• Modified Red Cross Swim Preschool Levels Starfish, Duck, Sea Turtle, Sea Otter, Salamander, Sunfish, Crocodile & Whale and school age Swim Kids Levels 1 to 4, require an adult be in the pool with the child. Typically, this is the instructor, however current protocols require Swim Instructors and Lifeguards maintain six feet of physical distance from participants except in cases of emergency.  It must be the same parent / guardian who participates or accompanies the child for all lessons and be comfortable in chest deep water.

Program Details

• When you arrive at the entrance you will be permitted in the building 15 minutes before your scheduled activity / rental. 
•  You will be checked in and asked screening questions.  Ensure you are wearing a face covering.
•  Participants or staff who are exhibiting symptoms of illness will not be permitted into the facility.
•  All swimmers should arrive showered and in their swimsuits. Participants may use the changerooms after their lesson and will have 15 minutes to exit.  Masks must be worn and physical distancing maintained. 
•  All lessons will run 30 minutes except Swim Patrol and Bronze Awards, with a 15-minute cleaning period in between zones.   
•  Each family will be met by their instructors on the pool deck.
•  Participants must exit the pool deck immediately after their lesson.  
•  The pool will be divided into zones, one lesson per zone at any given time.
•  Any program equipment used will be disinfected between uses.
•  Swim Instructors will be wearing a face covering while on the pool deck or be 6 feet from participant while in the water.
•  If the parent is not participating in the lesson (Swim Kids 5 to 10), the same parent must bring the participant(s) each lesson and will have a designated spot to watch the lesson on the pool deck (physically distanced from others).
•  Parents viewing the lesson must wear masks.  Masks must be worn by lesson participants while waiting for lessons.
•  Please note that swim lessons cannot be rescheduled.

 COVID-19: Modified Advanced Level Programs

Program Details

• When you arrive at the entrance you will be permitted in the building 15 minutes before your scheduled activity / rental. 
•  You will be checked in and asked screening questions.  Ensure you are wearing a face covering.
•  Participants or staff who are exhibiting symptoms of illness will not be permitted into the facility.
•  All swimmers should arrive showered and in their swimsuits. Participants may use the changerooms after their lesson and will have 15 minutes to exit.  Masks must be worn and physical distancing maintained. 
•  All lessons will run 30 minutes except Swim Patrol and Bronze Awards, with a 15-minute cleaning period in between zones.   
•  Participants must exit the pool deck immediately after their lesson.  
•  The pool will be divided into zones, one lesson per zone at any given time.
•  Any program equipment used will be disinfected between uses.
•  Swim Instructors will be wearing a face covering while on the pool deck or be 6 feet from participant while in the water.
•  Bronze Level Award and National Lifeguard parents are not permitted on the deck for viewing. 
•  Please note that swim lessons cannot be rescheduled.

 When you choose the Red Cross Swim Preschool program, you’re getting:

• A program based on research
• Proven excellence in teaching
• Age-appropriate learning through games and songs
• A focus on your child’s safety and comfort
• 8-level program for children 4 months to 6 years of age

Give your child the gift of aquatic fun and swimming at an early age. Songs, games and introductory swimming skills will make your child comfortable and happy in the water. Each level is built around an aquatic animal mascot, which makes lessons engaging and fun. The Instructor uses progressive teaching techniques adapted to each child and provides constant feedback and encouragement.

Parents/caregivers will participate in the classes with their child for the first three levels depending on the facility. Children enter a level based on their age and abilities:

• Orientation to water for babies and their parent/caregiver.
• To enter this level, babies must be able to hold their head up.
• The goals are to help babies experience buoyancy and movement through songs and play in the water and to teach the parent/caregiver age-specific water safety.
• This level is participation-based only, without formal evaluation.

• Orientation to water for toddlers and their parent/caregiver.
• Age is the only condition for entering this level.
• Swimmers learn how to use floating objects for support and explore different water movements through games, songs and active water play. The parent/caregiver also learns age-specific water safety.
• This level is participation-based only, without formal evaluation

• Orientation to water for toddlers and their parent/caregiver. 
• Age is the only condition for entering this level.
• Swimmers learn, through fun games and songs, how to combine skills, how to kick with a buoyant object and how to perform basic floats, glides and kicks.
• This level is participation-based only, without formal evaluation.

• Transitional level that transfers the preschooler to the care of the Instructor.
• All skills are assisted by the Instructor.
• Swimmers enter this level when they are 3 years of age
• Using games and activities, swimmers learn to open their eyes under water, further develop basic floats and glides, and swim 1 metre. They also learn age-appropriate water safety skills.
• Swimmers are evaluated based on performance criteria and progress to Salamander once all criteria have been successfully completed

• Swimmers enter this level when they have successfully completed Sea Otter.
• Using games and activities, swimmers learn to swim 2 metres, further develop basic floats and increase their distance on front and back glide. Front swim and roll-over glide are also included, and swimmers learn appropriate water safety skills such as how to jump into chest-deep water and how to use a Personal Flotation Device (PFD).
• Safety skills development includes water orientation, safe entries and exits and only swimming when an adult is present.
• Swimmers are evaluated based on performance criteria and progress to Sunfish once all criteria have been successfully completed.

• Swimmers enter this level when they have successfully completed Salamander.
• Using games and activities, swimmers learn to swim 5 metres, increase their distance using buoyant objects, increase their front and back glide with kick, and develop their roll-over glide, side glide and front swim. Safety skills include deep-water skills and use of a Personal Flotation Device(PFD).
• Safety skills development such as water orientation, safe entries and exits and always asking for permission before going near the water.
• Swimmers are evaluated based on performance criteria and progress to Crocodile once all criteria have been successfully completed.

• Swimmers enter this level when they have successfully completed Sunfish.
• Through games and other fun activities, swimmers learn to swim 5 metres on their front and back, perform a dolphin kick and begin using rhythmic breathing. They also progress with kicking drills and increase their swimming distance to 10 metres.
• Safety skills include jumping into deep-water and performing surface support for 10 seconds, recognizing when a swimmer needs help and using a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) in deep water.
• Swimmers are evaluated based on performance criteria and progress to Whale once all criteria have been successfully completed.

• Swimmers enter this level when they have successfully completed Crocodile.
• Through fun activities, swimmers perform a front and back swim for 10 metres. Swimmers work on developing their flutter kick and perform a distance swim of 15 metres.
• Safety skills include identifying safe swimming areas, jumping into deep water, swimming 5m, surface support for 20 seconds a return to safety, throwing assists and sitting dives.
• Swimmers are evaluated based on performance criteria and complete the program once all criteria have been achieved. Children 5 years or older are ready for the appropriate level of Red Cross Swim Kids.

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When you choose the Red Cross Swim Kids program, you’re getting:

• A program based on research
• Proven excellence in teaching
• Strokes and safety skills – the combination that saves lives
• A focus on fitness and personal performance

Red Cross Swim Kids 1-10 for children 5 to 12 years of age

Help your child develop a healthy lifestyle through swimming. Your child will learn to swim and stay safe in a fun environment that promotes a personal best and celebrates individual success.

The 10 levels allow for solid progression. Children learn swimming and survival strokes, and build their distance and speed, while focusing on making safe decisions in, on and around the water.

In each level, participants are evaluated based on performance criteria and progress to the next level once all criteria have been successfully completed. 

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 Patrol: 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: 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: 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.

Prerequisite: None (Swim Patrol experience recommended.)

Lifesaving Bronze Medallion: Teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles embodied in the 4 components of water-rescue education - judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness. Rescuers learn tows and carries, and defence methods and releases in preparation for challenging rescues of increased risk involving conscious and unconscious victims of various types. Lifesavers develop stroke efficiency and endurance in a 500 m timed swim.

Prerequisite: Minimum 13 years of age or Bronze Star certification (need not be current).

Lifesaving Emergency First Aid:  For people who want a general knowledge of first aid principles and the emergency treatment of injuries. Skills include: victim assessment, CPR, choking, and and what to do for external bleeding, heart attack, stroke, wounds and burns. Includes CPR-B certification.

The first aid program is not restricted to aquatic candidates. You can use the Lifesaving Society's first aid awards to train non-aquatic staff (camp, playground, maintenance, etc.) and the general public.

Prerequisite: None.

Lifesaving Bronze Cross: Designed for lifesavers who want the challenge of more advanced training including an introduction to safe supervision in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for all advanced training programs including National Lifeguard and Instructor certification. Includes a timed 600 m swim.

Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid CPR B certifications (need not be current).

Lifesaving National Lifeguard (NL): Pool Option: National Lifeguard certification is Canada's professional lifeguard standard. National Lifeguard training develops a sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgment, and a mature and responsible attitude towards the lifeguard's role. National Lifeguard training emphasizes prevention and effective rescue response in emergencies including first aid treatment. Candidates develop teamwork, leadership and communication skills. Fitness requirements include a timed object recovery, 50 m sprint challenge, 50 m rescue drill and 400 m endurance challenge.

The National Lifeguard training program is designed for lifesavers who wish to obtain a responsible job and leadership experience. Successful candidates are certified by the Lifesaving Society - Canada's lifeguarding experts.

Prerequisite: 15 years of age by exam date, Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid (need not be current) from one of: Lifesaving Society, St. John Ambulance, Canadian Red Cross, Canadian Ski Patrol.

Lifesaving Instructor: The Lifesaving Instructor Course prepares instructors to teach the Lifesaving Society's: 

• Canadian Swim Patrol Program, 
• Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, 
• Lifesaving Fitness, Distinction, 
• Basic and Emergency First Aid, and CPR-A, CPR-B and CPR-C.

Current Lifesaving Instructors evaluate all items and certify candidates in Canadian Swim Patrol, Bronze Star, Lifesaving Fitness, Basic and Emergency First Aid, and CPR-A, -B, -C. Instructors evaluate some items in Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross and Distinction, but only Examiners may certify candidates in these awards.

Prerequisites: 15 years of age by the end of the course; Bronze Cross certification (need not be current).

The love of swimming in others can start with you. Become a Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and teach all Red Cross Swim programs to various age groups, from infants to adults.

When you choose the Red Cross Instructor Development Program, you’re getting:

• A fun and interactive program with online, hands-on and in-pool experiences.
• Online modules that allow you to learn at your own pace according to your schedule.
• Practical experience with the Red Cross Swim programs within the course.
• Modern learning methodology – not your traditional lecture format.
• Solid communication and leadership skills.

Prerequisites:

• 15 years of age to begin the WSI - Online.
• Ability to perform Red Cross Swim Kids 10 strokes and skills.
• One of: Red Cross Assistant Lifeguard, Emergency First Aid or higher, or Bronze Cross. Certifications do not need to be current.

Completion Criteria:

• Attend and participate in 100% of all WSI Course components.
• All course components (WSI - Skills Evaluation, WSI - Online, WSI - Teaching Experience, and WSI - Classroom and Pool) are evaluated against specific evaluation criteria on a pass/fail basis.
• All course components must be completed for successful completion of the WSI certification.

Water Safety Instructor - Skills Evaluation: 3-6 hours

Ensures candidates have the necessary water safety knowledge, strokes, and skills equivalent to the Red Cross Swim Kids 10 performance criteria as well as Instructor Emergency Response (IER) skills.

Water Safety Instructor - Online: 14-20 hours

Focuses on the theory of instruction through videos, virtual games, online activities, workbook exercises and a knowledge evaluation at the end of each module.

Water Safety Instructor - Teaching Experience: minimum 8 hours

The candidate assists the Supervising WSI for first-hand experience with teaching progressions and swimmer skills in a class setting which provides a frame of reference to reflect on and link to the theory of the course.

Water Safety Instructor - Classroom and Pool: 9 hours and 12 hours

Candidates demonstrate and receive feedback on their instructional skills to ensure they can effectively plan, teach and evaluate the Red Cross Swim programs.

Upon successful completion of all four components of the WSI Course:

• WSI candidates are certified for one year as Water Safety Instructors, which allows them to teach Red Cross Swim programs.
• When new WSIs complete three WSI - Online Professional Development Modules within the one-year certification period, they receive an automatic one-year extension on the original certification.
• New WSIs who do not complete the three WSI - Online Professional Development Modules within the original one-year certification period attend a WSI Recertification Course to maintain a current certification.
• Candidates are considered certified once Red Cross has issued the certification card.

Red Cross Swim Basics

This program will help increase your comfort level and confidence in the water through floats, glides, kicking and swimming. An introduction to swimming with a focus on front swim.

You will increase your comfort level and confidence in the water through floats, glides, kicking and swimming. Start off with an introduction to swimming with a focus on front swim.  This course will then focuses on developing the front and back crawl, establishing comfort in deep water, and increasing the swimming distance.  This program contains swimming skills content from Red Cross Swim Kids 1-3 and safety skills from Red Cross Swim Kids 6-7.  Work with your Water Safety Instructor to set goals to develop your swimming skills. 

Red Cross Swim Strokes

This program will help you develop one or more swimming strokes, working toward proficiency and increased endurance. Work with your Water Safety Instructor to choose the strokes and set your goals and priorities. If you are interested in developing your strokes so that you can train for a triathlon, this is the ideal course for you.

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