TAC Aquatics Canadian Swim Patrol
TAC Aquatics will be switching to the Lifesaving Society’s Swim for Life Curriculum from the Red Cross’s Learn to Swim Curriculum as of the 2023 Winter Break Camp (Dec 28th). There are differences between the skills and requirements to the assigned levels. For a better understanding please refer to our Equivalency Chart.
Check out the Lifesaving Society’s: Preschool Levels & Swimmer Levels
Rookie Patrol
Rookie Patrol is the first level of 3 that focuses on long distance proficiency and endurance, as well as introduces first aid. In Rookie Patrol, swimmers learn to swim 100 meters in 3 minutes. They work on swimming 25 to 50 meters with specific techniques such as lifesaving kick, front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke. Swimmers also practice carrying objects as they swim. The first aid aspect of the Rookie Patrol level focuses on assessing conscious victims, contacting EMS, and caring for external bleeding. Swimmers are also introduced to recognition and rescue where they complete water rescue drills and practice throwing buoyant aids to a target. Please refer to our complete level breakdown for more in depth information about each specific level.
Ranger Patrol
Ranger Patrol is the second level of 3 that focuses on long distance proficiency and endurance, as well as continues to teach first aid. In Ranger Patrol, swimmers learn to swim 200 meters in 6 minutes. They work on swimming 25 meters with specific techniques such as, stride entry and swim head-up, and Eggbeater kick on back. They also work on swimming 75 meters with specific techniques such as, front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke. Swimmers also continue to practice carrying items as they swim. The first aid aspect of the Ranger Patrol level focuses on assessing unconscious breathing victims, caring for victims in shock, and dealing with an obstructed airway on a conscious victim. Swimmers continue to learn about recognition and rescue as well, where they complete a higher difficulty level of water rescue drills and practice throwing buoyant aids to a target 25 meters away. Please refer to our complete level breakdown for more in depth information about each specific level.
Star Patrol
Star Patrol is the third level of 3 that focuses on long distance proficiency and endurance, as well as continues to teach first aid. In Star Patrol, swimmers learn to swim 300 meters in 9 minutes. They work on swimming 100 meters with specific techniques such as, front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke. Star Patrol requires swimmers to carry an object 25 meters while swimming, as well as search to recover objects. Swimmers also learn to turn and support a victim face up in shallow water, and remove unconscious victims. The first aid aspect of the Star Patrol level focuses on caring for bone or joint injuries, and caring for respiratory emergencies (asthma or allergic reactions). Swimmers also perfect their recognition and rescue, where they are required to locate and describe submerged objects, and rescue a target with a towing aid for 20 meters. Please refer to our complete level breakdown for more in depth information about each specific level.
Upon completion of Star Patrol, swimmers will be prepared to complete the requirements for the Bronze Star Award.
