2009–001
Issuer Audience Topic
February 27, 2009
Preparedness and Health and Safety Services Health and Safety Services Swimming and Water Safety (r.09) Program Release
Section I – Program Overview
Audience: Anyone interested in teaching or offering the Swimming and Water Safety program. This information should be distributed to currently authorized instructors, instructor trainers and other appropriate individuals. Section I is also available on Instructor’s Corner.
Section II – Administrative Information
Audience: Health and Safety Services administrators and committees, leadership volunteers and chapter management. This information is for internal use only and should not be shared outside of the organization. Please make copies of the sections and share them with the appropriate audiences.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section I ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………................. Program Overview……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Highlights of the Swimming and Water Safety Program…………………………………………………………………. Courses and Presentations Information…………………………………………………………………………………… Continuing Education Units………………………………………………………………………………………………… Program Materials………………………………………………………………………………………………………….... Swimming and Water Safety (r.04) Program Guidance…………………………………………………………………. Existing (r.04) Materials……………………………………………………………………………………………. Administrative Guidelines for Setting Up Training………………………………………………………………… Instructor Trainer and Instructor Information……………………………………………………………………………… Current Swimming and Water Safety Instructor Trainers………………………………………………………... Instructor Trainer Reauthorization………………………………………………………………………………….. Current Water Safety Instructors…………………………………………………………………. Instructor Reauthorization…………………………………………………………………………………………… Water Safety (r.09) Instructor Course…………………………………………………………………………….... Hosting a Group Orientation………………………………………………………………………………………… Group Orientation Outline………………………………………………………………………………………. Verification Forms……………………………………………………………………………………………….. Aquatics Leaders……………………………………………………………………………………………………... Group Orientation Outline for Aquatics Leaders……………………………………………………………... Instructor Aides……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Marketing Resources………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Additional Resources for Instructor Trainers and Instructors……………………………………………………………. 3 3 3 3 5 5 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 11 12 14 14 15 15 15
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Section I
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The American Red Cross is pleased to announce the release of a newly revised and improved Swimming and Water Safety program that provides an increased emphasis in the areas of drowning prevention and water safety and emphasizes an inclusive approach to swimming and water safety. The program continues the proud tradition of teaching people to swim and be safer in, on and around water. In addition, the program includes courses for all age groups and varying abilities, as well as a variety of courses and presentations to help teach all age groups how to enjoy the water safely and how to stay safe in the event of an emergency. Included are new tools, such as newsletters and achievement cards for each level, to assist with better and more proactive communication with participants, parents and caregivers.
HIGHLIGHTS OF SWIMMING AND WATER SAFETY PROGRAM
Program highlights include— • An increased emphasis on water safety and drowning prevention as the basis of swimming and water recreation. • New placement and distribution of the skills throughout the Learn-to-Swim levels to help reduce bottlenecks and optimize skill acquisition. • New, up-to-date diving techniques and progressions, including a revised approach and takeoff. • The most current biomechanics concepts and stroke descriptions. • Three new swim levels specifically designed for the developmental needs of preschool-age children so they achieve success at regular intervals. • New content to help Water Safety instructors improve their teaching skills and better serve participants of varying ages and abilities, including those with disabilities and other health conditions. • Newsletters that can be personalized with facility information, designed to provide parents, caregivers and participants with safety information, tips for working on skills between lessons and appropriate expectations for each level of lessons. • A completely new Longfellow’s WHALE Tales DVD that supports 9 of the 11 WHALE Tales lessons and features new animation, narration and a WHALE Tales theme song. • An updated Longfellow’s WHALE Tales K-6 Educational Packet will release in spring 2009. • Achievement cards for every level—options for both youth and mature audiences. • Sample block and lesson plans for every level, along with templates for instructors to create their own.
COURSES AND PRESENTATION INFORMATION
Swimming and Water Safety Program Content • Water Safety Instructor course The purpose is to train instructor candidates to teach Parent and Child Aquatics, Preschool Aquatics, Learn-to-Swim and water safety courses and presentations. • Parent and Child Aquatics (2 levels) The purpose is to teach safe behaviors around the water and develop swimming readiness by leading parents and their children in water exploration activities with the objective of having fun and becoming comfortable in, on and around water. • Preschool Aquatics (3 levels) The purpose is to promote the developmentally appropriate learning of fundamental water safety and aquatic skills by young children. Red Cross Preschool Aquatics teaches aquatic and safety skills in a logical progression through three levels of courses. • Learn-to-Swim (6 levels) o Level 1: Introduction to Water Skill o Level 2: Fundamental Aquatic Skills o Level 3: Stroke Development o Level 4: Stroke Improvement o Level 5: Stroke Refinement
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o Level 6: Swimming and Skill Proficiency Personal Water Safety Fundamentals of Diving Fitness Swimmer Longfellow’s WHALE Tales This program is a dry land water safety program that includes information on the following topics: o Be Cool, Follow the Rule o Don’t Just Pack It, Wear Your Jacket o Swim with a Buddy in a Supervised Area o Look Before You Leap o Think, So You Don’t Sink o Reach or Throw, Don’t Go o Think Twice Before Going Near Cold Water or Ice o Learn About Boating Before You Go Floating o Too Much Sun Is No Fun o In Your House and In Your Yard, Watch for Water, Be on Guard o Wave, Tide or Ride, Follow the Guide Water safety presentations o Water Safety Today This 2-hour presentation teaches participants how to recognize, prevent and respond to emergencies in, on and around the water. o General Water Safety This 30-minute presentation provides individuals with an awareness of the importance of water safety training and key information on being safe in, on and around water. o Home Pool Safety This 30-minute presentation provides information for home pool owners and apartment pool users on how to keep their family and guests safe in an aquatic environment. o Parent Orientation to Swim Lessons This 30-minute presentation provides an orientation for parents to Red Cross swim lessons offered at local aquatic facilities. o Sun Safety This 30-minute presentation teaches participants the dangers of too much exposure to direct sunlight. Participants learn how to protect themselves and others when enjoying activities in the sun. o Rip Current Safety This 30-minute presentation provides individuals with an awareness of the dangers of rip currents. Participants learn how to recognize rip currents, how to avoid them and what to do if caught in one. Basic Water Rescue This is a 4-hour certification course that provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies. It also prepares participants for aquatic emergencies by teaching them how to protect themselves while assisting others. NOTE: Written exams are available on CrossNet. Contact your local chapter. Personal Water Safety This 5-hour certification course teaches participants how to prevent personal injuries and emergencies in, on and around the water. The course helps participants learn how to improve their swimming skills, increase their endurance. Participants also learn survival and self-rescue techniques. It provides basic information on ocean safety (rip currents), safety at waterparks and boating. Safety Training for Swim Coaches This course was developed in collaboration with USA Swimming and it is designed to provide participants training in aquatic safety. It focuses on basic knowledge and skills to prevent and respond appropriately to many of the emergencies that can occur in a competitive swimming environment. Content modifications were made for consistency with the Swimming and Water Safety (r.09) program, including updating page references. Technical clarifications were made, at the request of USA Swimming, related to teaching and overseeing headfirst entries and racing starts. Several final written exam questions were revised to place more emphasis on knowledge of headfirst entries.
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Continuing Education Units Available The American Red Cross has been approved as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). In obtaining this approval, the Red Cross has demonstrated that it complies with the ANSI/IACET Standards which are widely recognized as standards of good practice internationally. As a result of their Authorized Provider membership status, Red Cross is authorized to offer IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for its programs that qualify under the ANSI/IACET Standards. Additional information about CEUs is available.
PROGRAM MATERIALS
Water Safety Instructor Candidate’s Kit Includes the following items: • Water Safety Instructor’s Manual with CD-ROM • Swimming and Water Safety • Raffy Learns to Swim • Waddles in the Deep • Water Safety Handbook Swimming and Water Safety The completely redesigned manual— • Has a crisp, easy-to-follow layout • Features a greater emphasis on drowning prevention and water safety while maintaining a strong focus on swimming and diving skills. • Contains straight forward, easy-to-read information with an intuitive information flow. Water Safety Instructor’s Manual with CD-ROM A fully redesigned Water Safety Instructor’s Manual featuring— • An increased emphasis on water safety information and survival skills in each level of lessons. • Clear, concise plans and reference material with a significant organizational revision to simplify instructor preparation time and effort. • A redistribution of skills, based on feedback from instructors in the field, to reduce bottlenecks. • Practical advice for creating an inclusive aquatic instructional environment: o Increased emphasis on creating instructor confidence and comfort in teaching participants with disabilities and other health conditions who do not require adaptive swimming instruction. o Emphasis on appropriate language and instructional tactics for various disabilities and other health conditions. • Three separate levels of Preschool Aquatics that focus on developmentally-appropriate introduction of skills to help bridge participants from Parent and Child Aquatics to Learn-to-Swim courses. A revised Water Safety Instructor’s CD-ROM that includes information for both instructors and swimming and water safety program coordinators. Features include— • Attractive newsletters, with space for facility logo and information, designed to provide parents, caregivers and participants with safety information, tips for helping participants progress between lessons and appropriate expectations for each level of lessons. • Achievement cards for every level – both young and mature swimmer versions. • Certificates for every level (except level 6) are available for both youth and mature audiences. • Sample block and lesson plans for every level, along with templates for instructors to create their own. Guide for Training Water Safety Instructors (only available from local chapter) • Provides lesson plans and other pertinent information to help ensure standardization of training among all Water Safety instructors. • Gives both new and experienced Water Safety instructor trainers the tools to teach with confidence.
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Raffy Learns to Swim • Redesigned to be integrated into Learn-to-Swim Level 1, as well as Preschool Aquatics Levels 1 and 2. This booklet contains 16 pages of colorful illustrations wrapped around an engaging story designed for parents and caregivers to read with their children. The story will help children prepare for swim lessons and provides a framework for families to talk about what they are learning in class and how to be safe in, on and around the water. The booklet also includes achievement cards to track participants’ progress through the levels. Waddles in the Deep • Redesigned to be integrated into Learn-to-Swim Levels 2 and 3, as well as Preschool Aquatics Level 3. This booklet contains 16 pages of colorful illustrations wrapped around an engaging story designed for parents and caregivers to read with their children. The story will help children prepare for swim lessons and provides a framework for families to talk about what they are learning in class and how to be safe in, on and around the water. The booklet also includes achievement cards to track participants’ progress through the levels. Longfellow’s WHALE Tales K-6 Educational Packet (will release in spring 2009) • The new Longfellow’s WHALE Tales will continue the tradition of quality safety lessons. • An updated CD-ROM contains eight reformatted lessons and three new lessons on sun safety, water safety around the home and water safety in different environments, such as waterparks, lakes and rivers, along with other materials for leaders to teach the course. Longfellow’s WHALE Tales DVD – 25 minutes • A completely new, WHALE Tales DVD features new animation, narration and a WHALE Tales theme song. The WHALE Tales DVD supports the updated educational packet. Swimming and Diving Skills DVD – 1 hour, 20 minutes • Covers in detail six swimming strokes, starts and turns and the steps for teaching diving. • Provides standardized demonstration of the skills to help instructors understand efficient and effective skills. Teaching Swimming and Water Safety DVD – 1 hours, 26 minutes • An updated Teaching Swimming and Water Safety DVD helps WSI candidates develop their photographic eye and provide corrective feedback to swim skill development. • Video segments designed to complement the revised instructional design and course flow with the placement of skill details provided at each level of instruction. • Included in the DVD is enhanced content for Parent and Child Aquatics to provide a more complete depiction of a well-organized and implemented lesson, as well as more useful depictions of support and holding positions. Swimming and Water Safety Program DVD Set – 3 hours, 12 minutes • Swimming and Diving Skills – Approximately 1 hour, 20 minutes • Teaching Swimming and Water Safety – Approximately 1 hour, 26 minutes (this DVD is only available through the purchase of this DVD set; it is not sold separately) • Longfellow’s WHALE Tales – Approximately 26 minutes Water Safety Handbook (r.04) • Designed to increase safety wherever and whenever water sports are enjoyed, the Water Safety Handbook— o Includes safety tips for pools, spas, waterparks, lakes, rivers, oceans and more. o Is ideal for parents, the general public, youth in grades 4–12 or youth organizations and people who participate in activities in, on and around the water, such as camp staff and campers.
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American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety (r.09) Program Products StayWell Stock Number 651312 651321 651316 651313 651314 651317 651318 651319 651315 651323 651324 651306 Title Suggested Retail Price $51.95 $159.95 $94.95 $22.95 $25.95 $1.99 $1.99 $39.95 $17.95 $9.95 $35.00 $4.50
Water Safety Instructor Candidate’s Kit Swimming and Water Safety Program DVD Set Swimming and Diving Skills DVD Water Safety Instructor's Manual with CD-ROM Swimming and Water Safety Raffy Learns to Swim Waddles in the Deep Longfellow's WHALE Tales DVD Longfellow’s WHALE Tales K-6 Educational Packet Longfellow’s WHALE Tales Stickers Swimming and Water Safety Stroke Posters Water Safety Handbook (r.04)
StayWell will accept returns of current, unopened products from Red Cross chapters for up to 180 days from the date of the initial order. With the release of this Program Release Connection, StayWell will not accept returns of the discontinued, old editions of Swimming and Water Safety products. StayWell Ordering Information Please use the following directions when placing an order with StayWell: • Order online at www.shopstaywell.com or from Instructor’s Corner. • Call Customer Service at (800) 667-2968, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (ET). • Fax your order to the StayWell Order Entry Department at (877) 297-8525. • Mail your order, Attn.: Order Entry Dept, The StayWell Company, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. • E-mail your order to ARC@StayWell.com. There is no e-mail order form. Be sure to include the stock numbers and quantities requested.
SWIMMING AND WATER SAFETY (r.04) PROGRAM GUIDANCE
Existing (r.04) Materials • Existing Swimming and Water Safety (r.04) program materials cannot be returned to StayWell. • Swimming and Water Safety (r.04) program materials will NOT be available once current inventory is exhausted or by December 31, 2009, whichever comes first. • Swimming and Water Safety (r.04) program materials cannot be used in an instructor course after August 31, 2009. • Discontinued Program Materials – effective August 31, 2009: o Guide for Training Water Safety Instructors (r.04)(CrossNet) o Water Safety Instructor’s Manual with CD-ROM (Stock No. 651301)
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o Water Safety Instructor Candidate’s Kit (Stock No. 651311) • Discontinued Program Materials – effective December 31, 2009 (or when existing stock is depleted, whichever comes first): o Swimming and Water Safety Manual (Stock No. 651300) o Swimming and Diving Skills Video (Stock No. 651302) o Teaching Swimming and Water Safety video (Stock No. 651303) o Swimming and Diving Skills and Teaching Swimming and Water Safety DVD Set (Stock No. 651305) o Raffy Learns to Swim: American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Levels 1 and 2 (Stock No. 651307) o Waddles in the Deep: American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Levels 3 and 4 (Stock No. 651308) o Longfellow’s WHALE Tales Leader’s Pack with CD-ROM (Stock No. 651309) o Longfellow’s WHALE Tales Video (Stock No. 654710) Administrative Guidelines for Setting Up Training Chapters and authorized providers should communicate their plan for transitioning to the new basic- and instructor-level courses and be sure to modify their class schedules as necessary, including offering group orientations for updating instructors and instructor trainers. The following information provides the steps for updating current instructors and instructor trainers as well as training new candidates.
INSTRUCTOR TRAINER AND INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Instructor Trainers Authorizations There is only one instructor trainer authorization in the Swimming and Water Safety (r.09) program— Water Safety (r.09) Instructor Trainer. Instructor trainers may teach the following instructor courses and presentations: • Water Safety (r.09) Instructor course • Water Safety (r.09) Group Orientations • Crossover/Re-Entry Water Safety (r.09) Instructor course • Safety Training for Swim Coaches Instructor course Water Safety (r.09) instructor trainers may also teach the following basic-level courses: • Parent and Child Aquatics (2 levels) • Preschool Aquatics (3 levels) • Learn-to-Swim (6 levels) • Longfellow’s WHALE Tales • Water safety presentations (6 presentations) • Basic Water Rescue • Personal Water Safety • Safety Training for Swim Coaches Current Water Safety Instructor Trainers In order to maintain authorization, current Water Safety instructor trainers need to complete the following three steps: 1. Orient to the Swimming and Water Safety (r.09) program materials by: A. Completing the online instructor update; OR B. Attending a group orientation conducted by a Health and Safety program administrator or a Water Safety (r.09) instructor trainer; AND 2. Return a completed orientation verification form (available on Instructor’s Corner and on page 12 of this Program Release Connection) to the instructor trainer’s unit of authorization. 3. Complete Section VI Update or Re-training of the Application/Worksheet for Instructor Trainers (Attachment) and return to the unit of authorization for the new authorization indicating Water Safety (r.09) Instructor Trainer.
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Once instructor trainers turn in the completed and signed verification form and IT Application/Worksheet and it has been endorsed by the appropriate chapter representative, the chapter issues an Instructor Trainer Authorization Certificate (C3006) indicating Water Safety (r.09) or instructor trainers may access their instructor authorization transcript in the Learning Management System. They may then teach courses in the Swimming and Water Safety (r.09) program and conduct group orientation sessions for other Water Safety instructors and instructor trainers. Instructor Trainer Reauthorization To be reauthorized, Water Safety (r.09) instructor trainers must teach or co-teach one of the following within their authorization period: • Water Safety (r.09) Instructor course • Crossover/Re-Entry Instructor course • Water Safety (r.09) Instructor Trainer Practicum Instructors Authorizations There is only one instructor authorization in the Swimming and Water Safety (r.09) program—Water Safety (r.09) Instructor. Instructors may teach the following courses and presentations: • Parent and Child Aquatics (2 levels) • Preschool Aquatics (3 levels) • Learn-to-Swim (6 levels) • Longfellow’s WHALE Tales • Water safety presentations (6 presentations) • Basic Water Rescue • Personal Water Safety • Safety Training for Swim Coaches Current Water Safety Instructors In order to maintain authorization, current Water Safety instructors must complete the following steps: 1. Orient to the Swimming and Water Safety (r.09) program materials by: A. Completing the online instructor update; OR B. Attending a Group Orientation conducted by a Health and Safety Program administrator or a Water Safety (r.09) instructor trainer; AND 2. Return a completed orientation verification form (available on Instructor’s Corner and on page 12 of this Program Release Connection) to the instructor’s unit of authorization. Once instructors turn in the completed and signed verification form, the chapter issues an Instructor Authorization Certificate (C3005) indicating Water Safety (r.09) or instructors may access the instructor authorization transcript in the Learning Management System. They may then teach courses in the Swimming and Water Safety (r.09) program. Instructor Reauthorization To be reauthorized, Water Safety (r.09) instructors must teach or co-teach one of the following within their authorization period: • Parent and Child Aquatics • Preschool Aquatics • Personal Water Safety • Learn-to-Swim • Basic Water Rescue (full, review or challenge) • Safety Training for Swim Coaches (full, review, challenge or fast track)
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Water Safety (r.09) Instructor Course New Instructors Instructor candidates must— • Be at least 16 years of age by the last scheduled course date. • Possess a Fundamentals of Instructor Training Certificate issued within the last year or a current American Red Cross Health and Safety Services Instructor Authorization Certificate. • Successfully complete the pre-course session in the Water Safety (r.09) Instructor course. • Successfully complete the Water Safety (r.09) Instructor course. Crossover/Re-Entry Instructor Course Instructor candidates who possess one of the following credentials are eligible for the Crossover/Re-Entry Instructor course: • Evidence of former American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor authorization (F5736, C3005, instructor authorization transcript or a letter of verification from Red Cross unit of authorization); or • Evidence of current external credentials that show the participant has successfully completed a formalized swimming instructor course with one of the following organizations: o Canadian Red Cross o YMCA of the USA o Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc. o Starfish Aquatics Institute o American Swim Coaches Association – Swim America o American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) o Others as determined by the local chapter’s Health and Safety Services administrator Hosting a Group Orientation Instructors will have two different options to update: online update, available on Instructor’s Corner or group orientations. While updating to the new program online, in the convenience of the instructor’s own home or office, will be the preferred method for many instructors, some instructors will prefer to have the discussions and opportunity to ask questions that only the group orientations can accommodate. Hosting group orientations can be a fun and rewarding experience. It gives chapters and authorized providers the opportunity to have several instructors meet in one place, and together, they can explore the features and benefits of the programs. The host also has many responsibilities and any one of them can make the difference between hosting an exciting and informative event or one that attendees do not feel has been valuable. Good planning and attention to detail will ensure the event runs smoothly and provides your instructors with the valuable information and tools to help them understand and use the new program. Use the following group orientation outline for guidance on how to administer a group orientation.
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Group Orientation Outline The following is an outline to be used by Health and Safety administrators or instructor trainers who have completed the Swimming and Water Safety (r.09) program update. Topic Introductions Purpose of Orientation Overview of Water Safety Instructor Course and materials, including: • Water Safety Instructor’s Manual with CD-ROM • Swimming and Diving Skills DVD o Show video segment: “Breaststroke” o Show video segment: “Diving” • Teaching Swimming and Water Safety DVD o Show video segment: ”Level 3 – Stroke Development” • Swimming and Water Safety • Guide for Training Water Safety Instructors Overview of Basic-Level Courses and materials, including: • Learn-to-Swim o Review Learn-to-Swim booklets • Preschool Aquatics • Parent and Child Aquatics • Basic Water Rescue • Personal Water Safety • Safety Training for Swim Coaches Overview of Water Safety Presentations and materials, including: • Water Safety Today • General Water Safety • Home Pool Safety • Parent Orientation to Swim Lessons • Rip Current Safety • Sun Safety • Longfellow’s WHALE Tales • Review Water Safety Handbook Administrative Procedures and Roles Program Marketing Tools Questions and Answers Closing – completion of verification form and issuance of certificates Approximate Total Length Time 5 minutes 5 minutes 45 minutes
20 minutes
15 minutes
10 minutes 10 minutes 5 minutes 5 minutes 2 hours
Instructions for Completing Water Safety (r.09) Instructor Update Verification Form All Water Safety instructors and instructor trainers must complete Part I and Part II of the verification form found on page 12 of this Program Release Connection or on Instructor’s Corner and turn it into their unit of authorization before the end of their current authorization period (December 31, 2009). The chapter issues an Instructor Authorization Certificate (C3005) indicating Water Safety (r.09) or instructors may access the instructor authorization transcript in the Learning Management System.
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Swimming and Water Safety (r.09) Program Water Safety Instructor Update Verification Form Instructor Name: ____________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________ City: _____________________________ State: _________________ Zip: ____________________ Phone: ___________________________ E-mail: ______________________________________
Instructor ID # (optional): ________________________________________ I am currently an American Red Cross: (check one)
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Water Safety Instructor
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Water Safety Instructor Trainer
Part I: Verification of Orientation to Swimming and Water Safety Program
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I attended a group orientation session
Date of session: __________________________________ Location: ___________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________ Signature of IT or H&S Administrator -OR______________________________________ Printed Name of IT or H&S Administrator
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I completed the online update for the Swimming and Water Safety (r.09) program.
Part II: Verification of Orientation to Program Materials I verify that I have reviewed the following American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program materials as part of either the group orientation or the online update sessions: Water Safety Instructor’s Manual with CD-ROM Swimming and Water Safety Water Safety Handbook Raffy Learns to Swim Waddles in the Deep Swimming and Water Safety Program DVD Set (includes Teaching Swimming and Water Safety, Swimming and Diving Skills and Longfellow’s WHALE Tales DVDs) Swimming and Diving Skills DVD Swimming and Water Safety Stroke Posters Longfellow’s WHALE Tales DVD Longfellow’s WHALE Tales Participant Stickers
___________________________________________________ Signature
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Swimming and Water Safety (r.09) Program Aquatics Leader Orientation Verification Form Directions: Please complete this Orientation Verification Form for only the presentation(s) you desire to teach. Sign the form and submit it to your local American Red Cross chapter. I certify that I am familiar with the following presentation materials and products for the water safety presentations: Water Safety Presentations (Water Safety Today, General Water Safety, Home Pool Safety, Parent Orientation to Swim Lessons, Sun Safety and Rip Current Safety): Water Safety Handbook (r.04) Aquatics Leader Administrative Notes Presentation Outlines Longfellow’s WHALE Tales: Longfellow’s WHALE Tales K-6 Educational Packet Longfellow’s WHALE Tales DVD (optional) Longfellow’s WHALE Tales Stickers (optional) For All Presentations: I understand the facilitation and teaching techniques that I will need to use in the presentations as presented in the Leader's Guide(s). I understand the services and work of the American Red Cross as presented in the Aquatics Leader Administrative Notes. I understand that I need to advise my Red Cross chapter of my teaching activity by utilizing and submitting the Aquatics Leaders Activity Report
Date Completed _____________ . _____________________________ Printed Name of Leader . _____________________________ Name of Chapter Administrator
Leader/Instructor ID Number (opt) ________________________ _________________________________ Signature of Leader _________________________________ Signature of Chapter Administrator
___________________________________________________ Signature
_________________________ Date
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Aquatics Leaders Aquatics leaders are individuals that can deliver water safety presentations in the Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety (r.09) program. The presentations include the following: • Water Safety Today • General Water Safety • Home Pool Safety • Parent Orientation to Swim Lessons • Sun Safety • Rip Current Safety • Longfellow’s WHALE Tales Ideal aquatics leader candidates should have experience teaching or conducting presentations in community, workplace or school settings. It is also beneficial for leaders to have backgrounds in water safety. Aquatics leaders should complete the following steps before conducting Red Cross water safety presentations: 1.) Obtain a complete set of leader materials and products. 2.) Complete a self-orientation or attend a group orientation to the materials and products. 3.) Complete the Aquatics Leader Orientation Verification Form and submit it to the local Red Cross chapter. 4.) Complete the Leader Agreement and Code of Conduct and submit it to the local Red Cross chapter. Upon successful completion of the leader orientation, chapters may issue a Universal Certificate indicating Aquatics Leader. Authorization and Reauthorization Aquatics leader authorization to teach does not expire. Delivering water safety presentations does not qualify for reauthorization of any Health and Safety instructor authorizations. Group Orientation Outline for Aquatics Leaders The group orientation may be conducted by the chapter’s Health and Safety administrator or his/her designee. Ideally, the group orientations should be led by a Water Safety (r.09) instructor trainer or Water Safety (r.09) instructor. Individuals should prepare for the group orientation by obtaining a complete set of program materials and leader outlines for the presentations they intend to teach, and reviewing them prior to the orientation. Topic Introductions Purpose of Orientation Design and Length of Presentations Review of Participant Materials (please see Water Safety (r.09) Instructor’s Manual for list) Review of Leader Materials Emphasize the following points in the leader’s materials: • Leader responsibilities • Styles of learning (for those who have not completed Fundamentals of Instructor Training) • Your American Red Cross (for those who have not completed (FIT) • Awarding Attendance Certificates • Leader Activity Report and Addendum Questions and Answers Complete and submit the Aquatics Leader Orientation Verification Form and the Leader Agreement and Code of Conduct. (Currently authorized Health and Safety Services instructors should only complete the verification form.) Closing Approximate Total Length Time 10 minutes 5 minutes 10 minutes 15 minutes 30 minutes
5 minutes 10 minutes 5 minutes 1 hour, 30 minutes
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Instructor Aides Information on using instructor aides is included in both the Water Safety Instructor’s Manual and the Guide for Training American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors. There is no formal course for Water Safety instructor aides. Chapters and authorized providers interested in training Water Safety instructor aides should follow the guidelines in the Health and Safety Services Manual for Administrative Policies and Procedures (MAPP) for selecting, training and utilizing instructor aides. Instructor aide training includes, but is not limited to, a discussion of the following: • Program knowledge and skill objectives • Course materials and their use • Procedures for practice sessions or small group activity sessions • Responsibilities of the instructor and the instructor aide • Additional information the instructor aide wants or needs to know to increase his or her comfort level with course material or delivery. Participants who successfully complete the Water Safety instructor aide training process will be awarded the Universal Certificate indicating Water Safety Aide.
MARKETING RESOURCES
Swimming and Water Safety program marketing materials are available for aquatic facilities and Authorized Providers. Please contact your local American Red Cross.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR INSTRUCTORS AND INSTRUCTOR TRAINERS
All leaders, instructors and instructor trainers are strongly encouraged to register on Instructor’s Corner at www.instructorscorner.org. The Swimming and Water Safety (r.09) program information, online instructor update and other resources, including the water safety presentations, are available on this Web site. Additional or new information about Swimming and Water Safety will be posted as it becomes available. Be sure to register (if you have not already done so) to gain access to valuable instructor tools and information. Steps to Register: 1. Go to www.instructorscorner.org 2. Click “Register Now/Sign In” 3. Click “New User Registration” 4. Enter your information 5. Click “Submit Registration Now” If you have trouble registering, forgot your user name or password or get an “invalid user name or password” message, call (800) 667-2968 or e-mail instructorsupport@staywell.com.
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