Bronze Star develops swimming proficiency, lifesaving skill and personal fitness. Candidates refine their stroke mechanics, acquire self-rescue skills, and apply fitness principles in training workouts. Bronze Star is excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion and provides a fun introduction to lifesaving sport.

*Prerequisites: 10 years old & recommended to have participated in Rookie, Ranger, Star Patrol program.

Bronze Medallion challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. Candidates acquire the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on, and around the water. Bronze Medallion is a prerequisite for assistant lifeguard training in Bronze Cross.

*Prerequisites: Bronze Star (need not be current) or minimum of 13 years of age.

Bronze Cross begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as assistant lifeguards. Candidates strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills and begin to apply the principles and techniques of active surveillance in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies. Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for advanced training in the Society’s National Lifeguard and leadership certification programs.

*Prerequisites: Bronze Medallion (need not be current), 13 years old and a current Alberta workplace approved Intermediate First Aid & CPR-C

The Lifesaving Society’s National Lifeguard certification builds on the fundamental skills, knowledge, fitness, judgment, and values taught in the prerequisite Lifesaving Society lifesaving certifications. Recognized as the standard for lifeguards in Canada, National Lifeguard training develops a sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgment, and a mature and responsible attitude toward the role of the lifeguard.

Prerequisites: Bronze Cross (need not be current), current Alberta workplace approved Intermediate First Aid & CPR-C, and minimum 15 years of age at the time of the exam.

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 while teaching and evaluating. Prerequisites: Minimum 15 years old, Bronze Cross or higher (need not be current).