Leadership at COBRA

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National Lifeguard Service (NLS)

A nationally recognized lifeguarding certification preparing individuals for professional roles in pools, waterfronts, waterparks, and surf environments:

  • Comprehensive lifeguarding principles, preventive safety, and emergency response training
  • Physical fitness tests: 400 m endurance, 50 m sprint, object recovery, underwater swim, rescue drills
  • Rescue management: distressed/drowning victims, spinal injuries, submerged rescues
  • Covers facility analysis, chemical handling, scanning, positioning, scanning protocols
    Prerequisites: age 15+, Bronze Cross, and Standard First Aid. Valid 24 months.

Bronze Cross

Next-level lifesaving training that transitions candidates toward professional lifeguarding:

  • Develops team-based rescues, spinal injury management, two-rescuer techniques, underwater searches
  • Includes extensive fitness requirements: object recovery, rescue drills, endurance swims
  • Covers assistant lifeguard roles, communication, and active surveillance
    Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion. Certification with medal and digital certificate. Valid for 2 years.

Bronze Medallion

A foundational lifesaving course focusing on judgment, knowledge, skills, and fitness required for aquatic rescues. Teaches:

  • Self-rescue and survival techniques in clothing
  • Swimming strokes including front crawl, breaststroke, eggbeater
  • Victim recognition and safe rescue entries/removals
  • Cold-water awareness and rescue process techniques
    Prerequisite: age 13+ or Bronze Star. Certification via bronze medallion medal and crest. Valid for 24 months

Bronze Star

Introductory lifesaving training that builds the foundation for advanced rescue skills:

  • Develops basic self-rescue techniques, victim recognition, and simple assists
  • Introduces survival skills, safe entries, and rescue approaches for non-swimmers
  • Includes fitness components: endurance swims, object recovery, and rescue drills
  • Prepares candidates for Bronze Medallion by strengthening judgment and water safety awareness
  • Prerequisite: Strong swimming ability recommended. Certification includes medal and crest

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Assisting with swim lessons and water safety education for younger swimmers as part of the Junior Swim Club program
  • Support junior coaches
  • Acting as assistant lifeguards during swim meets and special events
  • Participating in club events to promote drowning prevention and aquatic fitness