The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) issues a charter through a local council to a Chartered Organization (the church or other organization that owns your unit). 34346, is the primary resource for aquatics at the unit level. Swim continuously for 400 yards using each of the following strokes in a strong manner, in good form with rhythmic breathing, for at least 50 continuous yards: front crawl, sidestroke, breaststroke, and elementary backstroke. 175 Likes, 12 Comments - KatherineAnn (@rin_in_nature) on Instagram: “ESF class of 2020 I just graduated from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry with a…” It expands the awareness instruction provided by Safe Swim Defense training. 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. Click here for an informative PDF, an application, and information for counselors. A dedicated catch pool or roped-off area of water is required for each activity. Rescue personnel must be able to easily reach the bottom. Snorkeling in open water requires each participant to have demonstrated knowledge and skills equivalent to those for Snorkeling BSA in addition to following Safe Swim Defense. affiliated with a scuba agency recognized by the BSA. *If your state, city, or local community requires a water depth greater than 7 feet, it is important to abide by that mandate. 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. BSA groups shall use Safety Afloat for all boating activities. The swim classification tests should be renewed annually, preferably at the beginning of each outdoor season. Comply with any signs posted by local health authorities. Vance Outdoors reserves the right to modify or change pricing information or descriptions without notice. A buddy check reminds participants of their obligation to monitor their buddies and indicates how closely the buddies are keeping track of each other. Unit trips on whitewater sections of rivers rated Class IV are only allowed in rafts with a professionally trained guide in each raft. Individual Venturers may participate in outside triathlon events sanctioned by USA Triathlon. Consultation with medical specialists knowledgeable about diving medicine also may be needed for participants taking psychotropic drugs for treatment of attention deficit disorder, depression, or other conditions. 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. Scuba equipment may be used by certified summer camp aquatics program personnel for installation and maintenance of waterfront equipment, or for search and recovery operations. Leave No Trace. Both specify that the activities are supervised by a mature and conscientious adult age 21 or older who: Understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the well-being and safety of youth members in his or her care Maximum recommended water depth in clear water is 12 feet. Level off and swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke. The swimmer and beginner classification tests defined in Safe Swim Defense may be administered at the unit level following procedures specified in Aquatics Supervision, No. Determine what state and local regulations are applicable. While every effort is made to include accurate and correct images, descriptions and pricing for all products, inadvertent errors may occur. Every possible contingency will not be covered with a hard-and-fast rule, and rules are poor substitutes for experience. Following the guidelines set in the BSA Safe Swim Defense, in water at least 7 feet deep*, show a standing headfirst dive from a dock or pool deck. Adult leaders supervising a swimming activity must have completed Safe Swim Defense training within the previous two years. 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. Adult leaders supervising activities afloat must have completed Safety Afloat training within the previous two years. Risk factors include, but are not limited to, ear and sinus problems, recent surgery, spontaneous pneumothorax, asthma or reactive airway disease (RAD), seizure disorders, diabetes, leukemia, sickle-cell disorder, pregnancy, panic disorders, and active psychosis. Controlled Access: There must be safe areas for all participating ability groups to enter and leave the water. Weather: Participants should be moved from the water to a position of safety whenever lightning or thunder threatens. Wait at least 30 minutes before resuming activities after the last incidence of thunder or lightning. Activity in water at 70 degrees or less should be of limited duration and closely monitored for negative effects of chilling. Read more. All participants not classified as swimmers must wear a life jacket when on deck underway. Trips above Class IV are not allowed. A Venturing crew on a whitewater excursion may rely on a licensed outfitter to provide the necessary equipment and trained guides. To submit your application for the PADI Dive to Adventure Scholarship, CLICK HERE. Even short trips require selecting a route, checking water levels, and determining alternative pull-out locations. For more than 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has worked with parents across the country to teach character, confidence, and integrity to the next generation. Enjoy our FREE RETURNS. Diving using surface-supplied air systems is not authorized in connection with any BSA activity or facility except when done under contract by commercial divers. Discuss and review with your counselor the principles of BSA Safe Swim Defense. This award also encourages Scouts to develop paddling skills that promote fitness and safe aquatics recreation. Shop now and get Free Value Shipping on most orders over $49 to the contiguous 48 states, DC and to all U.S. Military APO/FPO/DPO addresses.. Safety Afloat training may be obtained from my.scouting.org, at council summer camps, and at other council and district training events. Scouts, parents, dive supervisors, and physicians with questions or concerns about diving with specific medical conditions should consult the Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC) Guidelines for Recreational Scuba Diver’s Physical Examination and the Divers Alert Network (DAN) at www.diversalertnetwork.org. Qualified Supervision: In addition to Safe Swim Defense training and the 21-year-old minimum age, the supervisor must be an experienced snorkeler. The environment for an open-water swim must conform to Safe Swim Defense guidelines regarding hazards such as submerged trees, currents, and boat traffic, as well as water quality, depth, and clarity. Recreational diving activities by BSA groups must be supervised by a responsible adult currently certified (renewed) as a divemaster, assistant instructor, or higher rating from a recognized agency. Lifeguards must be provided with appropriate personal safety and rescue equipment. The entire area must be within easy reach of designated rescue personnel. Various risk factors identified on the forms may exclude a person from scuba training, either temporarily or permanently. Moving Water: Participants should be able to easily regain and maintain their footing in currents or waves. Standards of the recognized scuba agencies require students for open-water certification programs to be at least 15 years of age but allow special certification programs for younger students. 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. A separate check-in and a single route to the start of the activity are often needed. 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. A safety check of the participant safety and lifeguard safety and rescue equipment must occur daily. Bottom depth contours below diving boards and elevated surfaces require greater water depths and must conform to state regulations. 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. Contingencies. Swimmers pass this test: Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth. Key components of the policy include: program hazard analysis, location, operating procedures, installation/construction, participant safety equipment, safety checks, and emergency action plans. Abrupt changes in depth are not allowed in the nonswimmer area. 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. Beginners pass this test: Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth, level off, and swim 25 feet on the surface. 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. Any boating activity requires access to the proper equipment and transportation of gear and participants to the site. The lessons learned and relationships built in Scouting have been instrumental in the lives of millions of business, civic, and community leaders. Search and recovery could include lost equipment, as well as rescue efforts. Diving and Elevated Entry: Diving is permitted only into clear, unobstructed water from heights no greater than 40 inches. 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. Program Hazard Analysis: A program hazard analysis must be completed at least annually for each aquatics play structure device in use. Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat govern BSA swimming and boating activities. Safety Afloat training may be obtained from my.scouting.org , at council summer camps, and at other council and district training events. For activity afloat, those not classified as a swimmer are limited to multiperson craft during outings or float trips on calm water with little likelihood of capsizing or falling overboard. Dive boats should be equipped with radios and first-aid kits, and should deploy safety lines. Level off and swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke. All instructors must have at least one assistant who can recognize and respond appropriately if the instructor’s safety is compromised. Bottom Conditions and Depth: The bottom must be clear of trees and debris. 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. BSA strives to address the issues that affect our community on campus, locally, and internationally, while providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students who wish to be a part of it. They may paddle or ride in a canoe or other paddle craft with an adult swimmer skilled in that craft as a buddy. The charter is a formal agreement allowing that organization to use the Scouting program to serve youth in its community. 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. 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. Registered 501(c)(3). Safe Swim Defense / Safety Afloat. The BSA asks its members to affirm a belief in God. Swimming areas of appropriate depth must be defined for each ability group. © 2021 Boy Scouts of America - All Rights Reserved
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). Check your primary communication system, and identify backups, such as the nearest residence to a campsite. Aquatics activities at district and council day and resident camps should follow appropriate National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) standards. 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. Dive environments, equipment, depths, procedures, supervision, and buddy assignments must be consistent with each individual’s certification. Additional guidance on appropriate skill levels and training resources is provided in the Aquatics Supervision guide available from council service centers. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash or thunder before leaving shelter. Mile Swim and Polar Bear Swim* Snorkeling, BSA. After completing the swim, rest by floating. Members of Scouts BSA and Venturers may participate in recreational group dives as unit, district, or council activities, provided such dives are consistent with their certifications and under direct, on-site supervision of a responsible adult currently certified as a divemaster, assistant instructor, or higher rating from a recognized agency. Safe Swim Defense 6 BSA Aquatics Play Structure Policy 10 Classification of Swimming Ability 10 Distance Swimming in Open Water The Sweet 16 of BSA Safety10 Snorkeling in Open Water 11 BSA Scuba Policy 12 Safety Afloat 15 Tow Sports 19 III.