It is essential for young people to develop appropriate behaviors in river and lake environments like ours. How should they respond when someone is in distress? Far from being moralizing, and focused instead on action, the Lifesaving Society’s Swim to Survive+ program engages and challenges teens to think and move.

Swim to Survive+ can even be integrated into school physical education periods, as the classroom teacher can actively participate in delivering the program.

The Standard

The Canadian Swim to Survive standard has been enhanced! The “+” means that the three core skills (roll entry, floating, and swimming 50 m) will now be performed in a more realistic context—that is, with clothing (we are rarely in swimwear during an unexpected fall into deep water!).

In addition to giving students the opportunity to learn new self-rescue techniques, the program created by the Lifesaving Society teaches Grade 7 and 8 students how to safely help a friend in need.

With Swim to Survive+, they will also be introduced to basic fitness concepts through interval training and swimming practice.

  • It is not necessary to have participated in the Swim to Survive program for students aged 8 and over (elementary schools).
  • The clothing recommended for the Swim to Survive+ program includes: long pants, and a short- or long-sleeved shirt.
  • Swim to Survive+ is adapted to the various swimming abilities of students, making it an entry point for introducing beginners to the water.

Theoretical Concepts

Helping a Friend
Recognize the signs of a person in distress as well as the environmental conditions that continue to change;
Analyze and assess how to intervene;
Take action according to the first steps of the tiered approach.

Self-Rescue
And if, despite everything, I find myself alone in a dangerous situation… with no objects to hold onto? Let’s take advantage of the pool (a safe setting) to experience the resistance of water when the swimmer is clothed, and even “create” floating aids with our clothing!

Impaired Abilities
Have you already been lectured about drugs? Their effects, the consequences? Just remember this: using them on the water is like using them three times over!

Hypothermia
Understand the seriousness of the early signs of hypothermia in order to respond appropriately by performing the recommended actions in such circumstances.

Peer Influence
Don’t swim after eating; don’t hold your breath underwater; a drowning victim surfaces three times before going under… Is this obvious fact or aquatic myth?

Ice
Where, when, and how to enjoy a frozen lake?
With whom and with what equipment should you go?

Eligibility Criteria

The program is intended for Grade 7 and 8 students whose school is located in Québec. If your school does not have a pool, it is possible to establish a partnership with an aquatic centre or another facility equipped with a swimming basin. Financial assistance of up to $25 per student is available to cover transportation costs, pool rental fees, and the lifeguard’s salary.

The physical education teacher can integrate the theoretical and practical content of the Swim to Survive+ program into their regular classes. The theoretical concepts can be covered in their entirety or through a minimum of four themes selected according to students’ interests (based on the setting, the seasons, or other factors). This content can be presented before or during the pool sessions. A minimum of five hours of in-water activities is required — however, any combination or extension of the allotted time is possible.

Participation

CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION

After consulting with their colleagues, a member of the school staff (often, but not necessarily, a physical education teacher) contacts the aquatic facility manager to coordinate the pool portion of the program. This person is responsible for supervising and overseeing the group of students during the practical sessions.

The physical education teacher may plan their regular classes to include the theoretical and practical content of Swim to Survive+ (instruction, supervision, and guidance).