BSA Lifeguard

[Vicki 11]

Chippewa, that was my experience exactly. When I did my certification, it was as grueling as you describe. Another camp, completely different (and WAY too easy).

 

I will say that the YMCA certification I got as a youth was a lot harder than the BSA today. There was a lot more emphasis on rescues, how to escape from a panicked victim, how to identify/calm a panicked victim, etc. Caveat: the Y program may no longer emphasize that, I don't know. I also understand that the BSA program is designed so that you don't lose two scouts in a drowning situation. But, IMO, if you're going to call yourself a lifeguard, you need to be ready to respond.

 

FWIW,

Vicki