The 35th training course for lifeguards – Lifeguard (swimming pools), valid for the issue of the professional license of the Italian Swimming Federation, lifesaving section, is the only one recognized by CONI and ILS, International Life Saving, and has valid in the 113 nations belonging to the global organization.
The admission test for the course, held by the head lifesaving swimming coaches of Amici Nuoto Riva, will be held on Wednesday 18 December starting at 8pm. To register you must present the following documents in a single pdf file (exclusively via email):
● copy of the identity card;
● copy of the health card/tax code;
● medical certificate for non-competitive sporting activity;
● completed registration application (downloadable here), signed by a parent in the case of a minor.
The program of the professional course will be delivered, which will include (once the registration fee has been paid in full) the issuing of the lifeguard certification together with the BLSD and company first aid certificates:
● 19 hours and 40 minutes of theoretical lessons on the distance learning platform of the Italian Swimming Federation (to be viewed according to the candidate’s availability);
● one hour of live webinar lesson by the local trustee of the rescue section;
● two hours of live webinar lessons led by the doctor;
● six hours of lectures (for the practical first aid parts);
● five hours of lectures (for the practical parts of BLSD and oxygen administration);
● 12 hours of practice in the water on Monday evening (reduced to six hours in the case of a competitive/master athlete with at least four years of membership).
In April/May 2025 it will be possible to participate in the marine/open water license extension course (MIP/IP). ILS is recognized by the UN World Health Organization as the only global reference body for the fight and prevention of drowning deaths. Based on the memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Education and the Italian Swimming Federation, the patent provides for the recognition of training credits for students at least sixteen years old in secondary school.
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An important challenge in this extension course will be adapting our current training methods to suit the unpredictable nature of open water. Participants will have to contend with factors like visibility issues and the varying depths of water, which is not an aspect we face in a controlled swimming pool environment. Additionally, we’re ensuring that our instructional team includes experts who specialize in open water rescues to provide a well-rounded learning experience.
Let’s begin the interview with a warm welcome to our two esteemed guests, Antonio Rossi and Maria Torri. Antonio Rossi is the head coach for the Amici Nuoto Riva lifesaving team, while Maria Torri is a recent graduate of the lifeguarding course offered by Amici Nuoto Riva and currently works as a lifeguard at a local swimming pool.
Interviewer: Firstly, could you both provide an overview of the upcoming lifeguard training course, highlighting its significance and how it stands out from other lifeguard training programs?
Antonio Rossi: Certainly, the lifeguard training course offered by Amici Nuoto Riva is highly specialized and recognized globally. It’s the only course that is endorsed by both CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee) and ILS (International Life Saving), making it valid in 113 nations worldwide. This course is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills to perform lifeguard duties in swimming pools and provides certification from the Italian Swimming Federation. Our course is unique because it offers extensive theoretical knowledge through online modules and live webinars, as well as practical training sessions in the pool and open water scenarios. This comprehensive approach ensures that our graduates are well-prepared to handle any emergency situation they may face.
Maria Torri: As someone who recently completed this course, I can attest to its rigor and practicality. The course not only covers standard lifeguarding techniques but also includes first aid, CPR, and emergency oxygen administration training. Moreover, we receive certification for BLSD (Basic Life Support in Drowning) and the ILS certification, making us versatile and sought-after lifeguards. The opportunity to participate in an online course also made it more accessible to people who couldn’t attend traditional classroom-based learning.
Interviewer: Antonio, could you provide an update on the marine/open water license extension course that will be available in April/May 2025? How will this course be different from the current pool-based lifeguard training program, and what are some of the challenges associated with extending training to open water environments?
Antonio Rossi: The marine/open water license extension course will provide an opportunity for our graduates to further enh