Bronze Cross Examination Policy

Introduction

The Bronze Cross Exam Policy defines the minimum conditions under which Bronze level examinations may occur.

Bronze Cross Examination Policy

• Bronze Cross requires a body of water that is at least 15 m long, 5 m wide and a minimum of 1.5 m deep (3 m preferred).
• For all Bronze exams, the minimum number of candidates is one.
• Additional volunteers may be required to conduct an exam; however, the volunteers may not be the Examiner conducting the exam.
• For Bronze Cross, additional volunteers (minimum of four) must participate, including one volunteer who is a current Bronze Cross candidate or someone who is currently certified in Bronze Cross or National Lifeguard.
• During Assistant Lifeguard Situations, candidates respond to emergency situations as a member and leader of an assistant lifeguard team.
• A minimum of two assistant lifeguarding situations are required.

AMENDMENTS TO THIS POLICY

This policy is effective September 1, 2022. The Society reserves the right to review and revise the Bronze Cross Examination Policy as required and without notice.

Bronze Cross Equipment list

Resuscitation manikin: A CPR manikin designed for practicing compressions and
ventilations that include disposable lungs. Examples: PRESTAN®, ACTAR Defib ®, ACTAR 911 ®. If sharing equipment, ensure cleaning and disinfecting prior to each use.

Barrier devices: Include a pocket mask with a one-way valve and hypoallergenic gloves (i.e. nitrile is an alternative to latex). If sharing equipment, ensure cleaning and disinfecting prior to each use.

Practice first aid kit: Contents include sufficient band aids, gauze, dressings and triangular bandages, blankets, towels, medication placebos, and auto-injector trainers for in-class use.

Buoyant rescue aids: Buoyant rescue aids may include a rescue tube, rescue can, ring buoy, or an adult lifejacket or PFD. All buoyant rescue aids should be a minimum 50 newtons of buoyancy, which is equivalent to an adult lifejacket approved by the Canadian Coast Guard.

Non-buoyant rescue aids: Non-buoyant rescue aids may include a throw line, throw bag, or a reaching pole.

Spineboard: A device designed to extract a person from the water. The spineboard should have a head immobilizer and adequate straps installed and in working condition (Velcro and/or clips are in good condition). Example: VBlock Spineboard.

4.5 kg (10 lb.) weight: A brick-shaped, soft rubber casing-protected weight is commonly used in pools. Example: 10 lb. Easy Grip Brick. A submersible competition or training manikin may be used (see Submersible manikin). Alternate options may be used, as long as they weight 4.5 kg (10 lb.) on land and measure 0 newtons of buoyancy. Alternate options must also be encased in material (i.e. rubber, neoprene) that will prevent injuries to candidates using them and prevent damage to the bottom of the pool/basin they are being utilized in.

Whistles: A pealess whistle is strongly recommended. Example: Fox 40 Classic Whistle

Timing device: A stop watch, pace clock, or digital timer are great options. A cell phone may offer timing capability, but consult the host/affiliate to confirm if use of a cell phone during the course/recertification is permissible.

AED trainer: AED trainers should include a base, wires, and electrode pads. Although recommended, they need not be voice-activated.

Submersible manikin: Typically, an orange-coloured body-like manikin that can be filled with water. Example: Competition Manikin or Training Manikin

Simulated Ice: Includes use of pool or dock edge, floating mats, or other similar method.

Simulated Boat: Includes simulated craft, floating mats, or other buoyant objects.

Obstacle: Includes a lane rope, buoy line or other rope at the surface of the water, floating mat, hoop, pool noodle, or other item at the surface that requires the candidate to fully submerge.

Clothing: Any clothing worn by candidates in the water should be: of light colour, appropriately sized (not loose), light-weight, and easily removed quickly (i.e. no button, ties, zippers).

X = Mandatory    O = Optional