Being a Safety Patroller
Being part of a team and playing a key role is a real thrill!
I can join the School Safety Patrol if I’m in Grade 4, 5 or 6. I must be serious about it, because people are counting on me. I need my parents’ consent. The following information gives me a good idea of the work I’ll be doing and the commitment I’ll be making if I accept to become a School Safety Patroller.
The qualities of a School Safety Patroller
- Self-confidence
- Sense of responsibility and mutual support
- Knowledge of safety rules
- Punctuality
- Team spirit
- Politeness
- Respect for others
School Safety Patrol Chief’s Toolkit
CAA-Quebec has put together different documents to make your job as a School Safety Patrol Chief easier. Be fully equiped.
Responsibilities of school safety patrollers
As a Safety Patroller, I undertake to wear my uniform while on duty.
Pedestrian patrollers make sure their fellow students make it safely across streets and crosswalks. They may also escort Trottibus walkers to school.
Responsibilities of the pedestrian patroller
Your responsibilities may vary, but they generally include:
Waiting:
When no students need to cross, stand on the sidewalk or shoulder facing the road and watch traffic.
Pedestrian control:
As students approach to cross, stay facing the street but raise your arms about 45 degrees to signal students to wait. Then check the traffic in both directions.
Student crossing:
When the coast is clear, lower your arms and step aside to let your fellow students cross. Remind them not to run and to stay attentive while crossing.
Never stand in the middle of the street or block traffic to let students cross.
But if a parked car or other obstacle is blocking your view, you can take a few steps into the street to get a better look, without going all the way.
With an adult crossing guard:
If you’re working with an adult crossing guard at an intersection, follow their instructions. Have your fellow students wait on the sidewalk until you get the crossing guard’s signal that it’s safe to cross.
With a Trottibus:
Walk in the middle of the group or wherever you’re needed.
Escort younger students by carrying their heavy bags, helping them cross the street, etc.
You can also liven up the Trottibus trek by leading a song or giving them a road safety quiz. Make walking fun!
What is a Trottibus?
Trottibus is a walking bus that provides a safe, structured way for elementary school students to walk to school. It also cuts back on the number of cars near schools—another good safety measure!
The Canadian Cancer Society initiated the program to encourage young people to develop healthy habits and walk regularly.
School safety patrollers who go with the Trottibus help adult volunteers escort children to school.
How do you start a Trottibus?
Visit the Trottibus website to find out everything you need to know about registering for a Trottibus, starting one for your school, or volunteering.
As a drop-off patroller, I make sure that my comrades get out of their car in the designated area and in complete safety.
Responsibilities of the drop-off patroller
My duties vary. I observe the following steps:
Drop-off area opening:
- I set up a drop-off area with mandatory equipment (bollards, bases, cones, flags).
Flag bearing:
- I facilitate the flow of vehicles entering and leaving the drop-off area.
Waiting:
- Whether I’m the patroller who opens the door or the one who walks the student to the schoolyard, I stay on the sidewalk and face the pavement.
Opening doors:
- Once a vehicle has stopped, I help the student(s) to get out.
Walking:
- I walk with the student(s) so that they can make their way safely to the schoolyard.
Drop-off area closing:
- I store all materials in the designated area of the school.
School bus patrollers help the bus driver maintain or improve safety as students are getting on and off the bus. You must always take pride in setting a good example:
Get on and off the bus in single file without jostling or shoving.
Stay seated for the entire ride.
Keep your hands and arms inside the bus.
Responsibilities of the school bus patroller
The school bus driver is the only one in charge. You follow their instructions and act as their ally. Here’s how you can help them do their job effectively:
As students are getting on:
Stand just outside the bus where the driver can see you, and help younger students get on board. Keep students from jostling one another and make sure everyone gets on the bus.
As students are getting off:
Get off the bus first and walk ten steps away so you are at a safe distance but still visible to the bus driver. Then ask your fellow students to calmly exit the bus.
As students are crossing:
Stay at your post and make sure the students cross safely. Look left, right, left again, and then over your shoulder before giving them the signal to cross. Remind them to be careful.
As a school patroller, you work with staff to ensure your fellow students come and go safely on the schoolyard and in the hallways. You also stand in the hallways during arrival and dismissal, breaks, recess, lunchtime, and special events. You’re basically indispensable!
Responsibilities of the school patroller
Prevent jostling.
Help younger students.
Direct pedestrian traffic.
As captain, your job is to help the patrol chief.
You may be made captain for the duration of your time on the patrol, or for part of it. You may also earn the title for doing a great job—kind of like being employee of the month! The badge on your shoulder belt tells people you hold an important position.
Important notice
No matter what type of Safety Patroller I am, I must always set an example and remind other students of the rules, but I must not argue with them. If a student refuses to comply with the rules, I must tell the School Safety Patrol Chief or a teacher.
The School Safety Patroller pledge
As a School Safety Patroller, I pledge to:
- Attend all patrol meetings throughout my assignment.
- Report for duty on time.
- Notify my supervisor in advance if I can’t.
- Wear my shoulder belt and badge (if I’m a captain) correctly, and remove them at the end of my watch.
- Know the safety rules and politely remind other students of them as needed.
- Never stand in the middle of the street to help people cross or to direct traffic.
- Notify my supervisor if someone refuses to follow instructions.
- Properly maintain my equipment.
As a Patroller, I set the example:
- I walk on the sidewalk, or if there isn’t one, facing traffic so I can see cars coming.
- I cross the street in a straight line at intersections and crosswalks.
- I comply with pavement markings, traffic signals, and traffic lights.
- Before crossing, I look left, right, left again, and then over my shoulder.
- If I’m crossing at an intersection and a vehicle is stopped, I make eye contact with the driver before crossing to make sure they’ve seen me.
- I avoid wearing headphones or using my phone while walking.
The “yellow” belt: Patrollers never leave home without it
While I’m on duty, I must always wear the distinctive patrol belt.
It’s on loan to me, so I’ll have to return it to my supervisor at the end of my assignment or if I leave the Patrol.
My Safety Patrol Chief can easily order belts online.
How do I take care of my belt?
It’s pretty easy!
I soak it in soapy water for about 15 minutes.
I gently scrub the surface with a small brush or my hands.
I hang the belt on a hanger to dry.
How can I become a School Safety Patroller?
If there’s already a Patrol at my school
My best course of action is to speak to the person in charge, or to go to the secretary’s office, where someone will be able to help me or direct me to the right person to answer my questions.
If there’s no Patrol at my school
I can talk about it with my teachers or my parents, or go and see the school administration to suggest and pass on the right information to Start a School Safety Patrol.