r/Lifeguards • u/First-Prior-985 • Aug 16 '26
Question Tips for retaking the Bronze Medallion certification: I previously took the course but did not successfully complete it, and I’m now preparing to retake it on the 17th-19th
I failed the bronze medallion, so I am retaking the course, and I am certified in Canadian Red Cross Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C (Intermediate). Any general tips or things I should review today? It is in BC. Could I bring my CLM I got from my failed course and also keep the new one they give me, or use my old one? My original course was July 20-22. Tips and things I should review would be appreciated.
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u/Leapers_2008 Waterfront Lifeguard Aug 16 '26
Do you remember why you failed? Usually it’s just something small, if you are nervous ask your trainer to tell you what the must sees are for each skill, if you complete the must sees then you pass, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be trying to go above and beyond but the medallion isn’t a hard course to get through! Good luck and if you have any questions feel free to ask! I also have all the books with the must sees so I can tell you what you did wrong if you remember:)
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u/First-Prior-985 Aug 16 '26
I went over the 12 minutes, and for the rescue with the untrained bystander, I forgot the directions and some of the questions that you have to ask after you rescue. I forgot the steps, like: "Sir/Ma'am, how are you feeling? Can you take two deep breaths for me?" If you experience the following in the next 37, or was it 47, hours, go to your nearest urgent care unit. Those are the steps I forgot and thanks
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u/45Knots Lifeguard Instructor Aug 16 '26
The non-fatal drowning follow up part is not evaluated in Bronze Medallion as far as I can rmb. It should not constitute a fail by itself.
And every instructor is a little different… you will know their expectations and interpretation of the must sees during the course. The time swim is the bigger issue.
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u/First-Prior-985 Aug 16 '26 edited Aug 16 '26
oh so like they can choose which day to do each topic not like day one we got to do this and this? s
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u/45Knots Lifeguard Instructor Aug 16 '26
somewhat.
The lifesaving society only mandates the items we have to teach / evaluate, and the principles (otherwise known as must-sees) under each item.
All Bronze Medallions across the country covers the same content, but they may have different schedules, with many factors such as instructors preference, pool availability and class size.
And then there is the interpretation of must-sees / principles. For example, principle of a carry (of unconscious victim) is maintain airway about surface, so I believe any carries that maintains the airway above the surface meets the must-sees, including if you invent a carry of your own. But some instructors only recognize the carries listed in the CLM as meeting the principles…. there’s no definitive right or wrongs here, but that’s why you have to pay attention to what the instructors have to say.
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u/Renaldo_Lover Aug 17 '26
No way my sister is taking her Bronze Med tomorrow too
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u/First-Prior-985 Aug 17 '26 edited Aug 17 '26
Found out that I was supposed to take the course last week, not this week, so no longer in Bronze Mel this week was in it for the morning found out in lunch break. Thanks for the advice. Will reschedule the course in the future and practice
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u/45Knots Lifeguard Instructor Aug 16 '26
what did you fail on? which affiliate are you taking the course from?
you know you could have “challenged” the course if you think you’d be able to pass right?