1. 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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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!