How to prepare for the Bronze Medallion and Cross course and become a lifeguard
Posted in Aquatic Articles, on September 04, 2021
The Bronze Medallion (first level) and Bronze Cross (second level) courses are designed to prepare you with the knowledge and skills to be safe in and around water. In these course you will be taught the necessary physical and judgment skills to decide if, and how you should rescue someone in distress in unsupervised environments.
What comes first Bronze Medallion or Cross?
In order to get certified, candidates need to take the Bronze Medallion first and Bronze Cross second.
Important Note:
The Lifesaving Society has recently released a new curriculum for both Bronze Medallion and Cross courses. However, facilities have until June of 2022 to switch over from the old curriculum at their own convenience. It is important to note that both curriculums will give you the exact same certificate.
Bronze Medallion Pre-requisites:
The only pre-requisite for the Bronze Medallion is to hold Bronze Star OR be at least 13 years of age by the day of their Bronze Medallion exam. However, it is also important that the Bronze Medallion candidate is comfortable in water and can swim proficiently. In addition to basic swimming skills, Lifeguarding Academy suggest for Bronze Medallion candidates to take either Emergency First Aid with CPR-B OR Standard First Aid with CPR-C prior to their Bronze Medallion course to be better prepared.
Bronze Cross Pre-requisites:
Candidates looking to take the Bronze Cross must already hold the Bronze Medallion certificate as well as either Emergency First Aid with CPR-B (lower level) OR Standard First Aid with CPR-C (higher level).
Note:
The Lifesaving Society has updated the bronze curriculum. Starting in June 2022, we will be transitioning to the new Bronze Medallion and Cross programs. The below information is only valid until June of 2022. Please click here to learn more about the requirements of the new program. The prerequisites for the bronze Medallion and Cross remain unchanged.
How much swimming do I have to do in Bronze Medallion (Prior to June 2022):
In the old curriculum of Bronze Medallion, candidates need to complete an endurance swim of 500 meters within 15 minutes. In addition to that, they need to be physically fit enough to swim 6 sets 25 meters using head-up front crawl or head-up breast stroke.
In the new curriculum, candidates will have to complete 1) endurance swim of 400 meters in under 12 minutes and 2) swim head-up for 25 meters, rescue and carry a passive victim located at the surface of the water and carry them back for 25 meters.
How much swimming do I have to do in Bronze Cross (Prior to June 2022):
In the old curriculum, candidates have to complete 1) endurance swim of 600 meters in 18 minutes, as well as 2) two sets of 6 x 25 meters using head-up front crawl or head-up breast stroke.
In the new curriculum, candidates will have to complete 1) endurance swim of 400 meters in under 11 minutes and 2) swim head-up for 20 meters, rescue and carry a submerged victim back for 20 meters, all within 120 seconds; and lastly 3) swim 15 meters and recover and bring a 10lb object to the surface and carry it for 5 meters, all within 60 seconds.
Feel ready to get your Bronze Medallion or Bronze Cross certification?
