New Zealand and Australia

---

In New Zealand and Australia you must gain your Bronze Medallion in order to become a qualified Surf Lifesaver.

Testing & Exams

The qualifying test to become a Surf Lifesaver includes both theoretical and practical components.

Theoretical

This includes

• Ressucitation (CPR & EAR)
• First Aid
• Signals
• Communication/radios
• workbook
• Exam

Pratical

• Timed run swim run
• 4 rescue techniques (tube, board, spinal board and spinal carry)
• Scenarios

Requirements

• You must be at least 15 years of age
• You must swim 400 m in under 9 minutes before you can start the course
• You must run 200 m, swim 200 m, run 200 m in 8 minutes in surf conditions
• You must perform a tube and a board rescue
• You must demonstrate putting a patient in the recovery position
• You must demonstrate CPR
• You must demonstrate radio communication & first aid
• You must pass a written test on First Aid as well as all Surf Lifesaving practices.

Canada

---

In Canada, Bronze Medallion is the first step towards the lifeguarding certification, NLS. The award is part of the Lifesaving Society's Bronze series of awards. Bronze Medallion includes water safety, rescues, resuscitation, and an introduction to spinal injury management. It is the prerequisite for Bronze Cross; Bronze Cross, Standard First Aid with CPR-C and 16 years of age are the prerequisites for NLS. NLS is the only valid lifeguarding certification in Canada.

Prerequisites

• 13 years of age, OR
• Bronze Star

United Kingdom

---

In the United Kingdom, the Bronze Medallion is the flagship award of the Royal Life Saving Society UK. It is open to those age 14 years of age and over, and consists of resuscitation, theory questions on water safety, self rescue, and rescue principles, and a practical, swimming pool based assessment.

Surf lifesaving