1. Seneca District Roundtable July 2016
Aquatics Safety
Seneca District Roundtable
July 2016

2. Aquatics in Cub Scouts
Not absolutely required for Cub Scout advancement
BUT
Elective at every level of Cub Scouts
Tiger: “Floats and Boats,”
Wolf: “Spirit of the Water,”
Bear: “Salmon Run,”
Webelos / Arrow of Light: “Aquatics”

3. Aquatics in Boy Scouts Required for Rank
Beginner Test required for Second Class
BSA Swim Test required for First Class
Swim Test pre-requisite for many awards
Merit Badges
Swimming, Lifesaving, Canoeing, Kayaking, Motorboating, Rowing, Waterskiing, Small-boat Sailing, SCUBA, Watersports
Other Awards
Mile Swim; Snorkeling; Kayaking; Lifeguard Certification; National Outdoors Award

4. BSA Swim Test Swimmer: Beginner: Jump into water over your head
Swim 75 yards with strong forward stroke
Swim 25 yards with resting backstroke
Afterwards, demonstrate floating (to rest)
Total: 100 yards
Beginner:
Jump into deep water
Swim 25 yards, turn, return to start
Total: 50 yards

5. Safe Swim Defense – For All Swim Activities
Complete online and repeat every 2 years
Applies at all swim areas
Private, public, beaches, lakes, rivers, etc.
Part of Tour and Activity Plan for swimming activities

6. Principles of Safe Swim Defense
Qualified Supervision
Personal Health Review
Safe Area
Response Personnel (lifeguards)
Lookout
Ability Groups
Buddy System
Discipline

7. Special Swimming Concerns
Home Swimming Pools – usually small
Beginner & Nonswimmer areas – Combine? Lifejackets?
Recommend “No Diving” rule
Control Access - overcrowding
Above ground – rescues?
Guarded Public Pools – easy to be complacent
Lifeguards satisfy requirement for trained rescue team
Unit leaders still responsible – Supervision!
Lookouts, buddies, safety rules, ability groups

8. Safety Afloat Complete online and repeat every 2 years
Applies for all boating activities
Cub Scout boating limited – no moving water
ALSO need Safe Swim Defense if any swimming

9. Principles of Safety Afloat
Qualified Supervision
Personal Health Review
Swimming Ability
Life Jackets
Buddy System
Skill Proficiency
Planning
Equipment
Discipline

10. Teach Water Rescue Steps
Reach
Throw
Row Go