Programs

Canadian Swim Patrol The Lifesaving Society’s 3 level Canadian Swim Patrol program is for swimmers who are ready to go beyond learn-to-swim. The programs focus on developing strength and proficiency while introducing swimmers to the challenging world of lifesaving. Swimmers will have fun enhancing their capability in the water, increasing their physical conditioning, and learning lifesaving judgment. Each level will continue to develop swimmers’ strokes and provide a skill foundation that will prepare them for success in the Society’s Bronze Medal Awards. Each level of the Canadian Swim Patrol program has three modules: Water Proficiency, First Aid, and Recognition and Rescue.
ROOKIE PATROL Rookie Patrol lays the foundation of the Swim Patrol program. It includes 4 main components: stroke refinement, fitness, first aid, and lifesaving. Stroke refinement is focused on front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke. Fitness components include a 350 m workout and 100 m timed swim. Swimmers will learn about assessing conscious victims, contacting EMS, and treatment for bleeding. Rookie Patrol is rounded off with an introduction to lifesaving skills, including selfrescue techniques, victim recognition, and using throwing assists
RANGER PATROL Stroke refinement and underwater proficiency continues to be a focus in Ranger Patrol as it is critical for supporting swimmer fitness. Swimmers can expect their fitness levels to increase as they work towards a 200 m timed swim. First aid at the Ranger Patrol level includes assessment of unconscious victims, treating for shock, and procedures for obstructed airways. Lifesaving skills are expanded to include object support and non-contact rescues with a buoyant aid.
STAR PATROL Star Patrol will prepare swimmers for the Bronze Star Award. Strokes will continue to be refined through completion of 100 m swims. It demands good physical conditioning as swimmers will be challenged with a 600 m workout, 300 m timed swim, and a 25 m object carry. First aid at this level focuses on treatment of bone and joint injuries, and respiratory emergencies like asthma and allergic reactions. Lifesaving skills include in water defense methods, rolling over and supporting victims in shallow water, and removing victims from shallow water. Swimmers that complete Star Patrol will be well on their way to becoming bona fide Lifesavers.