Aquatics

Safety Afloat/Safe Swim Defense

Programs provide leaders with an overview of the BSA’s policies and procedures for aquatics safety
Both courses typically covered in a one-hour session
Certification good for three years
All unit aquatics activities MUST be supervised by a leader with a minimum of this training

BSA Aquatics Supervision: Swimming & Water Rescue (New Course)

Training for BSA Swimming & Water Rescue provides BSA leaders with information and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to swimming emergencies during unit swimming activities. It expands the awareness instruction provided by Safe Swim Defense training. Persons completing the training should be better able to assess their preparation to supervise unit swimming events. The BSA recommends that at least one person with this training is present to assist with supervision whenever a unit swims at a location that does not provide lifeguards. This training is open to any registered adult leader, Scout, Venturer, or Explorer who is age 16 or older. A council approved instructor must directly supervise all training. The course takes approximately eight hours and is valid for three years. Although the training is consistent with training provided professional lifeguards, the Swimming & Water Rescue course is not a lifeguard training course and is not a substitute for BSA Lifeguard training for summer camp aquatics staff. On the other hand, this course addresses important information that may not be covered in generic lifeguard training programs such as: preventative measures, including the buddy system and swim classification tests; how to set up a safe swim area in diverse situations; the use of non-standard rescue equipment; and emergency action plans in remote settings. Therefore, BSA leaders with lifeguard training from other agencies are encouraged to complete this course prior to supervising unit swim activities in remote settings. Adult and youth first aid training, including CPR, is an important safety consideration for all Scouting activities, not just swimming. First aid training is not included in the Swimming & Water Rescue course with the expectation the leader has addressed this need separately, as noted in the course material and on the training card.

BSA Aquatics Supervision: Paddle Craft Safety (New Course)

CLICK HERE for info on the May 15, 2010 training

CLICK HERE to register for the May 15, 2010 training course

Float trips are popular Boy Scout and Venturing activities. Safety Afloat awareness training provides guidelines for safe float trips and is required of unit leaders, but does not provide the skill training mandated by those guidelines. BSA Paddle Craft Safety expands Safety Afloat training to include the skills, as well as the knowledge, needed for a unit leader to confidently supervise canoeing or kayaking excursions on flat water. Persons completing the training should be better able to access their preparation to supervise paddle craft activities. The training is open to any registered adult leader, Scout, Venturer, or Explorer who is age 16 or older. The training must be conducted by a council approved instructor, takes roughly eight hours and is valid for three years. Adult and youth first aid training, including CPR, is an important safety consideration for all Scouting activities, not just boating. First aid training is not included in the Paddle Craft Safety course with the expectation that the leader has addressed that need separately, as noted in the course material and on the training card.

BSA Lifeguard:

The emphasis of BSA Lifeguard has changed. The primary purpose is no longer to provide units with the skills necessary to conduct safe swimming and boating activities. The revised BSA Lifeguard program is now focused on providing camp staff with training that meets the requirements for professional lifeguards at regulated swimming venues. While the program is open to all registered adults and older youth, the training emphasis is changed, and the course logistics and content will reflect the new goals. Prior to taking the course, participants must be able to swim 550 yards using several strokes, and complete a timed swimming “rescue” of 256 yards.

CLICK HERE for the History of BSA Aquatics Policy Change

CLICK HERE to register for the June 3 - 8, 2010 training course

CLICK HERE for info on the June 3 - 8, 2010 training