Scouting Safety Scouting Safety begins with Leadership the sandwich principle BSA Rules and Policies - Guide to Safe Scouting: A Unit Leaders Guide for Current Policies and Procedures to Safe Activities Two Deep Leadership http://www.scouting.org

BSA Aquatics Safety Swimming Safe Swim Defense Diving and Elevated Entry Scuba (Venturers and older Scouts only) Asthma/Reactive Airwave Disease Snorkeling, BSA Waterskiing Boardsailing Whitewater Safety Code Safe Swim Defense Classification of Swimming Ability Pool and Surf Swimming Safety Afloat Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) Water Clarity BSA Lifeguard http://www.scouting.org

BSA Safe Swim Defense Qualified Supervision Ability Groups Response-able, experienced, trained (and committed to compliance) adult; BSA Lifeguard recommended Physical Fitness Health history and evidence of fitness; plan outing according to individual conditions Safe Area Clearly marked boundaries with stable water/bottom conditions and clarity Lifeguards on Duty 10:1 ratio is best ; emergency water rescue kit (Reach, Throw, Row, Go) Lookout See all, hear all; Work the System Ability Groups Divide into three groups Beginners – jump feet first over head, level off, swim 25 feet; stop, turn, resume to start Swimmers – jump feet first over head, level off, swim 75 yards (hard stroke); swim 25 yards (resting backstroke); no swim stops, include sharp turn, rest by floating Buddy System paired by ability grouping, check in-out; Emphasis on life guarding each other (Use the Lookout) One-two-three whistle blasts Discipline Know the Rules. Review and EXPLAIN them. Be strict, but fair. http://www.scouting.org

Swimming Pool Safety Home Pool Safety Public Pool Safety Safe Swim Defense applies Continuous Adult Supervision Approval Slips – information about swimmer’s physical condition Use the Buddy System – 10 minute rule Supervise and Control Diving activities –7 ft / 10 ft deep Control access to unattended pools – moral and legal responsibility Public Pool Safety Safe Swim Defense applies Follow Local Rules and Regulations Ensure guard personnel and/or supervision is present Buddy System is critical – especially in a crowd Swim only in water suited to ability – define these areas Adult Supervision - exercise discretion regarding procedures while maintaining safety http://www.scouting.org

Water Rescue All Adults and scouts should have an awareness of the “order of rescue” REACH THROW ROW GO (with support) Never put yourself at risk – never try a swimming rescue when assistance can be given more safely and easily If reaching and Throwing don’t work, GET HELP! http://www.scouting.org