Bronze Star – Object Support

To successfully complete a Bronze Star course participants must demonstrate strong swimming and eggbeater (water-treading) skills. Participants will have to demonstrate these skills in this component of Bronze Star. This is one of the most difficult components of the Bronze Star, especially for young participants. In this section of Bronze Star participants must support an object that weighs 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) at the surface (not above) for 3 minutes or better while treading water. The purpose of this segment is to develop a strong supportive kick and lower body (leg) endurance. The material posted on this page is for information purposes only. To learn or practice supporting heavy objects at the surface of the water take any Bronze course through the Lifesaving Society.

To successfully complete the object support segment of the Bronze Star course rescuers must:

  • Maintain the 10-pound object at the surface of the water.
  • Maintain their head above the surface throughout the 3 minutes.
  • Support the object for 3 minutes or better.

Additional Notes:

  • Eggbeater kick is encouraged for this segment, however, it is not mandatory. Any leg action or combination of kicks is acceptable.
  • The rescuer can support the object with one or two hands.
  • The instructor and participants should take care in lifting and moving the 10-pound weight.

To successfully complete the Bronze Star candidates must successfully complete the object support component. This is one of the most difficult sections of Bronze Star and many participants have difficulty supporting 10 pounds at or near the surface of the water. The material posted on this page is for information purposes. To learn and build rescue techniques take a Bronze course through the Lifesaving Society.