Information & Policy Guide Swimming & Water Safety Programs

Information & Policy Guide Swimming & Water Safety Programs Canadian Red Cross Contact Centre 100-1305 11 Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T3C 3P6 Phone: 1-888-307-7997 403-262-1208 Fax: 1-800-811-8877 E-mail: wz-contactcentre@redcross.ca www.redcross.ca

Inside this guide: SECTION I Canadian Red Cross 3 SECTION II Certification Process and Policies 4 SECTION III Recertification Process and Policies 11 SECTION IV General Policies 14 SECTION V Red Cross Guidelines 15 Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Services WS-OT-IN-20201-E Page 2

SECTION I Canadian Red Cross The Information and Policy Guide outlines the policies and guidelines related to the Red Cross Swim Programs for Assistant Water Safety Instructors, Water Safety Instructors and Water Safety Instructor Trainers. The Information and Policy Guide is a supplement to the policies and guidelines found in the appendices of the: Assistant Water Safety Instructor Manual Water Safety Instructor Manual Water Safety Instructor Trainer Manual. The Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: Humanity Neutrality Voluntary Service Universality Impartiality Independence Unity Canadian Red Cross Mission Statement The Canadian Red Cross mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world. Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Services WS-OT-IN-20201-E Page 3

SECTION II Certification Process and Policies Assistant Water Safety Instructor (AWSI) 30 hours plus eight (8) hours teaching experience. The AWSI course is the foundation course for building instructional skills and abilities. It is the national pre-requisite to the Water Safety Instructor course. AWSI candidate receives training: In theoretical knowledge that supports learning and teaching That focuses on safety supervision, physical principles, progressions, communication, and feedback and prepares candidates to instruct with the direct support and supervision of a certified Water Safety Instructor. Pre-requisites 1. Candidates must be a minimum of 15 years of age by the last day of the course 2. Purchase required course materials 3. Able to perform Red Cross Swim Kids Level 10 strokes and skills Certification requirements 1. Candidates are required to attend, participate and complete 100% of the core of the course and teaching experience 2. Candidates complete an eight-hour assistant teach experience with one or more of the Red Cross Water Safety Programs in an aquatic instructional environment. The teaching experience may take place during the course (additional hours added to 30 hour course) or up to six months following course completion: a. Extensions or exceptions for the Teaching Experience are at the discretion of the Water Safety Instructor Trainer - candidates should contact the course WSIT to obtain an extension for completing the teaching experience assignments b. Red Cross recommends that the eight hours of teaching experience contain lessons from each of the following programs: i. Red Cross Swim Preschool ii. Red Cross Swim Kids (a high level and a low level) iii. AquaAdults c. Upon completion of the teaching experience assignments, completed teaching experience forms are returned to the Instructor Trainer(s) who taught the course 3. Candidates must complete all evaluation criteria as identified on the AWSI Course and Teaching Experience form in the AWSI manual 4. This certification is valid for two years only from the original course dates and can not be recertified Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Services WS-OT-IN-20201-E Page 4

5. AWSIs are eligible to assist Water Safety Instructors teaching the Red Cross Swim programs upon receipt of the AWSI certification card Water Safety Instructor 25 hour course plus 12 hours teaching experience. This course can be used to recertify the Water Safety Instructor certification for those Instructors whose certification has expired beyond the two year grace period. The Water Safety Instructor course prepares candidates to instruct the Red Cross Swim programs by: Focusing on how to effectively plan, teach and evaluate the performance criteria Applying information learned about the competencies in the Assistant Water Safety Instructor course to the Red Cross Swim program content Emphasizing stroke development, drills, and corrective strategies Providing Instructor candidates with opportunities to apply their teaching skills and knowledge through teaching experience assignments (may be scheduled concurrently with course or be assigned for completion after the course) Evaluating instructional emergency response skills. Pre-requisites 1. Candidates must be 16 years of age by the last day of the course 2. Purchase required course materials 3. Hold a Red Cross Assistant Water Safety Instructor certification or expired Red Cross WSI certification (beyond grace period) Certification requirements 1. Candidates are required to attend, participate and complete 100% of the core of the course and teaching experience 2. Teaching experience (minimum 12 hours) with one or more of the Red Cross Water Safety Programs in an aquatic instructional environment. The teaching experience may occur during the course (additional hours added to 25 hour course) or within six (6) months of course completion: a. Extensions or exceptions for the Teaching Experience are at the discretion of the Water Safety Instructor Trainer - candidates should contact the course WSIT to obtain an extension for completing the teaching experience assignments; b. Red Cross recommends that the 12 hours of teaching experience contain lessons from each of the following programs: i. Red Cross Swim Preschool ii. Red Cross Swim Kids (a high level and a low level); Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Services WS-OT-IN-20201-E Page 5

iii. AquaAdults. c. Upon completion of the teaching experience assignments and hours, completed teaching experience forms are returned to the Instructor Trainer(s) who taught the course 3. Candidates are evaluated on a pass/fail basis using the WSI Course and Teaching Experience form in the WSI manual 4. WSIs are eligible to teach upon receipt of the WSI certification card 5. Certification is valid for a two-year period from the WSI course date. Only WSIs with a current certification may teach the Red Cross Swim programs Swimming Instructor Certification Transfer WSI course (25 hour course plus 12 hours teaching experience) The purpose of the Swimming Instructor Certification Transfer is: To bridge current Instructors from other aquatic training agencies into the Red Cross Swim program To review/provide candidates with the foundation theory and principles of the Red Cross Swim program: Injury Prevention, Inclusion, Progressive Learning and the Individualized Approach to Instructing. Pre-requisites 1. Candidates provides proof of having a current Swimming Instructor certification with another aquatic training agency (LifeSaving Society; Sears I Can Swim; or YMCA) for a minimum of two years 2. Be 18 years of age 3. Have a minimum of two years experience teaching swimming lessons 4. Purchase required WSI course materials 5. Purchase required AWSI course package. Certification requirements 1. Candidates are required to attend, participate and complete100% of the WSI core of the course and teaching experience 2. Teaching experience (maximum of 12 hours) may occur during or within six (6) months of course completion. Teaching experience is recommended, but may be waived at the discretion of the Instructor Trainer (based on experience and performance of the candidate during the Water Safety Instructor course) a. The 12 hours of teaching experience is with lessons from each of the following programs: i. Red Cross Swim Preschool ii. Red Cross Swim Kids (a high level and low level) Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Services WS-OT-IN-20201-E Page 6

iii. AquaAdults (if available) b. Upon completion of the teaching experience assignments and hours, completed teaching experience forms are returned to the Instructor Trainer(s) who taught the course 3. Candidates are evaluated on a pass/fail basis using the WSI Course and Teaching Experience form in the WSI manual 4. Certification is valid for a two-year period from the WSI course date. Only WSIs with a current certification may teach the Red Cross Swim programs Water Safety Instructor Trainer 20 hour course and Apprenticeship (co-teach an AWSI and a WSI course) The WSIT course teaches candidates how to plan, schedule and facilitate the Assistant Water Safety Instructor course and the Water Safety Instructor course. Pre-requisites 1. Complete registration process through Contact Centre 2. Hold a current Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification for at least two years and be in good standing with Red Cross 3. 18 years of age or older 4. Minimum of two years experience teaching the Red Cross Swim Program 5. Purchase required course materials AWSI course package, WSI Course package and WSIT course package) 6. Able to attend and participate in 100% of the course Certification requirements 1. Certification is a two-step process involving successful completion of the WSIT course and successful completion of the teaching apprenticeship 2. Candidates are required to attend, participate and complete 100% of the core of the course and teaching apprenticeship 3. AITs must maintain a current WSI certification during the two-year apprenticeship- a 2 year recertification card is issued by Red Cross upon successful completion of the WSIT course Apprenticeship: Upon successful completion of the WSIT course, the candidate is designated as an Apprentice Instructor Trainer (AIT) The AIT has two years from the end date of the WSIT course to complete the teaching apprenticeships: one co-teach of the AWSI course (30 hours) and one co-teach of the WSI course (25 hours) Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Services WS-OT-IN-20201-E Page 7

For both co-teaches, the AIT must: o attend the entire course o teach at least 50% of the wet and dry course content o participate in evaluating AWSI and WSI candidates in the core course and their teaching experience (if included in the core course) o participate in course planning and debriefing with the supervising WSIT o review plans and performance with the Mentoring Master Instructor Trainer (MIT) and Supervising WSIT o ensure he/she and the Supervising WSIT have signed appropriate forms. The AIT is responsible for submitting signed Water Safety Instructor Trainer Apprenticeship Teaching Evaluation forms to the Mentoring MIT and the Red Cross Contact Centre (Only forms with Mentoring MIT signature will be processed for certification) A maximum of one AIT can be evaluated per course (other AITs may participate to observe, but they will not be evaluated for certification purposes) Upon receipt of both signed Water Safety Instructor Trainer Apprenticeship Teaching Evaluation forms (AWSI and WSI), final certification will be determined by Red Cross based on: o pre-requisites met o core course successfully completed o apprenticeship successfully completed o recommendation for certification to Red Cross by Mentoring MIT. Extensions on apprenticeships are granted based upon activity (co-teaches on AWSI and WSI courses) during the two year apprenticeship. AITs attend the WSIT Recertification workshops to maintain a current WSI certification if continuing with the apprenticeship process. Certification Candidates are evaluated using national evaluation forms in the WSIT manual: Core of course Apprenticeship teaching-water Safety Instructor Trainer Apprenticeship Teaching Evaluation (AWSI and WSI apprenticeship use the same template form). Certification is valid for a two-year period from the WSIT course date. Only Water Safety Instructor Trainers with a current certification may teach the Red Cross Swim Instructor Development (the AWSI and WSI courses and WSI Recerts) and Red Cross Swim programs. Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Services WS-OT-IN-20201-E Page 8

Water Safety Master Instructor Trainer (MIT) Master Instructor Trainers facilitate WSIT courses and recerts, mentor and recommend certification for Assistant Instructor Trainers, volunteer and act as a key link between Water Safety Services and the community. Pre-requisites 1. Hold a current Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer certification for at least two years and be in good standing with Red Cross 2. Complete an application process 3. Be referred by a Red Cross First Aid/Water Safety staff person or Western Zone MIT Candidates should have demonstrated strength and experience in the following: Facilitation: Safety supervision, teaching, communication, class management and evaluation skills. Able to present information and direct structured learning experiences. Sensitive to group dynamics and impact on learning experience Mentorship: Leadership, evaluation and communication skills. Provides guidance, coaching or tutoring that encourages application of knowledge Program Development: Teaching and evaluation skills. Plans and implements new initiatives to meet organizational, community or program needs Program Administration: Class management and administration skills. Coordinates elements (time, facilities, equipment, materials, participants, etc.) of learning events to ensure smooth operation. The volunteer Master Instructor Trainer position is appointed based on a combination of community need, program activity and interested and committed individuals. Once appointed, MITs work with Regional Program Representatives to conduct regional training and support volunteer needs. Position Responsibilities Once a Master Instructor Trainer has been appointed, MIT status is maintained for a minimum two-year period. This is subject to the Master Instructor Trainer's ability to meet the position responsibilities. At the conclusion of the two-year period, the Master Instructor Trainer and the Red Cross representative reaffirm the MIT s continued involvement and commitment to the program. Professional Commitment Commit to volunteering in the MIT program for a minimum of two years Participate in regional and Western Canada MIT Professional Development activities Model and promote the Red Cross Mission and Seven Fundamental Principles Liaise with the Program Representative about program related issues Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Services WS-OT-IN-20201-E Page 9

Maintain contact and experience with all levels of the Red Cross Swim and Instructor Development Programs through volunteering and professional participation Maintain a current WSIT certification as per the guidelines set out in the Water Safety Information and Policy Guide In two years, conduct a minimum of one WSIT course or one WSITR workshop as needed in the region. Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Services WS-OT-IN-20201-E Page 10

SECTION III Recertification Process and Policies Water Safety Instructor and Instructor Trainer Water Safety Instructor (WSI) and Water Safety Instructor Trainer (WSIT) certifications are recertified within two years of the previous certification date to be considered current. Only WSIs and WSITs with current certifications may teach the Red Cross Swim programs. Authorized Providers (APs) are the primary agent delivering Instructor Recertification Workshops. The Red Cross schedules WSIT Recert workshops. Instructor Trainer/Instructor ratio: 1:16 Master Instructor Trainer/Instructor Trainer ratio: 1:12 Water Safety Instructor Recertification Workshop dates are listed in InfoFax each month. A complete list of dates is also available through the Contact Centre at 1-888-307-7997. Recertification requirements To successfully recertify, a WSI must: Attend a WSI recert workshop or Red Cross identified alternative (attend and participate in 100% of the recertification workshop) Pay the AP all associated fees. Contact a facility (Authorized Provider) to register directly. The workshop is four to five hours and focuses on: Program support: Support to WSIs in the delivery of the Red Cross Swim Program (Red Cross Swim Preschool, Red Cross Swim Kids and AquaAdults) Red Cross update: Red Cross Swim Program issues and products, information on the other programs and services of the Red Cross, and details about volunteer opportunities. Water Safety Instructor Trainer Notification (WSIT only) An invitation to recertify will be generated three times per year. WSITs will receive a package that outlines recertification requirements and registration information. All awards expire on the last day of the month. To ensure you receive your notification package, the Contact Centre requires your current address. Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Services WS-OT-IN-20201-E Page 11

Recertification requirements To successfully recertify, a WSIT must: Meet the certification pre-requisites- Conduct one AWSI course; or, Conduct one WSI course; or, Conduct two WSI recertification workshops; or alternative as identified by Red Cross Attend and participates in 100% of a WSIT recert workshop or Red Cross identified alternative Pay Red Cross all associated fees. Contact the Red Cross Contact Centre to register directly. The workshop is seven hours and focuses on: Program support: support to WSITs in the delivery of the Instructor Development Courses Red Cross update: Red Cross Swim Program issues and products, information on the other programs and services of the Red Cross, and details about volunteer opportunities. Grace Period There is a two-year grace period for the Water Safety Instructor and Instructor Trainer certifications. During the two-year period immediately following the expiry date of the certification, the Instructor or Instructor Trainer may attend a Recertification Workshop (all pre-requisites must be complete to register) to recertify the WSI or WSIT certification. To meet the pre-requisite requirements, an Instructor Trainer within his/her grace period who has not taught the required number of course/workshops to recertify can assist on the outstanding courses/workshops, with a current Instructor Trainer or Master Instructor Trainer. Once the two-year grace period has been exceeded, the candidates complete a Water Safety Instructor course (WSITs must also complete required advanced leadership courses) to regain current certification. During the grace period, Instructors/Instructor Trainers cannot teach the Red Cross Swim or the Instructor Development Programs. Certification Extension The purpose of the certification extension is to allow Instructors/Instructor Trainers to maintain a current certification status for a short period at the start of their grace period to continue teaching before attending a Recertification Workshop. Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Services WS-OT-IN-20201-E Page 12

Certification extensions will be granted in the event of either: Cancellation of a Recertification Workshop by the facility, Red Cross or the Instructor Trainer Extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the candidate, i.e. death in the immediate family, medical reasons (medical documentation is required for illness). An Instructor/Instructor Trainer will be able to continue to teach for the period of the extension. Certification extensions are not granted after the grace period has expired (more than two years from certification expiry) or for those clearly within a grace period (less than two years from certification expiry). Procedure: To request a certification extension, call the Red Cross Contact Centre at 1-888-307-7997 or 262-1208 for local calls placed in Calgary. Card Replacements Instructors/Instructor Trainers needing to replace a card can do so through the Red Cross Contact Centre. Replacement cards are $15.00. Instructor Relocation AWSI, WSI and WSIT certifications (part of the Canadian Red Cross National Water Safety Instructor Development Program) are valid across Canada. Contact the Red Cross Contact Centre with any changes of address or contact information to ensure your certification information is kept current. Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Services WS-OT-IN-20201-E Page 13

SECTION IV General Policies Responsibilities of Red Cross Water Safety Instructors Refer to the Water Safety Instructor Manual, Appendices, Appendix B2, p. A2.3, Code of Conduct. Informal Grievance Procedure Once an Instructor/Instructor Trainer has been certified and is teaching courses, a Canadian Red Cross representative may, where level of performance is suspect, monitor the Instructor/Instructor Trainer s teaching activity to confirm their acceptability and proficiency in skills and teaching ability. The purpose of an informal grievance process is to ensure that individuals participating in a Red Cross course have access to Red Cross in the event that there is disagreement in decisions (i.e., failure of a Water Safety Instructor course). Grievances can be presented to the Red Cross in writing, via e-mail, fax or in person. Red Cross is committed and accountable for following up appropriately with all grievances. If the issue is found to fall within the boundaries of revocation, the guidelines within the revocation policy will be followed. Revocation Policy for Water Safety Instructors/Instructor Trainers Refer to the Assistant Water Safety Instructor Manual, Appendices, Appendix J, pp. A.27 Privacy Policy Canadian Red Cross may provide lists of active WSIs to Authorized Providers needing to run courses. Should you NOT want your name distributed for this purpose, please notify us. For a complete copy of the Privacy Policy, go to www.redcross.ca and select the link Web Privacy Policy (bottom right corner of the page). Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Services WS-OT-IN-20201-E Page 14

SECTION V Red Cross Guidelines The following policies and procedures can be used in the event an employer does not have such guidelines already in place. Harassment Policy Code of Conduct: Refer to the Assistant Water Safety Instructor (AWSI) Manual, Appendices, Appendix C, p. A.5 and Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Manual B2, p. A2.3; Definition of Harassment: Refer to Assistant Water Safety Instructor (AWSI) Manual, Appendix H, p.a.24 Child/Youth Maltreatment Guidelines Refer to the AWSI Manual Appendices, Appendix H, p. A.23. Policy Statement on Rescue Breathing Refer to AWSI Manual Appendices, Appendix M, p. A.33. Preventing Disease Transmission in First Aid Refer to AWSI Manual Appendices, Appendix N, p. A.34. Mannequin Decontamination Guidelines Refer to AWSI Appendices, Appendix O, p. A.35 Contact Centre Information Mail: 100-1305-11th Avenue SW, Calgary AB, T3C 3P6 Phone: 1-888-307-7997 Fax: 1-800-811-8877 Calgary Customers: 262-1208 E-mail: wz-contactcentre@redcross.ca AWSIs, WSIs and WSITs can use the Contact Centre to: Access course schedules for Instructor development training Register for WSIT certification/recertification courses Process award extensions & transfers; Have calls transferred toll-free to other FAWSS staff Order Facilitator Guides (WSITs) Apply to become an Authorized Provider. Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Services WS-OT-IN-20201-E Page 15