Ensures consistency and safety The same at all levels of Scouting Non-Swimmer, Beginner and Swimmer Non-Swimmer Beginner Swimmer

Tiger Cub Elective (Go swimming with an adult) Tiger Cubs may work toward Swimming Belt Loops and Sports Pins Cubs have no formal learn-to-swim program but should be encouraged to participate in other agencies’ programs. (ARC or YMCA)

Wolf Achievement Bear Electives -- Boats -- Swimming Swimming Belt Loop Swimming Sports Pin

Swimming Belt Loop Swimming Sports Pin Aquanaut Activity Badge

How to conduct a safe swim -- Safe Swim Defense Boy Scout Beginners Test Reaching and Throwing Rescues Can be checked off by knowledgeable adult leader Procedures can be found in the Scout Handbook

How to conduct a safe boating activity -- Safety Afloat. Boy Scout Swimmers Test Line and Tender Rescues Can be checked off by knowledgeable adult leader Procedures can be found in the Scout Handbook

SWIMMING MB LIFESAVING MB CANOEING MB ROWING MB MOTORBOATING MB SMALL BOAT SAILING MB WATER SPORTS MB WHITEWATER MB SCUBA DIVING MB SATISFY EAGLE REQUIREMENTS REQUIRE SPECIALIZED INSTRUCTION

Introduce specialized areas of aquatics Available to Boy Scouts and Venture Scouts Can be earned by adults as well as youth Tied to advancement or simply for recreation

The BSA maintains two High Adventure bases centered around aquatics -- Northern Tier (MN and Canada) and the Seabase (FL). Many councils also operate High Adventure camps.

The Outdoor Bronze Award and the Ranger Award have aquatic electives -- Lifesaver, Scuba and Watercraft. The Sports Bronze Award and the Silver Award also have aquatic elements. Normal Venture Crew activities could also be aquatic oriented.

Sea Scouts is a specialized segment of the Venturing program. Organized to address members' boating skills and promote knowledge of our maritime heritage. Sea Scout “Crews” are called “Ships”

Required training for supervision of swimming activities. Provides knowledge of policies and procedures. Available on-line or through council- approved instructor.

Required training for supervision of activities afloat. Provides knowledge of policies and procedures. Available on-line or through council- approved instructor.

Recommended training for supervision of swimming activities Ties Safe Swim Defense to the advanced skill training of lifeguarding Open to adults and older youth Instruction must be provided by an SWR Instructor or an Aquatics Instructor BSA.

Recommended training for supervision of boating activities Can be earned in either a canoe or a kayak Open to adults and older youth Instruction must be provided by a PCS Instructor or an Aquatics Instructor BSA.

Designed to meet the training requirements of government agencies for those in professional lifeguarding situations -- such as summer camp. Open to adults and older youth. Program is closely aligned with American Red Cross Lifeguarding.

Committee promotes aquatic activities, helps procure equipment and instructors, and provides guidance to unit leaders or council professional. Committee has overall responsibility for the local council’s aquatic activities in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing and Exploring. Committee is made up of local volunteers and professionals and aligned with the council’s committee structure.

Primary purpose is to support the unit’s year-round aquatic program. Can also provide aquatic opportunities not available elsewhere. Program varies with a camp’s facility, staff and location. National Camp Standards require 50% of a camp’s aquatic staff to be certified as lifeguards.

Aquatics Instructor, BSA is the highest level of training available for adults in BSA Aquatics. This training is required for summer camp Aquatics Directors. The training can only be earned at a National Camping School. These national training schools are offered annually in each region.

Documents Scout Handbook Scout Fieldbook Merit Badge Pamphlets Guide to Safe Scouting Aquatic Supervision Lifeguarding, Red Cross National Camp Standards Cub Scouts Academic and Sports Program Guide On-Line Guide to Safe Scouting Safe Swim Defense Training Safety Afloat Training Digital Aquatic Staff Guide BSA Lifeguard Counselor Guide Paddle Craft Safety Instructors Guide and Powerpoint Swimming and Water Rescue Instructors Guide and Powerpoint Local Council Aquatics Committee – a Starter Kit (Powerpoint ) What’s Up in BSA Aquatics (ppt)