Diploma

Diploma (20-25 hr.): the highest award of the Society, Diploma is designed for those seeking a challenging opportunity to demonstrate exceptional lifesaving ability and leadership. The Diploma Award encourages excellence in practical ability and theoretical knowledge either by the development of superior aquatic skills (Part A1) or through the completion of a major project or assignment (Part A2)

All Diploma candidates must complete a comprehensive theoretical written exam (Part B) based on the components of the current edition of the Canadian Lifesaving Manual, Alert: Lifeguarding in Action, and other literature specified from time to time.

A minimum total mark of 66% on both Part A and Part B is a passing grade. Less than 50% in any one item (including the numbered parts of Part B) constitutes a failure. A total of 80% on both Part A and Part B is a pass with honours. Fractional marks may be used.

Numerical marking, unique to the Diploma Award, discriminates between a pass and an honours performance. A minimum passing mark is obtained by meeting the Must Sees. Honours marks are obtained by completing the test items to near perfection.

Prerequisite: Distinction or National Lifeguard or Lifesaving Instructor certification (need not be current).

Evaluation & certification: Diploma Examiners evaluate all items and certify Diploma candidates. The Lifesaving Society deems its certifications to be "current" for 24 months from the certification date.

Candidate recognition: Diploma Award crest, certificate, and certification card.

Required reference material: Canadian Lifesaving Manual

TEST ITEMS

Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of the principles and techniques of water rescue and the importance of increasing public awareness of the responsibility each Canadian assumes when working or playing in, on or near the water. All Dipl oma candi date s  c  omplete a comprehensive theoretical written exam (Part B) based on the contents of the current edition of the Canadian Lifesaving Manual; Alert: lifeguarding in action, and other literature specified from time to time.

  1. Demonstrate 2 of the following of your choice:
    1. Carry a passive victim using a control carry 50 m in 1:15 or 50 yd. in 1:08. Rescuer and victim start in the water.
    2. Swim head-up 25 m in 16 sec. or 25 yd. in 14.5 sec or 20 yd. in 11.5 sec.
    3. Wearing shirt and pants, enter water and approach 15 m or yd. Surface dive to recover a submerged, non-breathing victim from a depth of 2-3 m and surface in 20 sec. Move victim to nearest point of safety and apply rescue breathing.
  2. Demonstrate the following:
    1. Enter water with equipment and don mask, fins and snorkel underwater. Clear mask and snorkel on 1 breath, surface and swim 25 m or yd. demonstrating ability to use equipment effectively.
    2. Remove from the water 3 types of victims in circumstances described by the Examiner.
    3. Demonstrate 4 consecutive and stationary somersaults in tuck position (2 forward and 2 backward).
  3. :::
  4. Perform a rescue in a situation designed to emphasize decision-making (priorities), leadership and competent emergency care for a victim suffering from one of the following: heart attack, insulin shock, epileptic seizure, spinal injury, head injury. The situation may involve more than 1 victim, trained or untrained bystanders and other rescuers.
  5. Direct a rescue in circumstances in which the rescuer is unable to intervene or act directly. Rescuer assumes a leadership role in assessing the situation, determining victim type(s) and extent of injuries if any, and directing bystanders or other rescuers in the performance of the rescue.
  6. Swim continuously 800 m or 900 yd. in 17 min. in the following order - 200 m or yd. of each of: front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke, choice of stroke