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.lifesavingsociety.com.
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.