-
Program
Guide
2014 Edition
A Guide to Lifesaving Society programs
and services
Lifesaving Society Nova Scotia Branch
5516 Spring Garden Road, 4th floor
Halifax, NS B3J 1G6
Tel: (902) 425-5450 Ext. 331
Fax: (902) 425-5606
[email protected]
www.lifesavingsociety.ns.ca
twitter.com/NSLifesaving
www.facebook.com/NovaScotiaLifesavingSociety
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PROGRAM GUIDE 2014 EDITION WWW.LIFESAVINGSOCIETY.NS.CA - i
Program Guide Lifesaving Society guide to its programs and
services
__________________________________________________________
Published by the Lifesaving Society, 5516 Spring Garden Rd, 4th
Floor, Halifax, Nova
Scotia, Canada B3J-1G6, Telephone: 902 425 -5450 ext. 323, Fax:
(902) 425 -5606
E-mail: [email protected] Web:
www.lifesavingsociety.ns.ca
2014 Edition
Copyright, 2006-2014 by The Royal Life Saving Society
Canada.
Direct inquiries to the Lifesaving Society office at the address
above.
__________________________________________________________
The Lifesaving Society works to prevent drowning and
water-related injury through our
training programs, Water Smart public education, aquatic safety
management, and
lifesaving sport.
Annually, over 1,000,000 Canadians participate in our training
programs swimming,
lifesaving, lifeguarding, leadership, first aid and safety
management. Over 25,000
Canadians earn our Bronze Medallion award each year.
As Canadas lifeguarding expert, the Lifesaving Society sets the
standard for aquatic
safety and certifies all of Canadas National Lifeguards.
The Society represents Canada internationally in the Royal Life
Saving Society and the
International Life Saving Federation. We are the governing body
for lifesaving sport a
sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee and the
Commonwealth
Games Federation.
We are a national, independent, charitable organization. Weve
been teaching Canadians
how to be safe around the water since 1896.
______________________________________________________
ISBN 0-9735660-2-7
Registered Charity No.107788663RR0001 Water Smart, and
Lifesaving Society are
registered trademarks of The Royal Life Saving Society
Canada.
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PROGRAM GUIDE 2014 EDITION WWW.LIFESAVINGSOCIETY.NS.CA - iii
CONTENTS
Foreword
HOW TO PLACE AN ORDER
............................................................................................................
/ viii
Section 1
THE LIFESAVING SOCIETY
..............................................................................................................
/ 1
Working to prevent drowning
...............................................................
1
Canadas lifeguarding experts
............................................................. 1
Water Smart public education
............................................................ 2
Teaching Canadians
............................................................................
3
Setting the standard
............................................................................
3
Lifesaving sport
...................................................................................
3
In the world
..........................................................................................
4
In Nova Scotia
.....................................................................................
4
On the Web
.........................................................................................
4
Find a member
........................................................ 5
AFFILIATE MEMBERS.. 5
Services available to affiliate members
............................................... 5
Affiliate recognition awards
..................................................................
6
Rescue commendations
......................................................................
8
Commonwealth honour awards
........................................................... 8
LIFESAVING SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIPS. 9
CERTIFICATION & RECERTIFICATION.... 9
Provincial guidelines
............................................................................
9
Certification review policy
..................................................................
10
VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT
....................................................... 10
ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY
.................................................................
11
Section 2
WATER SMART PUBLIC EDUCATION
...........................................................................................
/ 13
The drowning problem & public education
......................................... 13
The Water Smart campaign
.............................................................
14
Buddy the Lifeguard Dog
...................................................................
15
Taking action: how you can help
....................................................... 16
10 easy Water Smart
ideas..............................................................
19
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Section 3
SWIM TO SURVIVE
.........................................................................................................................
/ 20
Lifesaving Society position
................................................................
20
Swim to Survive standard
..................................................................
20
Swim to Survive program
..................................................................
21
Section 4
SWIM FOR LIFE PROGRAM
.............................................................................................................
/ 24
Features and benefits..
............................................. 24
Swim for Life Program
modules.........................................................
25
Programming flow chart
.....................................................................
26
Transition teamwork
..........................................................................
27
Licensed affiliates
..............................................................................
27
Section 5
LIFESAVING & LIFEGUARD PROGRAMS
.......................................................................................
/ 29
Lifesaving
training..............................................................................
29
Canadian Swim Patrol Program
........................................................ 29
Rookie Patrol
Ranger Patrol
Star Patrol
Bronze medal awards
........................................................................
30
Bronze Star
Bronze Medallion
Bronze Cross
Advanced lifesaving training
..............................................................
32
Distinction
Diploma
Specialized lifesaving training
........................................................... 32
Water Rescue for First Responders
Boat Rescue
Lifeguard certifications
.......................................................................
34
National Lifeguard
Recertification
....................................................................................
36
Application for certification equivalency
Section 6
FIRST AID CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
........................................................................................
/ 37
First aid
programs..............................................................................
37
Basic first aid
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PROGRAM GUIDE 2014 EDITION WWW.LIFESAVINGSOCIETY.NS.CA - v
Emergency first aid
Standard first aid
CPR, HCP
AED, Oxygen Administration
Programming options
First aid program resources
...............................................................
40
Section 7
JUNIOR LIFEGUARD CLUB
..............................................................................................................
/ 41
Action-packed fun
..............................................................................
41
Personal challenges for personal bests
............................................. 41
Friends can join together
...................................................................
42
Lots of recognition
.............................................................................
42
JLC coaches
......................................................................................
43
Coaching resources
...........................................................................
43
Easy administration
...........................................................................
44
Section 8
BOAT OPERATOR ACCREDITED TRAINING
..................................................................................
/ 45
Proof of operator competency
........................................................... 45
PCO standard
....................................................................................
46
Transport Canada accreditation
........................................................ 46
Tests..................................................................................................
47
Unsuccessful candidates & rewrites
.................................................. 48
Candidate record & fees
....................................................................
48
PCO cards
.........................................................................................
49
Promoting the program
......................................................................
49
Section 9
LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAMS
.............................................................................................
/ 50
Assistant Swim for Life Instructor
...................................................... 50
Swim for Life Instructor
......................................................................
50
Lifesaving instructor
...........................................................................
51
Lifesaving Examiner
.........................................................................
52
National lifeguard instructor
...............................................................
53
First aid instructor
..............................................................................
53
Junior lifeguard club coach
................................................................
54
Lifesaving sport coach
program.........................................................
54
Instructor
trainers...............................................................................
55
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Provincial trainers
..............................................................................
56
Leadership recertification
..................................................................
56
RUNNING INSTRUCTOR COURSES OVERVIEW
Overview
...........................................................................................
57
Time & facilities
.................................................................................
57
Combined with other courses
............................................................ 58
Course staff
.......................................................................................
58
Liaison & communication
...................................................................
59
Teaching aids & resources
................................................................
60
Candidate resources
.........................................................................
61
Cost to candidates
.............................................................................
61
Admin. checklist
................................................................................
61
RUNNING ASSISTANT SWIM FOR LIFE INSTRUCTOR COURSES ..... 62
RUNNING SWIM FOR LIFE INSTRUCTOR COURSES
......................... 63
Swim for Life Instructor update clinic
................................................. 64
RUNNING LIFESAVING INSTRUCTOR COURSES
............................... 65
RUNNING EXAMINATION STANDARDS CLINICS
................................. 66
RUNNING NLS INSTRUCTOR COURSES
............................................. 67
RUNNING FIRST AID INSTRUCTOR COURSES
................................... 68
RUNNING BOAT INSTRUCTOR COURSES
.......................................... 69
RUNNING INSTRUCTOR TRAINER
COURSES..................................... 69
Section 10
PROGRAMMING
................................................................................................................................
/ 71
Facilities required
..............................................................................
71
Instructors
..........................................................................................
71
Scheduling time
.................................................................................
71
Equipment required
...........................................................................
72
PROGRAMMING THE SWIM FOR LIFE PROGRAM . 74
Class size & duration
.........................................................................
74
Equipment
.........................................................................................
75
PROGRAMMING THE JUNIOR LIFEGUARD CLUB..75
Equipment
.........................................................................................
76
RUNNING LIFESAVING SOCIETY PROGRAMS77
Prerequisites
.....................................................................................
77
Course materials & literature
.............................................................
78
Promoting the program
......................................................................
80
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CERTIFYING CANDIDATES.. 80
Instructors evaluate & certify
.............................................................
80
Examiners evaluate & certify
.............................................................
80
Responsibilities
.................................................................................
82
Section 11
TRAINING PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
.......................................................................................
/ 83
Inclusion
............................................................................................
83
Test sheets
........................................................................................
84
Course rosters
...................................................................................
87
Examination fees
...............................................................................
87
Examination procedures
....................................................................
88
Candidate
awards..............................................................................
88
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EDITION
Foreword
HOW TO PLACE AN ORDER
To order equipment, literature and other resources and supplies
from the Societys office, you can:
Call us at (902) 425- 5450 extension 323. Talk to real people 9
to 5, Monday to Friday. After hours, our answering machine takes
your call.
E-mail us at [email protected]
Fax us at (902) 425-5606
Order form. You can use the downloadable order form at
www.lifesavingsociety.ns.ca as a reference for the info we need to
fill your order.
Youre supporting drowning prevention
The Lifesaving Society is a self-financing registered charity
working to prevent drowning. When you purchase merchandise from us
you support the work and mission of the Lifesaving Society.
We deliver
All items are shipped pre-paid. We ship merchandise orders best
way via courier or Canada Post, unless you tell us otherwise, to
ensure best value to you. Shipping charges will be added to your
bill. If you need an estimated shipping cost, please contact
us.
We guarantee satisfaction
We will resolve any problem to your complete satisfaction. If
you are not happy with your purchase, or if there is any problem in
the delivery of your order, just call us. Well fix it.
Paying us
Pay at time of purchase by cash, cheque, money order, Visa or
MasterCard. Affiliate members can order on their account or by
purchase order.
Because e-mail is not a secure means of sending confidential
information, we recommend you do not include credit card numbers in
e-mails. Include your phone number and well call you for your card
number.
CHECK OUT THE STORE AT
www.lifesavingsociety.ns.ca
to find what you need:
Candidate literature
Instructor literature
Test sheets
Order forms
Training equipment
ACTAR manikins
First aid supplies
Rescue equipment
Spineboards
Rescue cans
Rescue tubes
Rescue boards
Competition equipment
Racing fins
Water Smart resources
Water Smart Action Guide
Choose It. Use It. Posters
Within arms reach brochure
Within arms reach video
Buddy the Lifeguard Dog Stuff
Lifeguard uniforms
Wearables
Event in a Box
Camera-ready ads
..and much, much more
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Section 1
THE LIFESAVING SOCIETY The Lifesaving Society works to prevent
drowning and water-related injury
through our training programs, Water Smart public education,
aquatic
safety management, and lifesaving sport.
WORKING TO
PREVENT DROWNING
Almost 500 Canadians die every year in water-related
incidents.
Downing in areas supervised by lifeguards is a rare occurrence.
This is due in large part to the strong presence of the Lifesaving
Society, providing education on safe supervision of public and
private swimming pools and beaches. But drowning and water-related
injuries in an unsupervised setting remain a serious problem. In
fact, aquatic fatalities are the third leading cause of accidental
death in Canada for people under 60 years of age. Sadly, most of
these deaths are preventable.
Its these statistics that motivate us to continue educating
Canadians on drowning prevention, as well as to provide training in
emergency rescue skills.
CANADAS
LIFEGUARDING EXPERTS
The Lifesaving Society is a national, volunteer organization and
registered charity composed of tens of thousands of individual
members and over 2,000 affiliated swimming pools, waterfronts,
camps and schools. The Society has been educating Canadians since
the first Lifesaving Society Bronze Medallion was earned in
1896.
Established in England (1891) as The Swimmers Life Saving
Society, we became The Royal Life Saving Society in 1904. Today,
Canadians know us as simply the Lifesaving Society.
The Lifesaving Society has a long and proud history of teaching
lifesaving skills to Canadians.
In the 1950s, we were the first Canadian organization to adopt
mouth-to-mouth as the method of choice over manual methods
Motto: Whomsoever you
see in distress, recognize in him
a fellow man.
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of artificial respiration. We started our first CPR training
program in the 1960s. We launched formal lifeguard competitions in
the 1970s together with a series of lifesaving symposia on topics
as diverse as Cold Water (1976) Alcohol and Aquatics, Aquatic
Spinal Injuries (1980) and the 1996 international symposium on ice
safety (Ice: The Winter Killer).
Weve been researching, analyzing and publishing (The Drowning
Report) drowning data since 1987, and we use it to improve our
drowning prevention efforts.
Throughout the 1990s, the Society introduced innovative new
programs like Boat Operator Accredited Training, the Junior
Lifeguard Club and the Canadian Swim Patrol Program. We launched
our Aquatic Safety Management Service and greatly expanded our
First Aid training programs to include automated external
defibrillation and airway management certifications.
Recently we completely revamped the Bronze medal awards and the
National Lifeguard training program to suit the needs of the new
century.
Our Swim to Survive Campaign and Swim for Life Program are our
most recent drowning prevention initiatives. In Nova Scotia the
Society has a focus on delivering Swim to Survive to Grade 3
students and new Canadians.
WATER SMART
PUBLIC EDUCATION
Our drowning research enables us to focus on those people most
at risk like men fishing in small boats or on those who can make a
significant difference, such as parents of young children. We
deliver Water Smart behavioural change messages through the media,
print and electronic communications, community action, special
events, programs and promotions.
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TEACHING CANADIANS
TO SAVE THEMSELVES
AND OTHERS
Most drownings occur in unsupervised settings, which is why more
Canadians need the lifesaving skills to save themselves or others
in an aquatic emergency.
The Lifesaving Society certifies over 1,000,000 Canadians
annually in its swimming, lifesaving, lifeguarding and leadership
training programs. The Junior Lifeguard Club, Canadian Swim Patrol
program, and the Bronze medal awards offer young people a
challenging progression in lifesaving training.
Our National Lifeguard certification is the standard for
professional lifeguards in Canada. Each year we certify thousands
of instructors who provide the leadership for our lifesaving and
lifeguard training programs.
SETTING THE
STANDARD
The Lifesaving Society establishes aquatic safety standards and
consults on aquatic safety issues. The Society clarifies
regulations/guidelines for aquatic facility operators; establishes
positions which set aquatic safety standards; serves as an expert
in legal cases involving aquatic safety issues; and performs
aquatic safety audits.
LIFESAVING
SPORT
The Lifesaving Society is the Canadian governing body for
lifesaving sport a sport recognized by the International Olympic
Committee and the Commonwealth Games Federation. Competition has
proven to be an effective training incentive. Junior Lifeguard
Games motivate young lifesavers, while provincial and national
championships showcase the professionalism of our lifeguards.
National Lifesaving Teams represent Canada in international
competitions.
Nova Scotia is a pioneer in the sport of lifesaving and has
hosted many national championships.
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ALL THE EXPERIENCE
IN THE WORLD
Were the Canadian authority in drowning prevention, lifesaving
and lifeguard training, and were a leader and a partner in the
delivery of water safety education in Canada and around the
world.
We represent Canada globally in the Commonwealth Royal Life
Saving Society and the International Life Saving Federation. The
Lifesaving Society brings Canadians the best the world of
lifesaving has to offer.
At home, were actively affiliated with established national and
provincial safety and sport organizations and agencies.
IN NOVA SCOTIA
The Lifesaving Society is incorporated in Nova Scotia and
operates from the Sport Nova Scotia Building in Halifax.
Elected volunteers comprise our Board of Directors.
The Societys mission is to prevent drowning and water related
fatalities while at the same time promoting the safe enjoyment of
our aquatic environment.
The Societys staff provides administrative and management
support to the aquatic facilities and volunteers who execute the
activities of the Society throughout the province.
Contact the Societys office at:
5516 Spring Garden Rd, 4th Floor ,Halifax , B3J 1G6
Phone:(902) -425 5450 ex 323 Fax: (902) 425-5606
Email: [email protected] Web:
www.lifesavingsociety.ns.ca
ON THE WEB
http://www.lifesavingsociety.ns.ca: Visit the Societys Web site
for up-to-date information on programs and course listings,
products and services, and events and contacts.
Mailing list: Contact us at [email protected] to
subscribe to our mailing list. This way you will be informed of
course offerings, lifesaving activities, and receive a copy of our
AquaLines newsletter.
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Like us on FaceBook:
www.facebook.com/NovaScotiaLifesavingSociety
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/NSLifesaving
FIND A MEMBER
Check certification records online. All you need is your
personal Lifesaving Society ID code and access to the Internet.
Check in from anywhere at any time! Other benefits include:
Obtain immediate confirmation of certifications of staff members
even when the Societys office is closed.
Save time not having to chase staff to obtain proof of
certifications or to get updated qualifications in for
verification.
Verify current instructor certification required to teach
specific courses.
Verify qualifications required to compete in Lifesaving Sport
events.
Confirm certifications in cases where the authenticity of a card
is questioned. Find a Member can provide employers with proof that
certification cards being presented are valid (or not) especially
when cards are altered.
Access an applicants complete history of Lifesaving Society
certifications.
Check prerequisites for staff or potential staff who are taking
courses.
Identify expiry dates for staff or applicants certifications and
host recertifications as appropriate.
AFFILIATE MEMBERS
Any individual or program interested in the work of the Society
is invited to become a member of the Lifesaving Society. Affiliate
members include municipalities, YMCAs, summer camps, boards of
education, individual schools, colleges and universities, and
private organizations. Affiliates of the Society play an essential
part in lifesaving training by offering the Societys training
awards to the public or to their members or clients. Affiliates
play a key role in support of Water Smart public education in their
communities throughout the province. Affiliates provide
direction
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to the Society concerning community needs and program
revisions.
SERVICES AVAILABLE
TO AFFILIATE MEMBERS
We invite affiliate members to make full use of the programs and
services offered by the Society. The many benefits enjoyed by
affiliate members include:
Affiliate membership entitles your organization to offer the
training programs of the Lifesaving Society and to present
candidates for examination.
Affiliate members enjoy credit privileges which allows for the
ordering of materials and award processing with payment at a later
date.
Promotional and educational literature is available to affiliate
members. This includes test sheets, posters and brochures for
distribution to the general public, and camera-ready artwork and
program descriptions for inclusion in affiliate magazines and
flyers.
The Nova Scotia branch publishes its AquaLines newsletter, which
features articles and news related to lifesaving, lifeguarding,
competition, and other such happenings throughout the province.
Affiliates, lifeguards, and instructors are encouraged to contact
the office with any stories or articles they would be interested in
contributing to the newsletter.
AWARDS
Each year groups and individuals make outstanding contributions
towards the fulfillment of the Societys aims. The Lifesaving
Society takes the time to honour those who have made these valuable
contributions.
Each year the branch presents the following awards; Rescue
Commendations Commonwealth Honour awards Affiliate Awards
The Lifesaving Society advertises affiliate member job listings
on our website & through
our email contact listing.
Please contact us for more
information.
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AFFILIATE AWARDS
Affiliate recognition awards are designed to encourage and
recognize the use of the Societys programs. Point values reward
affiliates who offer a full-menu of lifesaving programs. Points
reflect the relative degree of difficulty or amount of training and
effort required to achieve each level including the programming
time commitment
AWARDS
LES Punchard Award Presented to the Affiliate certifying the
largest number of persons (Not based on point total). The Y Award
Presented to the Y with the largest lifesaving program. Public
Education Award Presented to the affiliate, individual,
organization or business that made an outstanding contribution to
drowning prevention.
Water Rescue Awards Point Values*
Rookie Patrol / Ranger Patrol / Star Patrol 7 / 7 / 7points
Junior Lifeguard Club 10 points
Wading Pool Attendant 10 points
Bronze Star 10 points
Bronze Medallion 15 points
Bronze Cross 20 points
Distinction 30 points
National Lifeguard 40 points
Diploma 50 points
First Aid Awards
Basic First Aid 4 points
CPR-A / CPR-B / CPR-C 4 / 6 / 8 points
AED Provider 10 points
Oxygen Administration 15 points
Emergency First Aid 12 points
Standard First Aid 25 points
Specialized Awards
Water Rescuer First Responder 10 points
Boat Rescue 10 points
Boat Operator Accredited Training 10 points
Swim for Life/Swim to Survive 2 / 2 points
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Year Round Affiliate Awards Class 1 Largest lifesaving program
serving a population under 10,000 Class 2 Largest lifesaving
program serving a population greater than 10,000 Seasonal Affiliate
Awards Class 1 Largest seasonal affiliate serving a population
under 10,000 Class 2 Largest seasonal affiliate serving a
population over 10,000 Private Affiliate Awards Largest lifesaving
program for a private affiliate (includes camps, campgrounds,
special groups, boat clubs and condominium complexes)
RESCUE COMMENDATIONS
The RESCUE COMMENDATION is awarded to people who perform an act
of bravery in a rescue but have had no formal lifesaving training.
The M.G. GRIFFITHS PLAQUE and M.G. GRIFFITHS CERTIFICATE are
awarded to persons who have used the skills and knowledge that they
have gained through their training in a Lifesaving Program to
performed an act of bravery in effecting a rescue and saving a
life.
Forward any recommendation to the Lifesaving Society office for
any of the above awards.
This should be accompanied by a complete report of the accident
including weather and water conditions, time of day, names and
addresses of all victims, rescuers, and witnesses, dangers in which
the rescuer was placed and techniques used to
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WWW.LIFESAVINGSOCIETY.NS.CA PROGRAM GUIDE 2014 EDITION - 9
perform the rescue. For assistance in this area please contact
the society.
COMMONWEALTH HONOUR AWARDS
Commonwealth Honour Awards are presented yearly in recognition
of outstanding volunteer contributions to the Society by
Instructors, Examiners, Committee Members and other volunteers.
The Commonwealth Honour Awards include Certificates of Thanks,
Recognition Badges, Service Cross, and Life Memberships. Any
recommendations for Honour Awards
should be forwarded to the Branch Office prior to December
1st.
LIFESAVING SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIPS
The Lifesaving Society Nova Scotia Branch has established two
scholarships to be awarded to Lifesaving Society award holders to
assist with the cost of post-secondary education.
CERTIFICATION & RECERTIFICATION
The Society certifies successful candidates as having attained a
specific level of competence at the time of the examination. The
competencies are defined in the Societys Award Guides and the
examination or certification date appears on candidates
certification cards.
Instructor certifications and Examiner / Trainer appointments:
The Lifesaving Society requires candidates for its leadership
awards (i.e., instructors, examiners, trainers) to hold current
prerequisite awards; and current is defined as within 2 years of
the most recent date of certification. See Section 9 Leadership
Training.
In addition, the Society requires its instructors to remain
current by recertifying their teaching or examining credentials.
For information on how to use the credit system to recertify, see
Leadership Recertification in Section 9.
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CERTIFICATION REVIEW POLICY
Under the Lifesaving Societys certification review policy, a
certification review committee conducts confidential investigations
of serious complaints and recommends appropriate action which may
include suspension, revocation of appointment or decertification.
The policy applies to holders of Lifesaving Society leadership
appointments including instructors, examiners and trainers who
deliver the Societys program to others. The policy may apply to
other award-holders including lifeguards who fail to maintain or
reflect the Societys standards.
VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT
The Lifesaving Societys reputation in aquatic safety and its
status as a charitable organization impose high expectations of
professional and ethical behaviour.
The Societys reputation depends on the integrity of its
volunteers and staff. Volunteers carry a high burden of trust. The
way in which that trust is discharged determines to a great extent
the Societys success and the place of pride it enjoys in the
aquatic community and in society at large.
GUIDELINES FOR ETHICAL STANDARDS OF CONDUCT This code is to be a
guide for staff, lifeguards, instructors,
lifesavers, volunteers, and all others who work, volunteer or
represent the Lifesaving Society - Nova Scotia Branch. As such,
this code is a general statement of the rules and regulations to be
followed and referred to as needed. By conforming to these rules
and regulations the members of the Society will maintain and
promote the excellent reputation of the Lifesaving Society and be
able to best fulfill their roles within the organization and
support it in the various work that it does.
All staff, volunteers, and members of the Society are expected
to: Uphold the Mission, Vision Statements and Values of the
Lifesaving Society.
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WWW.LIFESAVINGSOCIETY.NS.CA PROGRAM GUIDE 2014 EDITION - 11
Protect the interests of the Society and to avoid allowing
themselves or the Society to be placed in a conflict of
interest.
Support and act on the inclusion policy statement of the Nova
Scotia Branch.
Adhere to award and program policy and procedural standards as
outlined in the award guides, standard updates and policy and
procedures manuals.
Maintain a professional attitude towards the Societys programs,
volunteers, staff, affiliates and general public. This is generally
defined as:
o (1) all persons acting for the Society should be supportive of
the Society and all other organizations and persons working for or
with the organization.
o (2) use appropriate language o (3) demonstrating safe and
acceptable behaviour for
the environment they are in. o Ensure the safety of the
participants in programs or
persons under their care. Maintain the performance standards of
the current awards
they hold. Maintain a current level of awareness about the
Society and
its various programs and activities.
Treat all persons equally and with respect.
ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY
The Lifesaving Society is committed to providing an environment
free of harassment. All individuals should be treated with respect
and dignity. Each person has the right to participate and work in
an amicable environment free of harassment.
All persons are encouraged to make it known that behaviour
contrary to this policy is unwelcome and offensive and to attempt
to ameliorate the situation directly.
If necessary, steps may be taken under this policy. Individuals
are reminded that they continue to have the right to seek redress
from the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission and under the Criminal
Code of Canada.
The Societys anti-harassment policy applies to Honorary Members,
Active Members, Award Members, and staff of the Lifesaving Society
when ostensibly acting in that capacity.
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Definitions
Harassment is defined as engaging in a course of vexatious
comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known
unwelcome. A complainant is a person who alleges that harassment
has occurred. A respondent is a person against whom the
complainants allegation is directed.
Complaint procedure
If unable to resolve the situation directly with the respondent,
a complainant may report the alleged harassment to the Nova Scotia
Executive Director or, failing the Executive Director, the Nova
Scotia President. The Executive Director (or the Nova Scotia Branch
President) shall ensure that an investigation into the
circumstances of the allegations is conducted and appropriate
disciplinary measures are taken if warranted.
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Section 2
WATER SMART PUBLIC EDUCATION The leaders of the Lifesaving
Society in communities throughout Canada programmers, lifeguards
and instructors are uniquely qualified to take an active role in
reaching directly to the public, making their communities safer and
Water Smart.
THE DROWNING PROBLEM
& PUBLIC EDUCATION
The Lifesaving Society has been collecting data and reporting on
water-related deaths since 1988. This data identifies who is
drowning and which age group is at most risk, what activities they
are engaged in, where they are drowning and any factors that may
have contributed to their death, such as not wearing a lifejacket
or consuming alcohol. The Society uses this data to guide the
strategic direction for our annual Water Smart campaign.
Changing behaviour
Water Smart is a public education campaign with the overall
mission of making all Canadians water smart. The campaign delivers
personal lifesaving education messages intended to modify high-risk
behaviour and increase Canadians awareness of the responsibilities
that individuals assume for themselves when recreating in, on or
near water or ice.
Water Smart educators need to work on changing behaviour, which
is different than creating awareness or providing information. We
will be successful in reducing drowning and injury if more people
change the way that they approach high-risk situations and act more
responsibly.
Priority target groups
The Societys drowning research points to high-risk groups and
behaviours, and our current Water Smart efforts focus on 2 such
groups:
Parents of children 2-4 years of age
Male adults 18-49 years of age
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THE WATER SMART
CAMPAIGN
The annual Water Smart campaign is comprised of messages
directed to the public with a goal of changing behaviour. The
distribution of these messages changes each year and is based on
identifying the most effective and affordable ways to reach the
public. Media used to distribute the key behavioural change
messages include: outdoor media, transit advertising, radio
commercials and PSAs, television commercials, PSAs or editorial
features in targeted programs, posters, brochures and videos.
A key factor in the success of the annual Water Smart campaign
is the support from community educators to extend the Water Smart
messages at the community level. This is clearly visible when
Lifesaving Society affiliates develop and run events at the
community level and distribute key Water Smart campaign materials
to the target groups.
Water Smart messages
Communication messages are developed specifically for each
target group with an intended goal of changing behaviour.
Materials, which incorporate these messages, vary based on the
appropriateness of the medium for the target group and the
affordability of producing the item.
Examples of some of these items are listed below. However the
materials vary from year to year. These items are available to
affiliate members at a nominal charge.
The Water Smart Action Guide lists all the materials available
to affiliates. To get your copy, contact the Societys office.
Message for Parents of Children 2 to 4 Years of Age
If youre not within arms reach of your children when they are
around water, youve gone too far.
Materials: Within Arms Reach video/DVD, brochure and poster.
Backyard Pool Safety Guidelines.
Message for Men 18-49 Years of Age
Choose It. Use It. Lifejackets have come a long way.
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Materials: Finally a Wicked High Tech Way to Laugh in the Devils
Face and Finally a Practical Alluring Way to Avoid Biting the Big
One posters.
The Rules Have Changed. Prepare to Get Carded.
Materials: Rules Have Changed brochure; Get it Right decal.
Dont Drink and Drive Your Boat. Think About It.
Materials: Poster.
Check the Ice Before You Go On It
Materials: Ice Thickness wallet card, poster, camera-ready
art.
Cold Water is deadlier than you think
Materials: poster
BUDDY THE
LIFEGUARD DOG
The official mascot of the Lifesaving Society, Buddy the
Lifeguard Dog figures prominently in numerous Water Smart
activities.
Buddy the Lifeguard Dog is a big, black, furry Newfoundlander
mascot. Buddy wears a lifeguard uniform complete with a whistle and
National Lifeguard dog tag.
Buddy stuff. There are a number of ways to promote Buddy and his
Always Swim with a Buddy message. These include T-shirts, tattoos,
stickers, posters and bookmarks.
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TAKING ACTION
HOW YOU CAN HELP!
There are many opportunities to deliver Water Smart messages in
your community. Staging an event or activity is not complicated and
can be a lot of fun!
The thinking part of determining what the message should be has
been done for you. Your initial step is to determine your target
group. Then find the key messages materials from the Water Smart
campaign that are appropriate for that group.
For example, if the target group is men 18-49 years and the
focus is boating, then your key message could be: The Rules Have
Changed. Prepare to Get Carded. You can use the Water Smart
campaign resources, such as posters, brochures and decals to help
convey your message.
If the target group is parents and caregivers of toddlers, then
the key message is: If you are not within arms reach, you have gone
too far. You can use the Within Arms Reach brochure, poster and
video as part of your event.
Once you have decided who your target group is and have some of
the materials on hand to distribute to the public, your next step
is to determine what event or activity you should stage to get the
attention of the public.
Water Smart events
There are many options for events or activities for your own
local event. You can be as creative as you wish and dream up your
own event or you can use the resources and experience of the
Lifesaving Society and use the Event-In-A-Box (see below).
If you prefer to do your own event, there are many things that
you can do. The first step is to go back to the target group that
you want to reach and then think of an activity or theme that would
draw them to the event. Some possibilities are:
National Drowning Prevention Week: National Drowning Prevention
Week is a major Water Smart event. Its purpose is to build a ground
swell of community and media support for the drowning prevention
cause. It also provides a focus around which you can plan news
releases, do media
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interviews and deliver public demonstrations and other
events.
The fourth Saturday in July is designated as Drowning Prevention
Day. However, if this date does not suit your communitys needs,
declare another date. For example, northern communities with a
shorter season might find their lakes and rivers most crowded in
July and therefore want Drowning Prevention Day to be at the launch
of the season. It is important that you pick the most relevant day
for your community.
Many successful community events are launched with a Mayors
Proclamation of Drowning Prevention Day.
Backyard Pool Clinic
Target Group: Backyard pool owners who have toddlers or
frequently have guests who are of toddler age.
Materials: Within Arms Reach brochure, poster and video.
Event: Clinic for pool owners held in May before the season
starts (pre-register or drop-in).
Lifejacket Checkout
Target Group: Male boaters and fishermen.
Materials: Choose It. Use It. posters, The Rules have Changed
brochure, Get it Right decal and Saved by the Jacket book/video
package as well as an assortment of lifejackets in a variety of
colours including inflatables.
Event: Create and promote an opportunity to test lifejackets and
PFDs. Reinforce the importance of wearing lifejackets by having
people try to put one on in the water. Show the video or have it
playing next to an exhibit.
Contests, quizzes and tournaments
Target Group: Parents of toddlers or children 6-12 years.
Materials: Colouring contest, create a bookmark contest kit,
reaching aids, lifejackets.
Event: Contests with prizes, prevention and rescue clinics and
sizing of lifejackets for different age groups etc.
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Boating Safety Booth at a Local Fishing Derby
Target Group: Fishermen
Materials: Choose It. Use It. posters, The Rules have Changed
brochure, Get it Right decal, Saved by the Jacket book / video
package and assorted lifejackets.
Event: Reach these elusive high-risk men by setting up a display
of PFDs that they may not be aware of such as inflatables and PFDs
in unconventional colours.
Event-in-a-Box
The Event-in-a-Box is just what it sounds like a big plastic box
full of materials to make it fun and easy for a community to
organize a community fundraising event. Some of the contents of the
box include:
how-to guide with step-by-step instructions
banners and balloons
a disposable camera to capture the magic moments of the
event
thank-you goodies for participants
media releases to promote the event
Event-in-a-Box is a great choice, and its available at no
charge! It does all the thinking for you and provides all the
how-to information of organizing an event. The hard work has been
done: you just follow the step-by-step list and you have an
event.
Event-in-a-Box provides a fundraising opportunity for you to
incorporate into your event. This is very important as all of the
funds to finance the annual Water Smart campaign come from
donations. Many of the communities that have used Event-in-a-Box
have had phenomenal success in raising funds for Water Smart from
slide-a-thons and tread-a-thons. These events are also a terrific
way for staff and volunteers to have a great time together!
Contact the Lifesaving Society office for more information on
Event-In-A-Box.
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10 EASY WATER SMART IDEAS
1. Put a Water Smart display in your local library for Drowning
Prevention Day.
2. Have your Mayor proclaim Drowning Prevention Day.
3. Put a Water Smart booth in your local summer fair, festival,
Boat show, Sport show, etc. Find a sponsor to share a booth so you
don't incur costs.
4. Contact your local Welcome Wagon representative and put one
piece of Water Smart info in their Welcome or Baby bags.
5. Go to local fishing derbies and provide each participant with
an ice card.
6. Post a Water Smart poster related to wearing PFDs, drinking
and boating etc. in your local bait shop, boat dealership, NSLC,
Canadian Tire, etc. wherever fisherman shop before heading out in
their boats.
7. Give a Within Arms Reach video order form to your local
backyard pool supply company, library, health unit, fire
department, police service, daycare, nursery school. Lend your copy
for them to preview so they can place an order for their own
video.
8. Provide your local school with water smart games. Provide the
School Board with an order form to order the games for all of their
schools.
9. Show the Within Arms Reach video to your local mothers group
or moms and tots play group.
10. Provide a Water Smart session on PFDs, backyard pool safety
or ice safety sponsored by local company health and safety
departments.
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Section 3 Canadian Swim to Survive Standard
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Section 3
Swim to Survive In pursuit of its mission to eliminate drowning
and water-related injury in
Canada, the Lifesaving Society articulates and promotes its
official
positions on issues to improve aquatic safety across the
country. In
Canadas water-rich environment, minimum swimming ability is a
required
life skill for survival.
LIFESAVING SOCIETY
POSITION
Acquisition of basic swimming ability is a fundamental
requirement in any meaningful attempt to eliminate drowning in
Canada.
All Canadian children deserve the chance to learn basic swimming
skills.
The acquisition of basic swim survival skills by Canadian
children is worthy of public and government support.
Affordable training should be available for all children to the
level of the Canadian Swim to Survive Standard.
SWIM TO SURVIVE
STANDARD
The Canadian Swim to Survive standard is a minimum national
standard of swimming skill for all children.
The standard is simple, straightforward and focused. It defines
the essential minimum skills required to survive an unexpected fall
into deep water. It is recognized that there is a wide range of
aquatic training well beyond this minimum.
Essential skill Task
Orient oneself at the surface after an unexpected entry. Roll
into deep water.
Support oneself at the surface. Tread water for 1 minute.
Swim to safety. Swim 50 metres.
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Rationale
High participation in swimming as a recreational activity: Among
school-aged children between 5 and 12 years of age, swimming is the
second most popular activity in Canada after bicycling.
Among those over 18 years of age, swimming is the third most
popular activity (after walking and gardening/yard work). Source:
1998 Physical Activity Monitor, Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle
Research Institute.
Drowning is a leading cause of death: Drowning is the third
leading cause of accidental death in Canada for people 60 years of
age and under.
Drowning is second only to automobile injuries as the leading
cause of accidental death among children under five, according to a
recent study by the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
Kids aged five to nine are the second most-at-risk group for
drowning or near-drowning in Canada.
Year after year, the majority of people who drown have no
intention of going into the water. Immersion is sudden and
unexpected.
Need for instruction: Swim skills need to be taught. Swim skills
are not innate: they are acquired. Swim skills are very difficult
to self-teach.
Swimming instruction for children needs to be provided at a
community level.
SWIM TO SURVIVE
PROGRAM
The Swim to Survive program is an organized way to achieve the
Canadian Swim to Survive standard. It can be offered as a
stand-alone program or as part of the Lifesaving Societys Swim for
Life Program continuum. The program is ideal for groups from
schools, camps, Girl Guides and Boy Scouts and others that need a
focused program for participants who have limited time and diverse
abilities. The program might be used in the following ways:
For detailed information on drownings and water-related
injuries, consult the Lifesaving Societys Drowning Report available
online at www.lifesavingsociety.ns.ca
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Skill screening:
Test individuals as a safety activity for school and youth group
trips to waterfronts or to qualify for aquatic training such as
canoe or kayak courses, canoe trips.
Use the Swim to Survive standard as the basic swim test for
aquatic facility owners/operators in determining admission of
unaccompanied young children.
For groups with minimal swimming skills: teach them to achieve
the Swim to Survive standard independent of other traditional
swimming skills.
Non-swimmers: ideal for learners or groups with limited time to
accomplish a critical set of personal self-rescue skills (e.g.,
school groups). The use of personal flotation devices can be used
to teach non-swimmers to accomplish the skills and standard in the
shortest time possible without using traditional stokes or beginner
progressions.
Evaluating the Swim to Survive Standard
The program focuses on achieving a single skill sequence:
Roll into deep water tread 1 minute swim 50 metres
Any method that allows the learner to achieve the standard is
acceptable. There is no single, right solution. A key component of
the teaching strategy is a problem-solving approach to help the
learner find an effective solution.
Purpose (of the skill sequence)
To develop the minimum skills required to survive an unexpected
fall into deep water.
Must See (Evaluation Criteria)
All 3 skills completed as a continuous sequence in the following
order:
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Entry
Rolling entry from the front or back or sideways into deep
water
Tread water
Ability to breathe while supporting self at surface (any method
of support)
Time requirement met or bettered
Swim 50 metres
Minimum distance completed (without use of aids, standing on the
bottom or stopping to hold onto wall or other support)
Any method of swim movement is acceptable on front, or back or
side or in any combination.
Notes
Roll entries must be performed in a minimum water depth of
2.75m
Swim to Survive evaluation criteria do not attempt to describe
the ideal appearance of the skills in the sequence. Any method that
gets the head out of the water and supports the mouth above the
surface while treading, and some form of forward progress for the
required distance is acceptable. Swimmers may pause and tread water
during the swim.
Evaluation & certification: Current Lifesaving Instructors,
Swim for Life Instructors and National Lifeguards evaluate all
items.
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Section 4
THE SWIM FOR LIFE PROGRAM Teaching Canadians to swim is
fundamental in any meaningful drowning prevention strategy. Every
Canadian needs to know how to swim.
Affiliate Members always influential in the development of
Lifesaving Society products and services were especially so with
the Swim for Life Program. In 2002, Affiliates asked us to develop
a low-cost, hassle-free, and flexible learn-to-swim continuum that
focused on basic swimming skills and strokes and that lead
seamlessly into the Canadian Swim Patrol Program.
FEATURES & BENEFITS
Never too young to learn. Never too old to start: The Societys
Swim for Life Program is a complete learn-to-swim program from
Parent & Tot through to Leadership. The program is easy to
program and easy to explain, and leads seamlessly into the Societys
lifesaving training awards.
Focus on learning to swim: Program content is stroke and skill
driven: entries and exits; surface support; underwater skills; swim
to survive skills; and movement/swimming skills. This fun program
with achievable content is enjoyable for both the participant and
the instructor.
Easy administration: One fee; no stats; staff and volunteer
support during implementation and running of the Swim for Life
program; one-stop shopping for affiliates, instructors, candidates,
and parents.
Flexible delivery: Choose Swim for Life Program modules based on
your affiliate needs. Choose candidate recognition pieces (e.g.,
certificates, badges, seals) that are most appropriate for your
clientele.
Customization: Well add your logo to candidate certificates and
progress reports.
Sponsorship opportunity: If you secure local sponsorship for the
Swim for Life Program, you can put sponsor logos or credits on Swim
for Life Program progress reports and candidate recognition
certificates.
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Strong leadership training: Streamlined process for training to
reduce barriers in employment. Award guides, core plans, lesson
plans and other resources enable instructors to teach effectively
on the deck and ensure consistency in standards. Swim for Life
Instructors recertify through our professional development credit
card system.
Water Smart education: Not only is Water Smart education
imbedded in the skills of the Swim for Life Program, but we provide
Water Smart education materials electronically so you can deliver
drowning prevention messages in a variety of formats. This means
you can reach the whole family, and deliver appropriate information
when its most relevant according to the time of the year and
candidate experiences. The Lifesaving Society Swim for Life Program
is endorsed by the International Life Saving Federation. The
Lifesaving Society represents Canada in the ILSF and the
Commonwealth-wide Royal Life Saving Society.
SWIM FOR LIFE PROGRAM MODULES
The five modules in the Swim for Life Program are:
PARENT & TOT 1, 2, 3 for parents and children up to 3 years
of age
PRESCHOOL 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 for children 35years
SWIMMER 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 for children 5 years and older
ADULT SWIMMER 1, 2, 3 for people over 16 years
FITNESS SWIMMER for swimmers of any age
Weve designed the modules so they flow together seamlessly. You
can program them independently or (see flow chart on following
page) program them so they flow logically into each other and on
into the basic lifesaving awards: Rookie, Ranger and Star
Patrol.
In each level, content is organized as follows:
Entries and exits Survival skills
Surface support Movement/swimming skills
Underwater skills
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PROGRAMMING FLOW CHART National Lifeguard Swim for Life
Instructor
Standard First Aid
Assistant Swim for Life Instructor
Bronze Cross
Emergency First Aid
Bronze Medallion
Bronze Star
Star Patrol
Ranger Patrol
Junior Lifeguard Club Rookie Patrol
Swimmer 6
Adult 3
Swimmer 5
Swimmer 4
Adult 2
Swimmer 3
Swimmer 2
Adult 1 Preschool 5
Swimmer 1
Preschool 4
Preschool 3
Preschool 2
Preschool 1
Parent & Tot 1, 2, 3
Lifesaving Instructor
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TRANSITION TEAMWORK
When youre ready to implement the Lifesaving Society Swim for
Life Program, our team of experts will be delighted to help you
make the transition as easy as possible. Well help you with a
step-by-step plan that covers:
Programming options
Staff update clinics
Transition time lining
Support materials for instructors, administrators and
parents
LICENSED AFFILIATES
To offer the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life Program, you must
first become a Lifesaving Society affiliate. Affiliates obtain a
Swim for Life Program license to offer the program.
With no per-participant charges, Affiliate Members save
substantially with the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life Program.
Our single annual licensing fee covers unlimited numbers of
participants, and provides:
Seamless Swim for Life Program.
Electronic worksheets, progress reports, and candidate
recognition certificates. Print as you need.
Electronic Swim for Life Program blurbs for affiliate
brochures.
Electronic Water Smart drowning prevention learning resources
updated regularly.
Lifesaving Society office and volunteer support before, during
and after implementation of the Swim for Life Program in your
organization.
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Swim for Life Program Licensed Affiliates who wish to do so may
purchase cloth badges and/or seals as optional candidate
recognition items as follows:
Module Badges Seals (Stickers)
Parent & Tot none yes
Preschool yes yes
Swimmer yes yes
Licensed Affiliates may also purchase pre-printed full-colour
candidate recognition certificates and candidate progress
reports.
License fees: The Lifesaving Society is happy to discuss with
its Affiliate Members which option is the most economical for them,
including multi-year license agreements.
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Section 5
LIFESAVING & LIFEGUARD PROGRAMS Annually, the majority of
Canadians participate in some form of aquatic
activity. Unfortunately, in pursuit of enjoyment in, on or near
the water,
drowning and aquatic accidents claim the lives of over 400
Canadians
every year. This makes drowning and water-related fatalities the
third
leading cause of accidental death in the country of those under
60 years
of age.
LIFESAVING TRAINING
The Societys lifesaving training programs are national in scope
and awards are transferable anywhere in the country. They consist
of award progressions for a variety of age groups and
abilities.
Section 7 details the Lifesaving Societys Junior Lifeguard Club
(JLC) program that offers serious fun for kids 8 years and up who
can swim at least 50m and tread water for 1 minute. The Jr.
Lifeguard Club provides an action-packed challenge for kids who
love the water but who want more than lessons. The Jr. Lifeguard
Club is for quick learners, those between levels or programs who
thrive in an energetic learning environment.
CANADIAN SWIM PATROL
The Canadian Swim Patrol program is the on-ramp to lifeguarding
for 8-12-year-olds who are ready to go beyond swim lessons.
Swim Patrol has 3 levels Rookie, Ranger & Star. Content is
organized in 3 groups Water Proficiency, First Aid, and Rescue.
Swim Patrol develops swimming strength and efficiency with emphasis
on Water Smart behaviour. Skill drills enhance capability in the
water, good physical conditioning and lifesaving judgment.
Participants can work on content appropriate to their ability, no
matter what level they are enrolled in.
Student Instructor Ratios: For Swim Patrol, Bronze and
Distinction courses there is a recommended maximum of 12 students
per 1 instructor.
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Rookie Patrol (8-10 hr.): features a timed 100m swim, 350m
workouts and swims with clothes. A work-hard play-hard approach
develops swimming strength and efficiency with emphasis on personal
responsibility for Water Smart behaviour.
Prerequisite: Ability to swim
Evaluation & certification: Current Lifesaving Instructors
evaluate all items and certify candidates.
Candidate recognition: Personal Wall Chart, Recognition Seals,
Award crest.
Ranger Patrol (8-10 hr.): features a timed 200m swim, 100m
fitness medley and support/ carrying a 5-lb. weight. Content is
challenging but achievable with effort. Skill drills enhance
capability in the water including a non-contact rescue.
Prerequisite: Ability to Swim
Evaluation & certification: Current Lifesaving Instructors
evaluate all items and certify candidates.
Candidate recognition: Personal Wall Chart, Recognition Seals,
Award crest.
Star Patrol (8-10 hr.): features a timed 300m swim, 3 x 600m
workouts; swim with clothes; defense methods; support & carry
10-lb weight. Scene assessment and a towing rescue are
introduced.
Prerequisite: Ability to Swim
Evaluation & certification: Current Lifesaving Instructors
evaluate all items and certify candidates.
Candidate recognition: Personal Wall Chart, Recognition Seals,
Award crest.
BRONZE MEDAL AWARDS
Bronze Star (10-12 hr.): excellent preparation for success in
Bronze Medallion. Participants develop problem-solving and
decision-making skills individually and in partners. Candidates
learn CPR and develop the lifesaving skills needed to be their own
lifeguard. Includes a timed 400m swim.
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Prerequisite: None (Swim Patrol experience recommended.)
Evaluation & certification: Current Lifesaving Instructors
evaluate all items and certify candidates.
Candidate recognition: Bronze Star medal, Bronze Star Award
crest, certification card.
Bronze Medallion (18-20 hr.): teaches an understanding of the
lifesaving principles embodied in the four components of
water-rescue education judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness.
Rescuers learn tows and carries, and defence methods and releases
in preparation for challenging rescues of increased risk involving
conscious and unconscious victims of various types. Lifesavers
develop stroke efficiency and endurance in a 500m timed swim.
Prerequisite: Minimum 13 years of age or Bronze Star
certification (need not be current).
Evaluation: Current Lifesaving Instructors evaluate most items,
but only Bronze Examiners may certify candidates.
Candidate recognition: Bronze Medallion medal, Bronze Medallion
Award crest, certification card.
Required reference material: Canadian Lifesaving Manual
Bronze Cross (18-20 hr.): designed for lifesavers who want the
challenge of more advanced training including an introduction to
safe supervision in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross is a
prerequisite for all advanced training programs including National
Lifeguard and Instructor certification. Includes a timed 600m
swim.
Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion (need not be current).
Evaluation & certification: Current Lifesaving Instructors
evaluate most items, but only Bronze Examiners may certify
candidates.
Candidate recognition: Bronze Cross medal, Bronze Cross Award
crest, certification card.
Required reference material: Canadian Lifesaving Manual
Student Instructor Ratios: For Swim Patrol, Bronze and
Distinction courses there is a recommended maximum of 12 students
per 1 instructor.
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ADVANCED LIFESAVING
Distinction (20-25 hr.): encourages a maturity of response to
demanding aquatic emergency situations and is designed to develop
advanced water rescue skill and knowledge, and an understanding of
the principles of fitness training. Distinction challenges include
implications of assuming responsibility in an emergency, how to
deal with two victims at once, and rescue of a non-breathing
spinal-injured victim. Inherent in the name of the award,
lifesavers must perform every item with distinction.
Prerequisite: Bronze Cross certification (need not be
current).
Evaluation & certification: Current Lifesaving Instructors
evaluate some items, but only Distinction Examiners may certify
candidates.
Candidate recognition: Distinction medal, Distinction Award
crest, certification card.
Required reference material: Canadian Lifesaving Manual
Diploma (20-25 hr.): the highest award of the Society, Diploma
is designed for those seeking a challenging opportunity to
demonstrate exceptional lifesaving ability and leadership. Diploma
Award encourages excellence in practical ability and theoretical
knowledge either by the development of superior aquatic skills
(Part A1) or through the completion of a major project or
assignment (Part A2).
Prerequisite: Distinction or National Lifeguard or Lifesaving
Instructor certification (need not be current).
Evaluation & certification: Diploma Examiners evaluate all
items and certify Diploma candidates.
Candidate recognition: Diploma Award crest, certificate, and
certification card.
Required reference material: Canadian Lifesaving Manual
SPECIALIZED LIFESAVING
Water Rescue for First Responders (10 hr.): is a course designed
to teach the First Responder (police/fire/paramedic) to handle
aquatic emergencies. Classroom and water sessions
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concentrate on teaching the basics of water rescue including
contact rescue and spinals. This award does not have an expiry
date.
Prerequisite: Ability to swim 100 meters, jump into deep water,
tread water for two minutes
Evaluation & certification: Lifesaving Instructors evaluate
all items and certify candidates.
Candidate recognition: Certification card.
Required reference material: Water Rescue for First Responders
Manual
Boat Rescue (6-8 hr.): provides lifesaving knowledge and rescue
ability for those engaged in small craft activities. Boat Rescue is
designed for those who are already skilled in handling their craft.
Training emphasizes self-rescue techniques, recognition of
emergencies, factors in rescue craft performance and proper
emergency response procedures. Since boat rescue techniques vary
considerably with the type of craft and the wind and weather
conditions, the requirements of the award specify the type of
victim, rather than the method of rescue.
Prerequisite: Swim to Survive Standard and basic craft-handling
ability is required.
Evaluation & certification: The Boat Rescue Instructor
evaluates all items (in open water conditions) and certifies
candidates.
Candidate recognition: Boat Rescue Award crest, certification
card. Boat Rescue certification is considered current for a
two-year period.
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34 - PROGRAM GUIDE 2014 EDITION WWW.LIFESAVINGSOCIETY.NS.CA
LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATIONS
National Lifeguard (40 hr.): The National Lifeguard
certification builds on the fundamental skills, knowledge and
values of the Lifesaving Society to develop the practical skills
and knowledge required by lifeguards.
National Lifeguard is the industry-accepted standard for
lifeguards in Canada. National Lifeguard is endorsed and supported
by the National Lifeguard Advisory Committee composed of lifeguard
employers, facility operators and national agencies: Canadian Parks
and Recreation Association, Physical and Health Education Canada,
YMCA and Canadian Forces. National Lifeguard is the only Canadian
lifeguard standard recognized by the International Life Saving
Federation and the Commonwealth Royal Life Saving Society.
National Lifeguard education is designed to develop a sound
understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgment and a
mature and responsible attitude toward the role of the
lifeguard.
The primary role of the National Lifeguard is the prevention of
emergency situations and where this fails, the timely and effective
resolution of emergencies. The National Lifeguard program is
designed to prepare lifeguards to fulfill this role as professional
facilitators of safe, enjoyable aquatics.
The National Lifeguard course cannot in theory or practice
prepare candidates for every situation which might be encountered
by National Lifeguards working in Canadian aquatic environments and
facilities. National Lifeguard training is designed to develop the
basic lifeguarding skills, principles and decision-making processes
which will assist the lifeguard to evaluate and adapt to different
aquatic facilities and emergencies.
Options: National Lifeguard certification is available in four
options Pool, Waterpark, Waterfront and Surf.
Prerequisite: Minimum 16 years of age, Bronze Cross
certification, and Standard First Aid certification from an
approved agency (Standard First Aid usually offered concurrently
with NLS courses in NS). Prerequisites need not be current.
Standard First Aid is a
prerequisite to NLS.
When a first aid
certification from an
agency other than the
Lifesaving Society is used
as a prerequisite for a
Lifesaving Society award,
we need to see a
photocopy of the
certification card with the
Lifesaving Society test
sheets. The Society will
not issue awards if the
proof of prerequisite is
missing. Affiliates should
notify candidates of
prerequisites in their
promotional materials and
at registration locations.
So remember, before you
submit test sheets to the
Society, check to ensure
all prerequisites are
current and copies are
attached.
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National Lifeguard Pool certification is a prerequisite to
National Lifeguard Waterpark. National Lifeguard Waterfront
certification is a prerequisite to National Lifeguard Surf.
Evaluation and certification: Current National Lifeguard
Instructors evaluate most items, but only National Lifeguard
Examiners may certify candidates. Two examiners are required for a
candidates original NLS exams in Nova Scotia, the second of which
can be the course instructor.
Candidate recognition: National Lifeguard certification
card.
Required reference material: Alert: Lifeguarding in Action.
Required equipment: standard lifeguard equipment (e.g., rescue
cans, rescue tubes, first aid supplies including barrier devices,
spineboard with head immobilizer and straps, communication
devices). In addition, for Pool option: CPR manikin, AED Trainer, 9
kg (20 lb.) brick or equivalent. For Waterfront and Surf options:
skin diving mask, snorkel, fins and rescue craft or
paddleboard.
Currency: Once an award holders certificate has expired the
award
holder shall not lifeguard. Award holders with lapsed
certificates
may attend a recertification course. The recertification course
is 8
hours.
National Lifeguard Examinations
The Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard Examination Policy
defines the minimum conditions under which National Lifeguard
examinations may occur:
1. All National Lifeguard examinations must be submitted by an
Affiliate Member of the Society.
2. Pool facilities must meet the following minimum standards: 15
m long, 5 m wide and 1.5 m deep.
3. All examinations must be conducted with the following minimum
equipment:
Spineboard (with head immobilizer and straps recommended)
20 lb. / 9 kg brick or equivalent
CPR manikin and AED Trainer
Suitable rescue aids (PFDs, lifejackets, rescue tubes /
cans)
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Sufficient barrier devices (masks and gloves)
Sufficient first aid supplies
4. The minimum number of candidates is one. However, additional
and currently certified National Lifeguards must participate during
situations as the second lifeguard. When there are three or fewer
candidates on an NLS exam, the examiner must complete a Victim
Participant List.
5. Candidates respond to emergency situations as a single
lifeguard and as both a member and leader of a lifeguard team. A
minimum of three lifeguarding situations are required.
6. The minimum number of potential victims may not be less than
six. Victims names and contact information must be recorded and
submitted with the test sheets on a Victim Participant list.
RECERTIFICATION
The National Lifeguard program defines the mandatory items which
must be evaluated on National Lifeguard recertifications (see
National Lifeguard Recertification Notes for Instructors or the
items marked with the symbol on the Revised 2012 National Lifeguard
test sheets).
To maintain a current certification, award holders recertify
within 2 years by attending a National Lifeguard recertification
course and successfully retaking the practical examination. A new
certification card is issued to successful candidates after each
successful recertification course.
Application for Certification Equivalency
Individuals with prior training may submit a completed Request
for Equivalency
form with documentation of the curriculum content of their
foreign award(s). The
Society analyzes the award competencies in terms of judgment,
knowledge,
skills and fitness to determine what training the applicant
should undertake to
acquire the appropriate Canadian certification(s).
The purpose of the application is to recognize the individuals
previous acquisition
of competencies equivalent to those in the Lifesaving Societys
training programs.
A processing fee is charged for each application.
The application is available on our website:
http://www.lifesavingsociety.ns.ca
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Section 6
FIRST AID CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS The Nova Scotia Department of
Labour and Environment recognizes the
Lifesaving Societys Standard and Emergency First Aid
programs
FIRST AID PROGRAMS
Basic First Aid: features the first aid content distributed
across the Rookie, Ranger, and Star awards in the Canadian Swim
Patrol Program.
Basic First Aid covers the basics in 34 hours* including how to
contact emergency medical services, rescue breathing, how to treat
choking and minor injuries.
Prerequisite: None.
Evaluation & certification: Current Lifesaving Instructors
and Lifesaving Society First Aid Instructors evaluate and certify
candidates.
Candidate recognition: certification card.
Emergency First Aid: Includes CPR-A or CPR-B certification.
Emergency First Aid (6.58 hours*) is for people who want a general
knowledge of first aid principles and the emergency treatment of
injuries. Skills include: victim assessment, rescue breathing, CPR,
choking, and what to do for external bleeding, heart attack, and
stroke.
Prerequisite: None.
Evaluation & certification: Current First Aid Instructors
evaluate and certify candidates.
Candidate recognition: certification card.
Required reference material: Canadian First Aid Manual or
Canadian Lifesaving Manual
Recertification: Emergency First Aid recertification is the same
course.
* Recommended
instructional times
do not include
refreshment breaks
and are based on a
class of 12-16
candidates.
The actual
instructional time
needed will vary with
the number and
maturity of the
candidates, their
prior knowledge,
training and
experience.
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Standard First Aid: Includes CPR-C/AED certification. Standard
First Aid (1316 hours*) provides comprehensive training covering
all aspects of first aid and CPR/AED. Standard First Aid
incorporates all of Emergency First Aid and is designed for those
who require a more in-depth understanding of first aid including:
legal implications of first aid treatment, spinal injuries, heat or
cold injuries, bone and joint injuries, abdominal and chest
injuries, burns, and medical emergencies.
Prerequisite: None.
Evaluation & certification: Current First Aid Instructors
evaluate and certify candidates.
Candidate recognition: certification card.
Required reference material: Canadian First Aid Manual or
Canadian Lifesaving Manual
Recertification: Standard First Aid recertification is 6.58
hr.
CPR: Several levels of CPR training are designed to meet the
needs of both the public and professional rescuers like
lifeguards:
CPR-A/AED (min. 3 hr.) teaches how to do adult CPR/AED and
choking procedures.
CPR-B/AED (4 hr.) teaches parents, grandparents, babysitters, or
childcare workers the CPR/AED and choking procedures for adults,
children and infants. CPR-B certification is included in Emergency
First Aid.
CPR-C/AED (4 hr.) covers all aspects of CPR/AED skills and
theory for adults, children, and infants. CPR-C certification is
included in Standard First Aid. Two person CPR is included.
Health Care Provider (HCP) (6 hr.) covers all of the HCP skills
including BVM, AED, and AR
Prerequisite: None.
Evaluation & certification: Current First Aid Instructors
with a current certification in HCP evaluate and certify
candidates.
Candidate recognition: certification card.
Required reference material: Canadian First Aid Manual
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Automated External Defibrillation (4 hrs.): Automated External
Defibrillation (AED) builds on the skills learned in CPR and first
aid courses. AED provides knowledge of how the heart works and what
goes wrong when defibrillation is required.
Participants learn when and how to operate an automated external
defibrillator.
Prerequisite: CPR-A or higher certification.
Evaluation & certification: Current First Aid Instructors
with a current AED certification evaluate and certify
candidates.
Candidate recognition: certification card.
Required reference material: Canadian First Aid Manual
Oxygen Administration (4 hr.): Oxygen Administration
certification provides specific knowledge and training in the use
of oxygen, suction devices, oral airways and mask/bag-valve-mask
(BVM).
Prerequisite: Current Standard First Aid.
Evaluation & certification: Current First Aid Instructors
with a current certification in O2 evaluate and certify
candidates.
Candidate recognition: certification card.
Required reference material: Canadian First Aid Manual
Programming options: The first aid awards can be offered
separately or together with existing lifesaving courses, e.g.,
Emergency First Aid with Bronze Medallion or Bronze Cross, AED with
Oxygen Administration.
Combining first aid and lifesaving awards that share identical
test items allows candidates to earn both certifications at the
same time.
Suggested course combinations and time required to teach content
items are (continued on following page):
First Aid Awards combined with Lifesaving Awards
Additional Instructional Hrs.
Basic First Aid + Bronze Star 2 hr. added to Bronze Star
Emergency First Aid + Bronze Medallion 4 hr. added to Bronze
Medallion
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40 - PROGRAM GUIDE 2014 EDITION WWW.LIFESAVINGSOCIETY.NS.CA
Emergency First Aid + Bronze Cross 4 hr. added to Bronze
Cross
Standard First Aid + Bronze Cross 8 hr. added to Bronze
Cross
Standard First Aid + NLS 8 hr. added to NLS
AED + Standard First Aid 10-12 hr. added to NLS
FIRST AID AND CPR PROGRAM RESOURCES
The Canadian First Aid Manual provides candidates with all the
information they need for any of our first aid certification
courses. The Societys CPR, Oxygen Administration, and AED tri-fold
manuals provide candidates with the content for these programs. The
Societys First Aid Award Guide provides instructors and examiners
with the information they need to teach and evaluate the first aid
program awards. We also have a bilingual First Aid pocket manual
available.
Test sheets: Test sheets are available for each of the first aid
award programs. Tests sheets are available from the Societys office
or you can view and download them from our Web site:
www.lifesavingsociety.ns.ca. All test sheets must be sent to the
office for processing.
The Lifesaving Society provides promotional materials including
posters, award blurbs, and ca