National Lifesaving Academy (new from September 2023)

Once the younger club members complete the Rookie Lifeguard programme at age 12 or 13, they can move straight on to the Lifesaving Academy programme. The programme is a return to Bronze Medallion, helping to train the lifesavers of today and tomorrow's lifeguards. The progressive awards teach key skills in Personal survival, Fitness, Rescue techniques, CPR and First-aid. It includes elements in the pool and open water, with award credits counting towards vocational qualifications in lifeguarding.

 

The awards are structured into three levels (Bronze Lifesaving Certificate, Bronze Star, and Bronze Medallion), and multiple environmental strands are available at the Bronze Star and Bronze Medallion levels.

The three award strands are as follows:

• Pool – completed in the swimming pool
• Open Water – completed preferably in non-tidal, inland open water sites
• Beach – completed on the coast

 

The Bronze Lifesaving Certificate is designed to teach new lifesavers the basics of staying safe in or around water. It provides the candidate with basic water safety knowledge, basic aquatic lifesaving skills, basic CPR, and basic First Aid.

 

The two subsequent award levels (Bronze Star and Bronze Medallion) are divided into three sections:

 

• Lifesaving Theory
• Lifesaving Survival and Rescue Skills
• CPR, AED and First Aid

 

Candidates will need to complete and pass all sections before moving on to the next award. Upon successfully completing the assessment, candidates will receive either a certificate, or an e-certificate, and medal depending on the award level.