Becoming a Lifesaver

Becoming a lifesaver is all about a state of mind. There are certain qualifications that need to be done. These are offered periodically by lifesaving clubs including ours.

NEW !!! SPA 'Retests' Our club now offers SPA retests for South African lifesavers in the UK. These are official and LSA approved under their terms and conditions. Click here for further details.

The following are a brief summary of the RLSS awards; full details of which can be found on their web site.

Lifesaving 1, 2, 3
These awards introduce the basic aquatic lifesaving and provide a good preparation for the Bronze Medallion. Lifesaving 1, 2, 3 covers the swimming requirement for GCSE for PE and can be used at Bronze level of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

Life Support 1
This aims to establish a competent level of knowledge and skill to administer Basic Life Support including the diagnosis and treatment of choking, bleeding and shock.

Life Support 2
This aims to establish proficient levels of knowledge to administer Basic Life Support including the diagnosis and treatment of choking, bleeding, shock, drowning and hypothermia.

Life Support 3
Designed to establish excellent levels of knowledge and ability to administer Basic Life Support to casualties of all ages and in a variety of emergency situations. This is the highest level of life support accreditation.

Bronze Medallion
The Bronze Medallion is recognized as the flagship. Geared to developing the essential elements of fitness, knowledge, skill and judgement, this Lifesaving training will help you to cope in a crisis. Training for the award will give you the skills of how to assess an emergency situation, carry out rescues in various circumstances, resuscitate and care for an unconscious casualty.

Award of Merit
This award follows on from the Bronze Medallion and requires a proficient level of knowledge, understanding and practical ability in simulated open water rescue situations.

Distinction
To establish excellent levels of knowledge, understanding and practical ability in simulated open water rescue situations. Training and Assessment is conducted in a swimming pool.

Bronze Cross
This lifesaving award is designed to establish competent levels of ability in an open water rescue. It is undertaken at an open water site.

Silver Cross
This is also included as a prerequisite for the Distinction Award. It is a lifesaving award designed to establish proficient levels of knowledge and practical ability in open water situations.