The Lifesaving Society has a series of programs created to help young teens learn water rescue techniques as well as first aid, progressing to lifeguard status. Your teen can begin the programs once 12 to 13 years of age, depending on their skill level. With swimming programs in place, your child can learn the essential steps to becoming a lifeguard and gain employment in the teenage years. Such skills are considered life-saving as well as a way for your child to be better prepared for their own survival as well as protecting others in the water.
The very first step in Lifesaving swim levels is the Bronze Star. This is a starter course and open to 12 year olds or teens of an older age who wish to begin their path towards becoming a lifesaver. The next step up is the Bronze Medallion course which is open to 13 year olds or 12 year old who have completed the Bronze Star course.
This course provides the student with an understanding of the lifesaving techniques involving four components: judgement, fitness, knowledge and skill. Students will learn how to tow and carry a victim as well as defense methods for when the victim is conscious and fighting back despite rescue attempts. Students also learn how to handle unconscious victims. Endurance is worked on as well as stroke efficiency.
To take their skills to the next level and work towards lifeguard status, your teen will need to enroll in the Bronze Cross class. This course provides further insight and helps your teen get closer to the goal of becoming a lifeguard. The class builds on what was learned in the Bronze Medallion program, providing a more complex curriculum of advanced lifesaving skills. One example of what is learned can be seen in the difference between a lifesaver and lifeguard as well as how to manage a deep water spinal injury.
Standard First Aid CPR C
Included in this course is the need for training involving Standard First Aid CPR C courses. This training course will cover aspects of first aid as well as CPR. Your teen will learn how to handle common injuries including spinal injury, bone and joint injury, how to handle medical emergencies and the legal implications surrounding the administering of first aid.
Your teen will be provided a CPR mask and gloves as these are personal protective equipment items that are needed for use in the course as well as during evaluations. Once these courses are completed, your teen can move on to the next stage of training.
At Zodiac Swim School, we provide access to such lifeguard training courses so your teen has the ability to enhance their water safety and rescue skills with the opportunity to become a skilled lifesaver or lifeguard in the future. Learn more about each of these courses to see how your child can benefit. Once enrolled, your teen will begin to learn life-saving techniques that they will retain throughout their lifetime with the ability to gain employment as a lifeguard in their future.