Free Bronze Medallion & Cross Course
Free Bronze Medallion & Bronze Cross Combo Course
This is a free 40-hour combined Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross certification course offered by the Lifesaving Society BC & Yukon, made possible through funding from the Island Health Youth Resiliency Grant.
This program is designed to bring nationally recognized lifesaving certifications to youth in rural and remote coastal communities where access to these courses is typically limited or unavailable.
What You’ll Learn
Bronze Medallion is the Lifesaving Society’s flagship lifesaving certification. Candidates develop the judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness needed to make effective rescue decisions in, on, and around the water. Training covers self-rescue techniques, defense and release methods, and tows and carries for a range of emergency scenarios — including spinal injuries and circulatory emergencies. Candidates also build stroke efficiency and endurance through a timed swim component. Bronze Medallion includes CPR-A certification.
Bronze Cross builds on your Medallion training and begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding. Candidates strengthen their rescue skills while learning the principles of active surveillance and safety supervision in aquatic facilities. The course emphasizes teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies, and prepares candidates for responsibilities as Assistant Lifeguards. Bronze Cross includes CPR-C certification and is a prerequisite for the Lifesaving Society’s National Lifeguard and leadership certification programs.
Who Can Register
Participants must be 13-24 years of age, those younger than 13 are allowed if they hold a current Bronze Star award. Candidates should be comfortable in the water. No prior lifesaving certifications are required.
What’s Included
This course is offered at no cost to participants. Course materials (Canadian Lifesaving Manual), certification fees, and instruction are all covered through program funding.
Important Details
100% attendance is mandatory for both the Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross portions of the course. Please bring a wetsuit (if you have one), swimsuit, towel, pen, and paper to each session. Successful candidates will receive both a Bronze Medallion medal and a Bronze Cross medal along with electronic certifications from the Lifesaving Society.
About This Program
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Lifesaving Society BC & Yukon to increase youth access to lifesaving education and drowning prevention training across British Columbia’s West Coast. Space is limited — register early to secure your spot.
