Virtual Leadership Courses

Virtual courses are taught by the instructors here at Benchmark and are delivered via Zoom or other video conferencing software.

Red Cross Babysitting Course

The Canadian Red Cross Babysitting course is designed for youth aged 11 to 15 years old. This course is taught virtually via Zoom. Each class includes a combination of interactive discussion, games, videos, and hands-on learning. This course covers topics such as how to care for children of all ages, leadership skills, creating safe environments, accident prevention, and basic first aid skills.

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Lifesaving Society Be Water Smart!

This course provides an introduction to the world of lifesaving, with a sharp focus on how to be safe in and around the water. Participants learn important skills such as what to do if someone needs help in the water, self safety, and how to call 911 (and so much more!). This is a great option and opportunity for those who plan to be in or near the water this summer, whether its the beach, the lake, or a backyard pool or for those who want to learn more about lifesaving!

This course was created with the help of the Lifesaving Society, with the hope that it helps you and your loved ones be safe in and around the water. This is a virtual course and is delivered via Zoom or other video conferencing software.

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In-Person Leadership Courses

Please Note: We are currently not offering in-person courses at this time.

Lifesaving Society Canadian Swim Patrol

Swim Patrol is a three-level award progression – Rookie, Ranger, & Star. This is for young swimmers ready to go beyond regular swimming lessons and want to prepare for bronze awards. Participants are introduced to basic lifesaving methods and first aid, as well continued to development of swim strokes.

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Lifesaving Society Bronze Awards

The Canadian Lifesaving Bronze Awards provide more advanced education in water safety and aquatic training. There are three Bronze Awards; Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, and Bronze Cross. The third Bronze Award, Bronze Cross, is a prerequisite for most advanced aquatic training programs, including National Lifeguard and Lifesaving Instructor.

Our courses have small class sizes, with up to 5 students maximum per instructor.

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Bronze Star

Bronze Star is the first bronze award. This course focuses on swimming proficiency, lifesaving skills, and personal fitness. The timed endurance swim is 400 meters.

Bronze Medallion

Bronze Medallion is the second bronze award. This course focuses on lifesaving principles of water rescue education: judgment, fitness, knowledge, and skill. The timed endurance swim is 400 meters in 12 minutes or less.

Bronze Cross

Bronze Cross is the third bronze award. This course includes assistant lifeguarding skills and a timed distance swim of 400 meters in 11 minutes or less.

Lifesaving Society Distinction Award

The Distinction Award provides further training beyond Bronze Cross. Rescues scenarios are more advanced and fitness challenges are more challenging.This course includes Standard First Aid and CPR-C.

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Lifesaving Fitness

Lifesaving Fitness is divided into three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold. These awards focus on importance and improvement of physical fitness in lifesaving. Participants learn how to measure, monitor, and maintain personal physical fitness for lifesaving emergencies.

Course content includes how to evaluate and improve strength, endurance, physical activity, intensity of activity. In addition, participants learn rescue tows, rescue breathing, object removal, and to improve their supportive kick and endurance.

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Lifesaving Society Lifesaving Instructor (LSI)

COURSE DETAILS

The Lifesaving Instructor course includes First Aid Instructor, Swim for Life Instructor, and Bronze & Distinction Examiner Appointments. This course prepares instructors to teach and evaluate the Canadian Swim Patrol Program, Bronze Medal Awards, Lifesaving Fitness, Distinction, Emergency and Standard First Aid, and CPR-A, CPR-B and CPR-C and the Swim for Life Program.

Candidates learn about teaching methods, class management, safety supervision,stroke development drills, principles of evaluation, and correction techniques. They also develop planning skills, including how to properly plan effective lessons and long-range and short-term planning.

Lifesaving Instructor Registration

  • Course Length: 44 hours.
  • Prerequisites: Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid by first day of course, 16 years old by last day of course.
  • Required Course Materials: Canadian Lifesaving Manual and Binder Kit.