Training Program

Star Patrol

The Lifesaving Society Canadian Swim Patrol (CSP) is a three-level pre-Bronze program for 8-12 year olds who are ready to move beyond the learn-to-swim program. Candidates earn recognition for success in swimming, first aid and water rescue along with badges for overall award achievement. This award is excellent preparation for the Bronze Star award. It is recommended that candidates take the Rookie and Ranger Patrol program before the Star Patrol program.

Prerequisites: Ability to swim.

Evaluation: All items in Star Patrol are evaluated by a Lifesaving Instructor or YMCA Swim Instructor.

Test items:

H2O Proficiency

1. Demonstrate AT LEAST TWO different entries with different aids.
2. Entry with an aid and swim 25 m head-up front crawl or breaststroke. Assume the ready position and demonstrate the ability to scull forward and backward, and to turn.
3. Demonstrate defence methods from the front, side and rear.
4. Demonstrate the eggbeater kick showing the ability to travel and to change direction and height levels.
5. Carry a 4.5 kg (10 lb) object 25 m using swimmer’s choice of lifesaving kick.
6. Demonstrate the removal of an unconscious victim with the assistance of an untrained bystander.
7. Head-up approach into a head-first surface dive to a maximum depth of 2 m. Swim underwater for 5–10 m and then surface. Foot-first surface dive (maximum depth of 2 m), recover an object, and return it to the starting point.
8. Demonstrate in shallow water, the ability to turn a victim face-up and to support the face above the surface.
9. Swim front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke (100 m each).
10. Complete a 600 m workout at least three times during the training course. Warm-up: 25 m lifesaving kick and 50 m each of back crawl, breaststroke and front crawl; stroke drills: 5 x 25 m; work set: 4 x 50 m in 90 seconds; and cool down: 100 m.
11. Swim 300 m in 9 minutes or better using any stroke or combination of strokes of the swimmer’s choice.

First Aid

1. Demonstrate the recognition and care of a bone or joint injury.
2. Demonstrate the recognition and care of a victim suffering respiratory distress from asthma or a severe allergic reaction.

Recognition and Rescue

1. From three different heights or positions, locate and describe an object located on the bottom or below the surface.
2. Perform a rescue of a weak swimmer or non-swimmer, with a towing aid. Swim a 20 m approach and tow the victim to safety, showing the ability to avoid contact. Perform appropriate follow-up procedures, including treatment for shock.