At a glance
The Canadian Swim Patrol program is the on-ramp to
lifeguarding. Ability is the only prerequisite.
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.
Rookie, Ranger, Star
Rookie Patrol (8-10 hr.): 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.
Ranger Patrol (8-10 hr.): 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.
Star Patrol (8-10 hr.): 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.
Prerequisite: None.
Evaluation & certification: Current Lifesaving
Instructors evaluate all items and certify candidates.
Candidate recognition: See below.
Candidate Recognition
Affiliates have the choice of purchasing a minimum of one of the
following items:
- Swim Patrol Kit - includes personal wall chart, recognition
seals (H2O Proficiency, First Aid, Rescue) and award
crest.
- Award Crest
- Award Seal - one sticker for each of the Swim Patrol levels
(Rookie, Ranger & Star)
Other available candidate recognition:
Swim Patrol candidate recognition required for Lifesaving
Society Swim for Life® program Licensees
differs, please see below.
Administration
Canadian Swim Patrol is a non-vocational award. Affiliates
should order their recognition pieces ahead of time for
presentation to successful candidates at the evaluation.
Obtain worksheet hard copies from the Society's office or
download PDF versions from www.lifesavingnb.ca.
Worksheets are not submitted to the Lifesaving Society.
Affiliates should keep copies for their own internal use.
Swim Licensees who choose to provide statistics to the Society,
may do so seasonally or annually.
Swim for Life Program Licensees
All Swim for Life licensed affiliates have the choice of
providing the Lifesaving Society with verifiable statistics each
year (registration reports) or purchasing a minimum of the award
seal or award crest.
The following resources are provided electronically to
licensees: worksheets, core plans, lesson plans, certificate,
progress report and ad blurbs.