Policies

The Lifesaving Society’s reputation in aquatic safety and its status as a charitable organization impose high expectations of professional and ethical behaviour. The Society’s reputation depends on the integrity of its volunteers, instructors, staff and other representatives. Members of the Society carry a high burden of trust.


The way in which that trust is discharged determines to a great extent the Society’s success and the place of pride it enjoys in the aquatic community and in society at large. Individuals and organizations that interact with the Society can expect a high level of integrity and respect from the Society. This code of conduct outlines the ethical standards of conduct expected of individuals, employees, volunteers interacting with the Society, and details the Society’s policy with respect to workplace discrimination, bullying and harassment and workplace violence.

Under the Lifesaving Society’s certification review policy, a certification review committee conducts confidential investigations of serious complaints and recommends appropriate action that may include probation, suspension, revocation of appointment or decertification. The policy applies to holders of Lifesaving Society leadership appointments including instructors, coaches and trainers who deliver the Society’s program to others. The policy may apply to other award holders including lifeguards who fail to maintain or reflect the Society’s standards. All concerns should be brought forward to the Society in writing and addressed to the Lifesaving Society British Columbia & Yukon Branch Executive Director.

The Lifesaving Society’s training programs are designed to maximize the participation and success of individuals of various ages, skill levels and abilities. The Lifesaving Society encourages its Affiliate Members to use their discretion in the placement and advancement of individuals with special needs. For example, if more practice would correct a problem identified by the instructor, then it is in the best interest of the participant to remain at the same level.

The Society recognizes that some individuals may be unable to achieve all the performance criteria (Must Sees) for some items. In the Society’s Swim for Life®, Swim to Survive Programs, Swim Patrol, Bronze Star, Junior Lifeguard Club, Lifesaving Fitness, and Lifesaving Sport Fundamentals programs, if an individual can complete the item(s) with modifications or otherwise achieve the purpose statement(s), then the programmer/instructor should advance the participant to the next level as long as this does not compromise the safety of the individual or others.

While the Society welcomes the participation in vocational certifications and other Lifesaving Society rescue awards, certification is based solely on an individual’s ability to meet the performance criteria (Must Sees) without modification. Those lifesaving awards include Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross. Vocational certifications include: National Lifeguard, all Instructor awards, Coaching awards, Trainer appointments and in all First Aid awards.