AY Honors/Lifesaving/Answer Key

Satisfactorily pass the American Red Cross -Water Safety Aid or YMCA course in Lifesaving or its equivalent, or pass the following requirements:

The South Pacific Division has a variation that fits into the "equivalent" definition. SPD requires passing the Bronze Medallion Course for the basic Honor and the Bronze Cross for the advanced Honor. It is perfectly reasonable to apply the SPD requirement variation to anywhere in the world that uses the Bronze Medallion/Cross System.

In Canada (for example) the Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross courses each require 20 hours of instruction. Some schools offer combination Bronze Medallion and Bronze Star programs over a few days (sometimes called a lifesaving camp).

Lifesaving is serious business that requires proper training that is usually only available through government approved schools. The training requires both wet and dry components. No one will consider you a life guard unless you pass (and are current on) approved training. For this reason we will not attempt to provide instructions to the specific requirements below. Go get proper training.

Many young people take Lifesaving courses and then obtain summer jobs as life guards. The skills learned will serve you well for life - and maybe save a life someday.

2. Know the value of disrobing before making a swimming rescue. Practice disrobing on dry land in 20 seconds or less. Disrobe yourself of your shoes, socks, pants, belt, and shirt. Don't be alarmed-you are allowed a swimming suit underneath!

Wearing your normal clothes in a rescue situation is dangerous. Normal cotton clothes absorb lots of water. They will weigh you down and make it much harder for you to swim for yourself.