Prerequisites and Preparation: Candidates must have recently completed their Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat online training. Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat govern BSA swimming and boating activities. The Swimming and Water Rescue course takes approximately eight hours and the Paddle Craft Safety … After completing the swim, rest by floating. For example, a Scouts BSA troop at a water park with trained lifeguards on duty need not assign separate unit personnel to perform water rescue. The minimal training for this tester shall be completion of the Safe Swim Defense Course within the past two years. 34346. Preparation. All instructors must have at least one assistant who can recognize and respond appropriately if the instructor’s safety is compromised. Safe Swim Defense training may be obtained from the BSA Online Learning Center at www.myscouting.org, at council summer camps, and at other council and district training events. Lists of group and personal equipment and supplies must be compiled and checked. Required for a unit to swim without a lifeguard on Council properties or to boat on Council properties or with Council equipment. Swimming areas of appropriate depth must be defined for each ability group. Assign a member of the unit committee to alert authorities if prearranged check-ins are overdue. For recreational sailing, at least one person aboard should be able to demonstrate basic sailing proficiency (tacking, reaching, and running) sufficient to return the boat to the launch point. Venturing groups may participate in introductory and certification scuba programs conducted by recognized agencies appropriate to their age and current level of certification. No elevated entry is permitted where the person must clear any obstacle, including land. This Guide to Safe Scouting reproduced from the National BSA - www.bsa.scouting.org Viking Council BSA recommends that each adult volunteer have their own hardcopy of this document for their use in service to youth of their units. 34346, and Snorkeling Safety, No. Discipline – follow all directions and rules of the adult supervisor to ensure a safe swim. Alternatively, a closed circuit may be established where all swimmers are constantly in reach of safety personnel strategically positioned at fixed points on anchored boats, the shore, or piers. Each diver under 15 years of age must have an adult buddy certified as an open-water diver who is either the junior diver’s parent or an adult approved by the parent. Lookout – station a lookout where he/she can see and hear everything in all areas. Because dives by recreational divers may be infrequent, the divemaster or instructor supervising a BSA scuba activity should screen participants prior to open-water activities and provide remedial instruction and practice as appropriate. “Open water” denotes a temporary swimming area of flexible extent in a natural body of water that may or may not be close to shore. Strongly recommended for swimming and boating activities under the new Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat. Safety Afloat. Buddies are normally in the same ability group and remain in their assigned area. Rescue personnel must be able to easily reach the bottom. The lessons learned and relationships built in Scouting have been instrumental in the lives of millions of business, civic, and community leaders. All ability groups may use snorkeling equipment within confined areas when following all Safe Swim Defense policies, including visibility for underwater swimming. These training courses are provided locally by qualified instructors who are authorized by the local council. Qualified Supervision: In addition to Safe Swim Defense training and the 21-year-old minimum age, the supervisor must be an experienced snorkeler. Anticipate changes and bring all craft ashore when rough weather threatens. One of the best opportunities for Safe Swim Defense training is in sum- mer camp. 512-926-6363 Use of individual flotation devices (inflatable snorkeling vests or life jackets) is required whenever there is a noticeable current or swells, when the bottom is not visible from the surface due to vegetation or limited visibility beyond 8 feet, or when the activity is greater than 50 yards from shore or craft. 34243) with them, and agree to use the eight defenses in this plan. BSA Safe Swim Defense De ve lope d b y R ich D iesslin, BSA L ifegu ard, RLDes @a ol.com, Ma y, 200 0 C opy righ t (c) 200 0, R ich D iessli n, all righ ts reser ved . (It is strongly recommended that all Units have at least one adult or older youth member currently certified as a BSA Lifeguard to assist in … The training awards and keys are designed to recognize unit Scouters for tenure, training, and performance in their leadership roles. Participants should observe the Water-Skiers Safety Code and the Boat Drivers Safety Code found in Aquatics Supervision, No. 512-617-8611 (front desk) Th is pr esen tation m ay be r eprod uced and us ed local ly by Scou ting v olun teers f or training purposes consis tent wi th the prog rams of the B oy S couts of Am erica Determine whether personal resources will be used or whether outfitters will supply equipment, food, and shuttle services. It should be a part of the leader’s training at summer camp and should follow training using the video Additional guidance on appropriate skill levels and training resources is provided in the Aquatics Supervision guide available from council service centers. Weather: Participants should be moved from the water to a position of safety whenever lightning or thunder threatens. BSA groups shall use Safe Swim Defense for all swimming activities. Use of medication to control seizures or seizure occurrence within the past five years, History of asthma or RAD unless resolution confirmed by methacholine testing (Persons who have been asymptomatic and medication free for the previous five years are exempt from the methacholine testing requirements. All participants in towed activity afloat (waterskiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, tubing, etc.) Physical fitness – have a complete health history from a physician, parent, or legal guardian. Safe Swim Defense. Maximum water depth in turbid water is 8 feet. Trips above Class IV are not allowed. Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat training programs are available online at my.scouting.org and may be offered locally by instructors approved by the council aquatics committee or other council authority. 34346. Safe Swim Defense training may be obtained from my.scouting.org, at council summer camps, and at other council and district training events. Isolated underwater hazards should be marked with floats. The entire area must be within easy reach of designated rescue personnel. The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn. Anyone engaged in recreational boating using human-powered craft on flatwater ponds or controlled lake areas free of conflicting activities should be instructed in basic safety procedures prior to launch, and allowed to proceed after they have demonstrated the ability to control the boat adequately to return to shore at will. Self-guided unit trips on Class III whitewater may only be done after all participants have received American Canoe Association or equivalent training for the class of water and type of craft involved. Confirmation of training is required on local and national tour permits for trips that involve swimming. Additional divemasters or instructors are present to maintain a ratio of one trained supervisor to four buddy pairs (eight divers) containing one to four divers under 15 years of age. Abrupt changes in depth are not allowed in the nonswimmer area. Qualified supervision – all swimming must be supervised by an adult 21 years of age or older. Safe Swim Defense Training: BSA groups shall use Safe Swim Defense for all swimming activities. For Supplemental Training including Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, Hazardous Weather,Woodbadge, Powderhorn, and other training, please visit the council training page or to take these courses online please visit: my.scouting.org. © 2021 Boy Scouts of America - All Rights Reserved For aquatics activities, you should consult the Aquatics Supervision Guide. Additional information on various swimming venues is provided in the Aquatics Supervision guide available from local council service centers. Controlled Access: There must be safe areas for all participating ability groups to enter and leave the water. BSA policies require unit swimming activities to be supervised by adults with current Safe Swim Defense training. This training will cover the plan’s eight points: Qualified supervision – all swimming must be supervised by an adult 21 years of age or older. It expands the awareness instruction provided by Safe Swim Defense training. 19-176, at www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/19-176.pdf. Buddy system – pair every Scout with another in the same ability group. There is no cost to take the online training through My.Scouting.org. Supervision must include both a skilled boat driver currently trained in Safety Afloat and a separate observer. Cub Scout activities afloat are limited to council, district, pack, or den events that do not include moving water or float trips (expeditions). They may ride as part of a group on a motorboat or sailboat operated by a skilled adult. The eight defenses are: The scuba agencies recognized by the BSA may allow exceptions to general medical prohibitions based on individual diving fitness evaluations by a medical specialist who is knowledgeable about diving medicine. Check your primary communication system, and identify backups, such as the nearest residence to a campsite. Snorkeling is a swimming activity in which one must abide by Safe Swim Defense policies, but the following additions to Safe Swim Defense apply when snorkeling is conducted in open water. Safe area All swimming areas must be carefully inspected and prepared for safety … Swimming at night is allowed only in areas with water clarity and lighting sufficient for good visibility both above and below the surface. At a minimum, instructors for canoes and kayaks should be able to demonstrate the handling and rescue skills required for BSA Aquatics Supervision: Paddle Craft Safety. Some competitive swimming events, such as triathlons, also cover long distances. For vessels over 20 feet in length, life jackets need not be worn when participants are below deck or on deck when the qualified supervisor aboard the vessel determines that it is prudent to abide by less-restrictive state and federal regulations concerning the use and storage of life jackets, for example, when a cruising vessel with safety rails is at anchor. Identify local emergency resources such as EMS systems, sheriff’s departments, or ranger stations. EIN: 22-1576300, www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/Aquatics, www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/19-176.pdf, Understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the well-being and safety of youth members in his or her care, Is experienced in the particular activity, Is confident in his or her ability to respond appropriately in an emergency. Aquatics activities at district and council day and resident camps should follow appropriate National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) standards. Life Jacket Use: Swimming in clear water over 12 feet deep, in turbid water over 8 feet deep, or in flowing water may be allowed if all participants wear properly fitted, Coast Guard–approved life jackets and the supervisor determines that swimming with life jackets is safe under the circumstances. Additional information on various swimming venues is provided in the Aquatics Supervision guide available from local council service centers. Cell phones and radios may lose coverage, run out of power, or suffer water damage. Safety Afloat training is designed for all authorized boating activities. Buddies who take longer to find each other should be reminded of their responsibility for the other’s safety. Whenever Scouts swim, the BSA's Safe Swim Defense plan must be followed. C Must be over 18 and committed to compliance with the 8 points of BSA Safe Swim Defense. Scuba diving is prohibited for the following conditions. Safe Swim Defense applies to other nonswimming activities whenever participants enter water over knee deep or when submersion is likely, for example, when fording a stream, seining for bait, or constructing a bridge as a pioneering project. Local council programs may not compress or sell air for scuba use, or sell, rent, or loan scuba equipment (scuba cylinders, regulators, gauges, dive computers, weights, or BCDs). Even short trips require selecting a route, checking water levels, and determining alternative pull-out locations. Ultimately, each responsible adult leader must personally decide if he or she understands the risk factors associated with the activity and is sufficiently experienced and well-informed to make the rational decisions expected of a “qualified supervisor.” The BSA training programs listed above help provide the skills, experience, and guidance for making such a determination. Long-distance swimming races are not approved for Cub Scouts or members of Scouts BSA, but Venturers may participate in triathlon training and competitive events. BSA Aquatics Supervision Training – Aquatics Supervision: Swimming and Water Rescue training provides BSA leaders with information and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to swimming emergencies during unit swimming activities. Adult leaders supervising a swimming activity must have completed Safe Swim Defense training within the previous two years. Unit trips on whitewater sections of rivers rated Class IV are only allowed in rafts with a professionally trained guide in each raft. No registration is required; simply log in to My.Scouting.org and find the course in the Training section. Before a BSA group may engage in any watercraft activity, adult leaders for such activity must complete Safety Afloat training, have a commitment card, and be dedicated to full compliance with all nine points of Safety Afloat. BSA Lifeguard provides professional-level training for lifeguards at unit or summer camp swimming activities and is provided locally by qualified instructors who are authorized by the local council. Adult leaders supervising a swimming activity must have completed Safe Swim Defense training within the previous two years. Details on how to implement this policy can be found at www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/Aquatics. Safe Swim Defense. Check the weather forecast just before setting out, and keep an alert weather eye. Notification. This training will cover the plan’s eight points: Training is offered anytime online through My.Scouting.org, the Boy Scouts of America’s online training portal. D Must have completed “Safe Swim Defense” 12. Once everyone has a buddy, a count is made by area and compared with the total number known to be in the water. If they are not of the same ability group, then they swim in the area assigned to the buddy with the lesser ability. Determine what state and local regulations are applicable. Weather. Travel time should be estimated generously. The following policies apply when distance swimming is conducted outside the confines of a normal Safe Swim Defense area. Content of training exercises should be appropriate for the age, size, and experience of the participants, and should cover basic skills on calm water of limited extent before proceeding to advanced skills involving current, waves, high winds, or extended distance. Before a BSA group may engage in swimming activities of any kind, a minimum of one adult leader must complete Safe Swim Defense training, have a commitment card (No. After the count is confirmed, a signal is given to resume swimming. Because of concerns with hyperventilation, competitive underwater swimming events are not permitted in Scouting. Life jackets need not be worn when an activity falls under Safe Swim Defense guidelines—for example, when an inflated raft is used in a pool or when snorkeling from an anchored craft. is available for units to borrow from local Scout council service centers. Safe Swim Defense does not apply to boating or water activities such as waterskiing or swamped boat drills that are covered by Safety Afloat guidelines. Part of the required qualifications for “Qualified Supervision” for Safety Afloat include: A At least one must have current CPR training from a recognized training agency. Safety Afloat standards apply to the use of canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rafts, floating tubes, sailboats, motorboats (including waterskiing), and other small craft, but do not apply to transportation on large commercial vessels such as ferries and cruise ships. Turbid water exists when a swimmer treading water cannot see their feet. Additional tests or physician consultations may be required to confirm fitness for diving. 34243) with them, and agree to use the eight defenses in this plan. Any boating activity requires access to the proper equipment and transportation of gear and participants to the site. Activity in water at 70 degrees or less should be of limited duration and closely monitored for negative effects of chilling. All Scout swimming activity must be supervised by an adult-in-charge who (1) is at least 21 years old, (2) is experienced in the water, (3) is confident of being able to respond in the event of an emergency, and (4) is trained in and committed to compliance with the eight points of BSA Safe Swim Defense. In addition to the agencies listed by name, any current member of the World Recreational Scuba Training Council (WRSTC), which includes all RSTC members, is also recognized. At a minimum, the supervisor must possess skills and knowledge matching the Snorkeling BSA Award and have experience with environments similar to those of the planned activity. Is trained and committed to the nine points of BSA Safety Afloat and/or the eight points of Safe Swim Defense. Bottom depth contours below diving boards and elevated surfaces require greater water depths and must conform to state regulations. Send us an email, © 2020 Capitol Area Council, Boy Scouts of America - All Rights Reserved. Contingencies. Safe Swim Defense Training Before a BSA group may engage in swimming activities of any kind, a minimum of one adult leader must complete Safe Swim Defense training, have a commitment card (No. Beginners pass this test: Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth, level off, and swim 25 feet on the surface. Dive boats should be equipped with radios and first-aid kits, and should deploy safety lines. Participants must be able to pass the BSA Swim … Home > Training > Adult Optional > Safe Swim Defense. BSA groups shall use Safe Swim Defense for all swimming activities. The tape can be shown during a meeting so Scouts can review the plan's Both specify that the activities are supervised by a mature and conscientious adult age 21 or older who: Unit leadership that accompanies the unit on an outing handles the first and last bulleted points above. 34243) with them, and agree to use the eight defenses in this plan. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Diving and Elevated Entry: Diving is permitted only into clear, unobstructed water from heights no greater than 40 inches. Persons should not jump into water from heights greater than they are tall, and should jump only into water chest deep or greater with minimal risk from contact with the bottom. A dive flag is required in areas shared by boats. The divemaster or instructor supervising a recreational dive by a BSA group must implement the following policies for all divers under 15 years of age, as well as any additional junior diver restrictions and protocols adopted by that person’s certifying agency: Each scuba training agency recognized by the BSA requires a specific health history form prior to enrollment in a certification program. Those with BSA Aquatics Instructor training may serve as aquatics directors at Scouts BSA or Cub Scout summer camps. Safe Swim Defense. However, the training also provides important information for family swimming events and may be taken by anyone. A Venturing crew on a whitewater excursion may rely on a licensed outfitter to provide the necessary equipment and trained guides. Den Leader … Safe Swim Defense. The divemaster or instructor supervising a BSA recreational scuba activity must review the health information for each participant that is required annually of all BSA members and evaluate risk conditions using medical standards consistent with those used by his or her certifying agency. The BSA scuba policy recognizes scuba industry standards and implements them by using outside agencies for training and certification. Float Plan. All air and equipment for local council program use must be obtained from professional sources (dive stores, resorts, dive boats, etc.) Dive environments, equipment, depths, procedures, supervision, and buddy assignments must be consistent with each individual’s certification. Safe Swim Defense standards apply at backyard, hotel, apartment, and public pools; at established waterfront swim areas such as beaches at state parks and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes; and at all temporary swimming areas such as a lake, river, or ocean.