Ripples Banner 2017
Canada's Leader in Drowning Prevention
In This Issue
Upcoming Events
Lifesaving Society SwimAbilities Instructor Course - Okotoks

Zone: Calgary
 Hosted by: Town of Okotoks

 Date: January 4-5, 2018

Lifesaving Society SwimAbilities Instructor Course - Edmonton

 Zone: Edmonton
 Hosted by: MacEwan University
 Location: MacEwan University

 Date: January 13-14, 2018

Trainer Mandatory Update Clinic - January 2018

 Zone: Edmonton
 Hosted by: City of Edmonton
 Location: Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre

 Date: January 26-27, 2018

Location: Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre

Date: January 27-28, 2018

Sessions Offered:
  • Swim and Lifesaving Trainer
    Recertification
     
  • National Lifeguard Instructor and Trainer Recertification
     
  • First Aid Instructor and Trainer Recertification
December 06, 2017
Training Programs
SwimAbilities Instructor Courses

January 4-5, 2018 (Host: Town of Okotoks)                  Register
January 13-14, 2018 (Host: MacEwan University)        Register
I n-Person Leadership Recertification Course & Trainer Mandatory Update Clinic
January 26-28, 2018
Edmonton Zone (Host: City of Edmonton - Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre)
 Leadership Recertification Course Registration Information
 Trainer Mandatory Update Clinic Registration Information
Public Education
New Caregiver Supervision Workbook
The Lifesaving Society has introduced a new Caregiver Supervision Workbook . Caregiver Supervision is a free, knowledge based participation program designed for caregivers of all types (parents, grandparents, coaches, teachers, day care supervisors, babysitters, aides, camp leaders, etc.). The purpose of this program is to learn about active supervision, drowning recognition, rescue response and other valuable information caregivers will benefit from while supervising or coaching children in an aquatic environment.

This self-directed program is offered through an electronic workbook containing ten modules. All the participants need is access to a computer. Participants can learn at their own pace. The program information may also be delivered in person to a group. Each module has three 'test your knowledge' questions to reinforce key messages and learnings. The workbook also contains an answer key. Once all ten modules are complete participants may self-print a certificate of completion .

The workbook may also be ordered from the Society in hard copy for $5.00.

No specialized certification is required to take or deliver this program. There are no prerequisites required for this program.

For more information on the program visit our website.
New Water Smart
® Resources - Be Ice Smart
The Society has recently created a new Water Smart resource, Be Ice Smart . This resource addresses how to stay safe as well as recommended minimum ice thickness for different loads/activities. This resource is available in rack card, poster and banner format (special order).
Fall Forum
The 2017 Fall Forum was held at the Best Western Plus Port O' Call Hotel in Calgary on Friday, November 17, 2017. Sixty (60) participants were in attendance. Thank you to everyone who attended!  It was a very engaging and informative day. Visit our website to see all the presentations.
Swim to Survive Advocacy Letter
The Lifesaving Society has written a standardized letter for our affiliates and community leaders to use to advocate teaching survival swimming to school-age children. This letter is easily customized and can be copied onto an organization's letterhead. All customizable fields are in CAPITAL LETTERS. 

We encourage our affiliates to provide this letter to their organizational leadership to send to the Minister of Education and community elected officials to help increase awareness about drowning and to support teaching school-age children basic swimming, water safety and safe rescue skills. Using a standardized template and messaging will have a greater impact and will help to build awareness and influence decision makers.

The Lifesaving Society's Swim to Survive® program is a simple, easy and an affordable way for schools to give students a meaningful swimming experience and provide them with essential water survival skills. Swim to Survive® keeps students engaged, moving and having fun and increases their physical literacy. Inclusion is a key element of the program design and can be adapted to meet cultural considerations. The program is appropriate for all ages and skill levels. Anybody can learn and anyone from a school, community organization or aquatic facility can teach the program.

For some children, particularly new Canadians, participating in Swim to Survive® will be their first step to being safe around water.
Member Services
Lifesaving Society Office Closure
Please be advised that the Lifesaving Society office will be closed for the holiday at Noon on Friday, December 22 until January 1. The office will reopen Tuesday, January 2 at 8:30 am.

Since it is a busy season, we kindly ask that you submit your orders by Monday, December 18.
Safety Management
Cannabis and Impairment in the Workplace
There is much discussion occurring in the aquatics industry regarding the legalization of cannabis and how workplaces will manage this. It is important to note that in Alberta and the Northwest Territories we already have a process to deal with workers who are impaired on the job - whether by alcohol or drugs - as they may be a danger to themselves, their co-workers, and put the public at risk. Any individual who is impaired should not be at work.
Although Alberta already has rules and programs in place to address impairment on the job and keep workers safe, the Government of Alberta has committed to review occupational health and safety regulations and work with employers, labour groups and workers to ensure the rules continue to address impairment issues prior to July 2018. The government has indicated that this review may result in the development of additional regulations, education or training programs.
The Lifesaving Society will continue to monitor this topic and provide updates and clarifications as it relates to our drowning prevention mandate. Additional information can also be found below:
New Safety Standards
The Lifesaving Society is recognized as a leader in developing standards for activities in, on and around water. Through its Safety Standards Commission, the Society sets national aquatic environment standards and clarifies existing provincial/territorial regulations.

Review the new national safety standards that have been posted to the Lifesaving Society Canada's website  and Lifesaving Society Alberta website . There are now a total of 27 national safety standards for aquatic environments.

Lifesaving Society Canada's National Safety Standards are developed using Fatality Inquiries and Coroners' Inquest recommendations, the latest evidence-based research, and reflect the aquatic industry's best practices at the time the publication was approved or revised.  The purpose of these standards is to encourage swimming pool, waterpark and waterfront owners, managers, operators and regulators to adopt these standards in order to prevent drownings in aquatic environments.

Lifesaving Society Canada's National Safety Standards do not replace or supersede local, provincial/territorial or federal legislation or regulations, but they are considered the standard to which aquatic facility operators should work towards in order to enhance safety within their operations and to prevent drowning and aquatic-related injury.
Lifesaving Sport
Upcoming Competitions
January 20-21 - City of Wetaskiwin Orcas - Wetaskiwin Chill 2018 
Entry Deadline is January 16, 2018
February 23-25 - City of Calgary Poseidon/Town of Cochrane Water Ninjas - The Rockies Invitational
Entry Deadline is February 13, 2018
Canada's Drowning Prevention Charity
The Lifesaving Society Alberta and Northwest Territories Branch
Charitable Registration No. 11912 9021 RR0001
 1-780-415-1755 |  [email protected] |  http://www.lifesaving.org
13123 - 156 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5V 1V2

The Lifesaving Society Alberta and Northwest Territories Branch would like to thank our supporter:


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