emergencies.
- Candidates are taught an understanding of the lifesaving principals embodied in the four components of water rescue education: judgement, knowledge, skills and fitness.
Prerequisite(s): Bronze Medallion (need not be current) and current Alberta workplace approved Standard First Aid CPR-C/AED.
National Lifeguard
- Candidates develop a sound understanding of lifeguarding principals, good judgement and a mature and responsible attitude towards the lifeguard's role. This training emphasizes prevention and effective rescue response in emergencies including first aid treatment. Candidates develop teamwork, leadership and communication skills. Fitness requirements include a timed object recovery, 50 m sprint challenge, 50 m rescue drill and 400 m endurance challenge.
Prerequisite(s): Bronze Cross (need not be current), current Alberta workplace approved Standard Firts Aid CPR-C/AED, and must be a minimum of 16 years old at the time of the exam.
National Lifeguard Recertification
- National Lifeguard is a vocational training award. Certified National Lifeguards should be familiar with the Code of Conduct in the Policies and Procedures. Certification is based on the ability to meet the purpose statements and ALL performance criteria (Must Sees). With practice and review, the National Lifeguard recertification is achievable by everyone. Candidates are encouraged to practice skills and review knowledge to prepare for the recertification course. Ongoing training and maintaining an appropriate level of fitness is important to being able to lifeguard effectively.
- Until December 31st, 2022 Red Cross certified Lifeguards can transfer to Lifesaving Society National Lifeguards via the NL recertification course. Must bring their Red Cross Lifeguard Certification to the class.
Standard First Aid & Standard First Aid Recertification
- (12+) Blended online/in-person (recertification is one 8 hour day) course offering first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills for those who need training due to work requirements or who want more knowledge to respond to emergencies at home.
- Valid for 3 years
- Includes CPR level C and AED training
Swim Instructor
- Swim Instructors are responsible for teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the Swim for Life and Canadian Swim Patrol programs. The Swim Instructor course prepares instructors to apply level 1 leadership competencies and strategies designed to teach swimming and lifesaving.
Prerequisite(s): 15 years old and Bronze Cross or higher.
Valid for 2 years from the date of certification.
Lifesaving Instructor
- Lifesaving Instructors are responsible for teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the Canadian Swim Patrol, Bronze Medals, and Lifesaving Society CPR programs. The Lifesaving Instructor course prepares instructors to apply level 1 leadership competencies and strategies designed to teach lifesaving and water rescue education – judgement, knowledge, skill and fitness. Lifesaving Instructor certification is the prerequisite for other Lifesaving Society instructor certifications.
Prerequisite(s): 15 years old and Bronze Cross or higher.
Valid for 2 years from the date of certification.
CLICK HERE for a swim level conversion chart for YMCA, Red Cross, & Livesaving Society lessons