1. Troop Aquatics Safety Afloat
Original Presentation Prepared By: James Lowell Fry
BSA Aquatics Instructor & Red Cross Certified Lifeguard
Additional Material Provided By: BSA Online Training Course
Edited and Annotated By: Jim Banko, BSA Troop 89, Great Bend, PA
DISCLAIMER: The use of this slide presentation should be done in conjunction with the review of the official BSA Safety Afloat

2. Troop Aquatics Safety Afloat
Before a BSA group may engage in any excursion, expedition, or trip on the water (canoe, raft, sailboat, sailboard, motorboat, rowboat, tube, or any other watercraft), adult leaders for such activities should have an appreciation for the potential hazards they could encounter and should take steps to reduce those risks.

3. Troop Aquatics
Safety Afloat
S S S
P P P
B E D
3 Sheets
3 Pillows
Bed

4. Safety Afloat Supervision Skills Proficiency Swimming Ability
Physical Fitness
PFD
Planning
Buddy System
Equipment
Discipline

5. Safety Afloat Supervision
At least 1 mature adult 21 years of age or older
Accepts Responsibility
Skillful with watercraft
Rescue Methods
Committed to the 9 Points of Safety Afloat
CPR
1 adult per 10 youth
Other adults may be 18 years of age or older
Be sure to emphasize the benefits of getting B.S.A. Lifeguard assistance in planning and implementing the event.
“Will the event be safer with the help in planning?”

6. Safety Afloat Skills Proficiency Minimum skill for MB
Emergency Procedures
Craft to be used
3hrs. Training & Practice
PFD instruction
Whitewater Instruction
Check the merit badge books for the min. skill proficiency.
Learn how to handle the craft to be used for the outing.
Whitewater requirements… must be trained by a whitewater specialist (see also Guide to Safe Scouting).
Must meet State Certification and Motor-boating MB requirements.
Cub Scouts must limit canoeing and rafting to District and Council events on flatwater with no powerboats and sailboats.

7. Safety Afloat Swimming Ability Pass BSA Swim Test 100 yards
75 any forward stroke
25 resting stroke
Float
Be sure to explain exceptions clearly-Beginners and non-swimmers my ride in canoes and sailboats with lifeguard only. At summer camp, Beginners and non-swimmers may row rowboats. All other events, only swimmers may participate in activities afloat (non-swimmers may still ride).

8. Safety Afloat Physical Fitness Class 2/3 Medical Form
Identify significant medical conditions
Adjust activity and lifeguard duties to accommodate medical concerns
Significant medical concerns should require a physicians examination
Every Scout must have these health forms! Class 2 is sufficient for most activities if they are not considered high adventure.
For Serious Medical Concerns:
Parents should also be consulted about abilities of the scout if there are serious medical concerns. Parents should be informed in detail what types of activities, skills will be needed for the activity afloat. Every effort should be made to help include everyone that can participate.

9. Safety Afloat Personal Flotation Device PFD Styles Who Wears them?
Type I, II, III, IV, V
Styles
Ski, Canoe, Fishing
Who Wears them?
Describe different types (or bring examples) of PFD. Explain how to use. Emphasize that EVERYONE wears them at all times while in watercraft – no exceptions.
Type I - Offshore Lifejacket - This PFD is designed for extended survival in rough, open water. It usually will turn an unconscious person face up and has over 22 pounds of buoyancy. This is the best PFD to keep you afloat in remote regions where rescue may be slow in coming.
Type II - Near Shore Buoyant Vest - This "classic" PFD comes in several sizes for adults and children and is for calm inland water where there is chance of fast rescue. It is less bulky and less expensive than a Type I, and many will turn an unconscious person face-up in the water.
Type III - Flotation Aid - These life jackets are generally considered the most comfortable, with styles for different boating activities and sports. They are for use in calm water where there is good chance of fast rescue since they will generally not turn an unconscious person face-up. Flotation aids come in many sizes and styles.
Type IV - Throwable Device - These are designed to be thrown to a person in the water. Throwable devices include boat cushions, ring buoys, and horseshoe buoys. They are not designed to be worn and must be supplemented by wearable PFD. It is important to keep these devices immediately available for emergencies, and they should not be used for small children, non-swimmers, or unconscious people.
Type V - Special Use Device - Special use PFDs include work vests, deck suits, and hybrids for restricted use. Hybrid vests contain some internal buoyancy and are inflatable to provide additional flotation.

10. Safety Afloat Planning Float Plan Rules & Regulations
“Put in” & “Take Out”
Course, Stopovers, Time
Accurate Maps
Run the course prior
Copy to Council Office
Rules & Regulations
Local, Regional, National
Fishing Licenses
Border Crossing
Times should be estimated generously. Talk to people who have traveled the route prior to your visit.
Discuss Tour Permits (Local and National). Mention Border Crossing issues into Canada. Mention waterway rules and agencies where this information can be found.

11. Safety Afloat Planning Notification Weather Parents Unit Committee
Council (Tour Permit)
Coast Guard, State Police, Park Personnel
Weather
Check before you go
Have a plan “Just in case”
Notification depends on where you are going. Ask for participants to volunteer places. Discuss “who should know”.

12. Safety Afloat Planning Contingencies Plan for Emergencies
Plan for other possible problems
Have a Contingency Plan!
Emergencies – broken leg, heart attack, the “hurry cases”…
Other Problems – equipment failure, weather problems….
Contingency Plan – what do we do next?
Contingency plans should be in writing.

13. Safety Afloat Buddy System
At least one person looking out for the Scout.
Buddy Boats
Need to See and Hear boat in front and behind
Close Proximity
Adult leader in first and last boat
Common cense should apply to the proximity of the boats (across the lake is not acceptable). Also “supervision” should be a reasonable distance away as well (see and hear is a good rule of thumb).

14. Safety Afloat Equipment Suited to the Craft, Conditions, & Individual
Correct Size
Good Repair
Meet Coast Guard Regulations
Spare Equipment
Repair Equipment/Parts
Rescue Equipment
No oars in canoes.
Scouts come in lots of different sizes.
Duct tape
Rope, throw bags etc.

15. Safety Afloat Discipline Safety Afloat
Agree to and use all points
Rules are set and discussed for the area you are using prior to activity
Follow all directions and rules of supervisor
Give reasons for rules if possible
Be strict and fair

16. Safety Afloat
Safety Afloat
S S S P P P B E D
3 Sheets
3 Pillows
Bed

17. Safety Afloat Supervision Skills Proficiency Swimming Ability
Physical Fitness
PFD
Planning
Buddy System
Equipment
Discipline

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Questions or Comments?