FEBUARY 2021- EEDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP

The Lifesaving Society would like to issue a reminder to all instructors on teaching methods adapted to the context of COVID-19.

During training in class, the Lifesaving Society recommends that all candidates and instructors wear procedural masks at all times. Wearing a face cover is not recommended during the practical (in-water) part of the training, but physical distance must be maintained; hygiene and frequent hand washing must be observed.

Instructor:

• Implement several measures to allow the 2 m physical distance rule to be respected in the changing rooms;
• Group activities must be carried out with respect for the 2 m physical distance rule between candidates and instructors;
• Avoid sharing objects or equipment between candidates;
• Aquatic facilities must disinfect surfaces and equipment between each use or when they are to be shared;
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces;
• Make disinfectants readily available;
• Disinfect borrowed equipment and material before and after use (manikins, first aid kit, aquaplane, buoy, pole, PFDs).
• Pair candidates for situations requiring direct contact. You can change some situations to minimize contact during a class or an exam (or invite same family members);
• Check the water quality record and follow appropriate standards.

The Lifesaving Society, aquatic sport federations and the Association des responsables aquatiques du Québec (ARAQ) would like to advise clubs to encourage their athletes' participation in Bronze Medallion and Cross, National Lifeguard* and Standard First Aid trainings in order to include "pool training", the only training offered in red zone areas, back into our athletes' schedule.
This is where YOU come in! Dear affiliates, we need you involved in our efforts to resume water sports. In order to allow aquatic sport clubs to offer lifesaving courses leading to the National Lifeguard Certification for their athletes, we are asking you for help. Let the aquatic clubs that normally occupy your center know your availability and give them the opportunity to reclaim their usual training time slots in order to offer lifesaving courses to their club's athletes. What a great opportunity for everyone!

All the tools for teaching in red zone areas are available in the COVID-19 section of our website. Rest assured that the Lifesaving Society has adapted all content of its training courses to the health standards and that they have been validated by Public Health.

Also, to help you manage groups and absences due to COVID-19, we have prepared a simple and user-friendly guide to assist you with Absence Management in time of COVID-19.

For more information, please contact us at alerte@sauvetage.qc.ca.

* As of November 1, 2020, it is possible for a candidate to pass the National Lifeguard exam if they are 15 years of age on the day of the exam.