Health and Safety Guide - I. Current Guidelines, Procedures, and Policies

C. Aquatics

Purpose. Aquatics activities in Scouting meet five basic objectives:

Give youth self-confidence and skill in aquatics.
Instruct youth in self-preservation, the care and use of aquatics equipment, and rescue methods.
Promote aquatics recreation.
Develop physical strength and coordination.
Aid units in planning and conducting a safe, year round aquatics program.

BSA Aquatics Instructor is the highest level of training, achievement, and recognition in Scouting aquatics. Certification as an Aquatics Instructor is given by the national organization upon satisfactory completion of the aquatics section program conducted at a National Camping School. The purpose of BSA Aquatics Instructor training is to prepare adults for leadership roles in Scout summer camp and year-round aquatics programs.

A person must be 18 years old to enroll in the National Camping School. An aquatics section student who is over 18, but not yet 21, may earn BSA Aquatics Instructor certification but may not serve as an aquatics director in a BSA facility until reaching 21 years of age.

BSA Aquatics Instructor certification requires satisfactory performance of all basic Scouting aquatics skills; training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (basic life support); satisfactory understanding of the principles of aquatics administration and protection as evidenced by a written examination; demonstrated leadership, teaching, and organizational skills; and an enthusiastic commitment to providing superior aquatics opportunities for the youth members in the program.

BSA Aquatics Instructor certification is valid for 5 years and may be renewed thereafter in either of two ways:

Participate as a student in an NCS/Aquatics certification or recertification session and meet the requirements for recertification
Serve on the Aquatics Section faculty and be recertified by the section director and camping school director

The BSA Aquatics Instructor is a valuable resource for the local council and Scouting units in the community for counseling and assistance with aquatics safety and skill development programs.

Primary reference: Camp Program and Property Management (Aquatics, Section IV).

Boat and Canoe Guidelines

No nonswimmer or beginner should ever be permitted afloat unless wearing a life jacket (PFD). Personal flotation devices (PFDs) shall be properly worn by all persons engaged in activity on the open water (rowing, canoeing, sailing, waterskiing, rafting, kayaking, or tubing).

Youth members should not go out in boats unaccompanied until they have passed the Swimmer's Test and the following Rowboat-Handling Test:

Demonstrate ability to launch a boat properly, row a straight course for 100 yards, turn, come back, land, and moor boat properly.
Participate in a swamped-boat safety demonstration, including a demonstration of the use and care of life jackets (PFDs).

The use of canoes should be limited to those who have passed the following canoe test:

Pass Swimmer's and Rowboat-Handling Tests.
As stern paddler (tandem with a partner), demonstrate ability to launch canoe properly, paddle a straight course for 100 yards, turn, come back, land, and rack canoe.
Jump out of canoe, hold onto it, and climb back in without swamping.
Get into a swamped canoe and paddle it to shore.

Primary References: Camp Health and Safety, No. 19-308, Camp Program and Property Management, and Rowing and Canoeing merit badge pamphlets.

BSA Lifeguard

The purpose of BSA Lifeguard is to provide a training program in aquatics safety at the unit level available to qualified older Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Venturers, and adult leaders. Certified council-approved BSA Lifeguard Counselors and BSA Aquatics Instructors may conduct training and serve as counselors in a summer camp or on a district/council level on a year-round basis.

The requirements for BSA Lifeguard are stated on the application. Training is for three years, after which it must be repeated. A patch and pocket certificate are available.

Primary reference: BSA Lifeguard Counselor Guide. Additional reference: Camp Program and Property Management (Aquatics, Section Ice.

BSA Lifeguard Counselor

This training has been developed for local councils to select qualified adults (at least 21 years of age) to train and certify BSA Lifeguard candidates. The counselor candidate may be a person who was previously certified as a BSA Aquatics Instructor whose certification has lapsed and who does not intend to be recertified through participation in a National Camping School, or it may be someone currently or previously certified in water safety by the American Red Cross or other recognized water safety agencies, or it may be a professional swim coach, or it may be an outstanding young person who is now trained as a BSA Lifeguard.

Applications and requirements for BSA Lifeguard Counselor are available in the BSA Lifeguard Counselor Guide. Completed applications must be signed by a currently certified BSA Aquatics Instructor and by the local council Scout executive, and submitted to the director of Health and Safety at the national office. A wall certificate will be issued to the counselor; it is valid for five years.

BSA Swim Tests

All persons participating in BSA aquatics are classified according to swimming ability. The classification tests and test procedures have been developed and structured to demonstrate a skill level consistent with the circumstances in which the individual will be in the water. The Swimmer's Test demonstrates the minimum level of swimming ability required for safe deep-water swimming. The Beginner's Test demonstrates the minimum level of swimming ability for recreational and instructional activity in a confined swimming area with a maximum 6-foot depth, and with shallow water footing or a pool or pier edge always within 25 feet of the swimmer.

The various components of each test evaluate the several skills essential to the minimum level of swimming ability. Precise statements of the tests are as follows:

Swimmer's Test Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth, level off, and begin swimming. 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 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.

Beginner's Test Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth, level off, swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming as before, and return to starting place.

Administration of Swim Classification Test

Special note: Although swim tests may be conducted prior to summer camp, the aquatics director is expected to review or retest any Scout or Scouter whose skills appear to be inconsistent with his classification. Additionally, the aquatics program director is authorized to retest any Scout or group of Scouts when he is reasonably concerned that precamp swim tests were not properly administered.

The council chooses one of these options:

Option A (at camp): The swim classification test is completed the first day of camp by aquatics program personnel.
Option B (council-conducted/council-controlled): The council controls the swim classification process by predetermined dates, locations, and approved personnel to serve as aquatics instructors. When the unit goes to a summer camp, each individual will be issued a buddy tag under the direction of the aquatics program director for use at the camp.
Option C (at unit level with council-approved aquatics resource people): The swim classification test done at a unit level should be conducted by one of the following council-approved resource people: BSA Aquatics Instructor, Cub Scout Aquatics Supervisor, BSA Lifeguard, certified lifeguard, swimming instructor, or swim coach. When the unit goes to a summer camp, each individual will be issued a buddy tag under the direction of the aquatics program director for use at the camp.

The classification tests should be renewed annually, preferably at the beginning of each outdoor season. An explanation of each test element and proper test procedures are included in Aquatics, Section IV, Camp Program and Property Management.

Mile Swim, BSA

This award is offered to encourage the development of physical fitness and stamina through swimming. The requirements of the award specify that the Scout prepare for a distance swim and swim a continuous mile. The swimming may be done using any stroke and has no time requirement. The swimmer may rest in the course of the swim by floating or treading in deep water without assistance. The mile may be done over open water accompanied by a rowboat with at least two occupants or by laps in an enclosed and protected area.

Primary reference: Camp Program and Property Management (Aquatics, Section IV). Additional references: Swimming merit badge pamphlet, Boy Scout Requirements.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

"Properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) must be worn by all persons engaged in activity on the open water (rowing, canoeing, sailing, boardsailing, motorboating, waterskiing, rafting, tubing, kayaking, and surfboarding)"-BSA policy.

Only U.S. Coast Guard-approved equipment (types I, II, or III) is acceptable for use in Scouting aquatics. (Ski belts are not acceptable.) All Scouts should be instructed on how to put on a PFD and how to check it for proper fit. Scout leaders responsible for activity in craft must always check to ensure that PFDs are of the right type and properly worn. Both Scouts and unit leaders should be taught the types of PFDs and which is appropriate for each specific circumstance.

Primary references: Camp Health and Safety; Camp Program and Property Management Motorboating, Canoeing, Rowing, Whitewater, Waterskiing, and Small Boat Sailing merit badge pamphlets, or Safety Afloat.

Safe Swim Defense

All swimming activity in Scouting is conducted according to the Safe Swim Defense. The proven procedures included in this water safety plan have given Scouting what is believed to be the most exemplary water safety record of any youth organization. Previously known as the eight defense plan, the concept was first developed more than 40 years ago.

Despite the success achieved through adherence to the Safe Swim Defense, drownings at unit activities still occur in Scouting. The lack of responsible and informed adult leadership is a contributing factor in most of these accidents. For this reason, Scouting gives a high priority to events that expose unit leaders to the Safe Swim Defense, help achieve an understanding of water safety and the elements of the defense plan, and encourage every unit leader to make arrangements to follow the Safe Swim Defense wherever the unit swims.

The eight points of the defense include:

Qualified supervision
Physical fitness
Safe area
Lifeguards on duty
Lookout
Ability groups
Buddy system
Discipline

This training may be given by any person authorized by the council, including a BSA aquatics resource person, a unit leader with aquatics skills, or any other person with aquatics knowledge or experience who has been approved by the local council.

Primary reference: Camp Program and Property Management (Aquatics, Section IV). Additional references: Safe Swim Defense, Boy Scout Handbook, Cub Scout Leader Book, Venturing Reference Guide, Sea Scout Manual, Scoutmaster Handbook, Swimming and Lifesaving merit badge pamphlets, Tours and Expeditions, and BSA Lifeguard Counselor Guide.

Safety Afloat

Scouting must do all it can to ensure the safety of those participating in water activity afloat. Safety Afloat was developed to promote boating and boating safety and to set standards for safe unit activity afloat.

Before a BSA group may engage in an excursion, expedition, or trip on the water (canoe, raft, sailboat, motorboat, rowboat, tube, or other small craft), adult leaders for such activity should complete Safety Afloat training of equivalent, have a commitment card on their persons, and be dedicated to full compliance with all nine points of Safety Afloat.

The nine points of Safety Afloat are:

Qualified supervision
Physical fitness
Swimming ability
Personal flotation equipment
Buddy system
Skill proficiency
Planning
Equipment
Discipline

Note: For cruising vessels (excluding rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and rafts, but including sailboats and power boats longer than 20 feet) used in adult-supervised unit activities by a chartered Venturing crew or ship specializing in watercraft operations or used in adult-supervised activity with any High Adventure program or other activity under the direct sponsorship and control of the National Council, the standards and procedures in the Sea Scout Manual may be substituted for the Safety Afloat standards.

Primary reference: Camp Program and Property Management (Aquatics, Section IV). Additional references: Safety Afloat Training Outline, Boy Scout Handbook, BSA Lifeguard Counselor Guide, Canoeing and Rowing merit badge pamphlets, Cub Scout Leader Book, and Scoutmaster Handbook.

BSA Scuba Policy for Local Councils

The use of self-contained underwater apparatus (scuba) is not a program activity in Scout summer camp, and is not authorized for Boy Scout unit activity or' any Cub Scout activity. Scuba equipment may be used by qualified summer camp aquatics program personnel for installation and maintenance of waterfront equipment or

for search and recovery operations. Search and recovery could include lost equipment as well as rescue efforts.

Any person possessing, displaying, or using scuba equipment in connection with any Scout-related activity (Boy Scout, Cub Scout, Venturer, Varsity Scout, or Venture patrol member) must be currently certified by the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) or the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). These two agencies are recognized by the Boy Scouts of America for scuba training and instruction. Alternatively, if PADI or NAUI training and instruction is not available, certification may be accepted from other agencies that comply with Recreational Scuba Training Council (RTSC) guidelines, provided that such acceptance has been expressly approved by the BSA local council in consultation with the BSA national Health and Safety Service.

Scuba programs may be a part of Boy Scouting or Venturing activities, and for participants who are 14 years of age or older. Persons meeting the age requirement and properly certified may participate in group dives under the supervision of a responsible adult who is currently certified as a dive master, assistant instructor, or any higher rating from MAUI or PADI. Student divers must be under the supervision of a currently certified NAUI or PADI instructor. No exceptions to the BSA age requirement are permitted, and any NAUI or PADI age requirements for those 14 or older shall be followed in all Scout-related activities. A 14-year-old participant with a junior diver certification may dive only when accompanied by a buddy who is a certified open-water diver at least 18 years old.

Because of lack of frequency of diving by most sports divers, it is important that any certified divers be screened and evaluated by a certified diving instructor before participating in BSA-related activities. The skills to be evaluated include the following:

Use of buoyancy control device
Giant stride entry
Removal and replacement of weight belt
Neutral buoyancy
Snorkel-to-regulator exchange
Removal and replacement of scuba unit under water
Face mask removal, replacement, and clearing
Emergency swimming ascent
Alternate air source ascent
Predive safety drill
Five-point ascent and descent
Deepwater exits
Simulation of surface procedures

BSA employees whose position descriptions require or anticipate scuba use should be certified as instructors by either PADI or NAUL When scuba diving is to be taught in connection with any local council program, local PADI- or NAUI-certified instructors should provide the instruction on a contract basis. Such instructors should be associated with a dive shop or other business that provides liability coverage. Direct employment of scuba instructors is not recommended.

Local council programs may not compress or sell air for scuba use, or sell, rent, or loan scuba equipment to anyone for any purpose. All air and equipment for local council program use must be obtained from properly licensed sources, unaffiliated with the Boy Scouts of America and under the supervision of PADI- or NAUI- certified instructors. Established and preexisting local council programs may request special authorization through the BSA National Health and Safety Service for nonconforming activity. Determinations with respect to such authorization will be based upon independent evaluation of each local program, confirmed in writing, and subject to periodic reevaluation.

So-called hard-hat diving or any diving using surfacesupplied air systems is unauthorized in connection with any BSA activity or facility except when done under contract by commercial divers.

BSA Policy on Asthma and Other Pulmonary Diseases as Related to Scuba

Persons with asthma (sometimes called reactive airway disease, or RAD) whose pulmonary function tests are normal can be considered as candidates for diving. Those who wish to scuba dive should be referred for medical assessment by an asthma specialist, preferably one who also has knowledge of or experience in diving and its associated hazards. This assessment should include a complete medical examination and measurement of pulmonary function at rest and then again after either exercise or other provocative challenge. Any determination of fitness for diving must be made on the basis of such examination and specific testing.
Persons with chronic pulmonary diseases other than asthma also should have medical specialist evaluation and specific testing as described above to determine fitness for diving.
Persons with active asthma or other acute pulmonary illness, as might be evidenced by cough, wheeze, shortness of breath, or exercise-induced chest symptoms, should not be allowed to scuba dive, even if they were previously examined by a medical specialist and found to be fit to dive. Persons who have had asthma or acute pulmonary illness since being seen by a medical specialist should not be allowed to dive until it has been determined (by appropriate pulmonary function tests) that airway function has returned to normal.

Snorkeling, BSA

Purpose. The Snorkeling, BSA, requirements have been developed to introduce Scout age children to the special skills, equipment, and safety precautions associated with snorkeling; to encourage the development of aquatics skills that promote fitness and recreation; and to provide a solid skills and knowledge foundation for those who later will participate in more advanced underwater activity.

Counselors. Any certified Aquatics Instructor, BSA, may serve as a counselor for the Snorkeling, BSA, Award. A person recognized and certified as a snorkeling instructor by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), or the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) also qualifies as a Snorkeling, BSA, counselor.

Recognition. The individual completing the official requirements will receive a recognition card and swimsuit patch. The completed award application should be submitted to the local council service center by the counselor or unit leader.

Programming. Instructions must be conducted in clear, confined water with a maximum 12 foot depth. A swimming pool is recommended. Snorkeling, BSA, is ideally suited to winter programs using indoor pools. Three 45minute sessions are recommended for instruction, practice, and completion of requirements.

Requirements. All requirements must be completed as stated on the application form. The counselor may not omit, vary, or add requirements. The requirements are presented in the order in which they should be taught to the Scout.

The second requirement considers the time-honored and time-proven principle of the buddy system. Snorkelers and divers must use the buddy system at all times. Before beginning the activity, each person helps his buddy fit and check the equipment. The principle of the buddy system is that two people can enjoy an aquatics activity together while each provides the critical margin of safety for the other. Each buddy must always be aware of the condition and circumstances of his buddy, and must always be prepared to give immediate assistance if needed.

Requirements and program outlines are available through the Health and Safety Service, Boy Scouts of America, 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079.

Primary reference: Camp Program and Property Management (Aquatics, Section IV). Additional references: Fieldbook, Lifesaving merit badge pamphlet.

Swimming Areas

Swimming areas should be large enough to avoid crowding (minimum of 40 sq. ft. per swimmer). Note the following in accordance with Safe Swim Defense rules. Mark off the area for three groups: not more than 3½ feet deep for nonswimmers; from shallow water to just over the head for beginners; deep water not more than 12 feet for swimmers.

Primary reference: Guide to Safe Scouting

Diving and Elevated Entry

"Diving" as used here refers to any water entry where the feet are not making first contact with the water. "Elevated entry" refers to any water entry from a height more than 18" above the water. According to BSA Safe Swim Defense standards, no diving or swimming activity of any kind is done in water with a depth greater than 12 feet.

All water entry must be feet first where the water has less than 7 feet of unobstructed depth. A leaping entry is recommended where water is at or above head level, and a step-down or jump-down entry from a sitting position is recommended for shallower water.

No diving is permitted in water with less than 7 feet of unobstructed depth. Diving is permitted in clear water over 7 feet deep from a dock, pier or platform no more than 18" above the water surface. For elevated entry from heights greater than 18'; but less than 40" above the water surface, clear and unobstructed water depth must be at least 9 feet. The water must be clear enough to enable supervisory and guard personnel to see the diver at the deepest part of the plunge.

Board diving is permitted only from boards, mounted on a fixed (not floating) platform or deck, no more than 40" (approximately 1 meter) above the water surface. Clear water depth below the board should be 9 to 12 feet. (State or local regulations may specify a depth within this range. If regulatory requirements fall outside this range, the more stringent requirement - BSA or regulatory - should be observed.) A guard or supervisor should be positioned where he can see the diver at all times beneath the surface. There should be no other surface or underwater activity or obstruction for at least 15 feet on either side of the board and 25 feet in front of the board. Diving should always be done straight ahead from the board, never to the sides.

Any elevated entry from a height greater than 40" must be feet first and only from a fixed platform or solid footing no more than 60" above the water surface. Clear water depth should be 10 to 12 feet. Other protective measures and distances are the same as for board diving.

Water Clarity

Swimming activity in turbid water should be limited to surface swimming. Turbid water exists when a 12-inch white disk at the depth of 3 feet is not visible from above the surface of the water. Underwater swimming, headfirst entry (except for racing dives), and board diving are not permitted in turbid water. Supervised instruction in lifesaving skills and surface diving may be conducted in confined areas of turbid water not exceeding 8 feet in depth and free of bottom hazards.

Snorkeling and scuba skills are taught and practiced only in clear water. Clear water exists when a 12-inch disk at a depth of 8 feet is visible from above the surface of the water.

Primary reference: Guide to Safe Scouting

Waterskiing

Safe waterskiing starts with safe equipment, a thorough knowledge of techniques, competent instruction, and an efficient, careful towboat operator and a conscientious observer. A life jacket is a must for all waterskiers. Skis should be in good shape and free from sharp or protruding edges. The boat operator should realize that he is driving solely for the benefit, satisfaction, and safety of the skier. The boat and skier should stay away from docks, swimmers, boaters, people fishing, and other objects.

The Waterskier's Safety Code and Boat Driver's Safety Code are both found in the Waterskiing merit badge pamphlet. These are guidelines to be followed by all those involved in the sport of waterskiing.

Primary reference: Waterskiing merit badge pamphlet. Additional reference: Camp Program and Property Management (Aquatics, Section IV).

Board Sailing

The BSA board sailing program has been developed to introduce Scout-age children to basic board sailing skills, equipment, and safety precautions, to encourage development of skills that promote fitness and safe aquatics recreation, and to lay a skill and knowledge foundation for those who will later participate in more advanced and demanding activities on the water.

Any person recognized as an instructor by the U.S. Windsurfing Association may serve as a counselor for this award with the approval of the local council service center. Any person trained and experienced in board sailing skills and safety may serve as a counselor for this award in a Scout summer camp program under the direction and supervision of a currently certified BSA Aquatics Instructor.

Instruction in recreational activity must be conducted according to the BSA guidelines for board sailing. The board sailing award is available for inclusion in the Scouting program.

Reference: Camp Program and Property Management, Section IV, Aquatics.

Whitewater Safety Code

The American Whitewater Affiliation (AWA) Safety Code includes ten recommendations for river safety:

Be a competent swimmer.
Wear a PFD.
Keep your canoe under control, always!
Be aware of river hazards and avoid them.
Boating alone is not recommended; preferred minimum is three craft.
Be suitably equipped.
1. Wear shoes (tennis shoes or special canoeing shoes are best).
2. Tie your glasses on.
3. Carry knife and waterproof matches (also compass and map).
4. Don't wear bulky clothing that will waterlog.
5. Wear a crash helmet where upsets are likely.
6. Carry an extra paddle and canoe-repair tape.
7. Open canoes should have bow and stern lines (painters) securely attached. Use at least 15 feet of Y- or X-inch rope. Secure them to the canoe so they are readily available but will not entangle feet and legs in case of a spill.
Swim on your back in fast water, keeping your feet and legs downstream and high. Keep watching ahead.
When you start to spill, keep the upstream gunwale high.
If you do spill, hang on to your canoe and get to the upstream end. (Note: If you are heading into rough rapids and quick rescue is not expected, or if water is numbing cold, then swim for shore or a rock where you can climb out of the water.)
When you are with a group:
1. Organize the group to even out canoeing ability.
2. Keep the group compact for mutual support.
3. Don't crowd rapids! Let each canoe complete the run before the next canoe enters.
4. Each canoe is responsible for the canoe immediately behind it.

Year-Round Aquatics

Effort should be made to continue a program of aquatics recreation and training 12 months of the year. Opportunities should be made to teach all members aquatics skills through council or district leadership. City recreation departments, school districts, YMCA, YWCA, athletic clubs, swim clubs, apartment complexes, colleges, and motels all have pools that can be made available for Scout use through advance arrangements.

Your summer camp aquatics staff, the American Red Cross, and high-school or college swim coaches are trained resources to conduct: (1) learn-to-swim programs, (2) merit badge clinics or classes in aquatics subjects, (3) district swim meets or carnivals, or (4) small-craft training for BSA youth members and their leaders.

In addition, Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat training should be provided to adult leaders through roundtables and volunteer training courses throughout the year.

Cub Scout Aquatics

Outdoor programs for Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts should include aquatics whenever facilities and leadership are available. Swimming and boating should be conducted in accordance with Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat standards. Special considerations are noted in the statement on Safety Afloat.

Resident and/or day camp aquatics programs for Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts should provide opportunities for recreational swimming, basic learn-to-swim instruction, aquatic games, and recreational boating, in accordance with Safe Swim Defense and BSA Safety Afloat policies and local law where applicable. A certified BSA Aquatics Instructor or a Cub Scout Aquatics Supervisor should be responsible for all aquatics-program management and protection in resident or day camp programs, using assistants which he or she has selected, trained, and supervises.

To qualify for the Cub Scout Aquatics Supervisor designation, an individual must satisfy requirements as follows: (1) 21 years of age; (2) current BSA Lifeguard training, or lifesaver or lifeguard certification from a recognized agency. (If boating is included in the program, lifeguard or lifesaver training from other agencies alone is not sufficient. BSA lifeguard training includes boating safety. If the supervisor is not BSA Lifeguard trained, then he or she should complete training and orientation in BSA Safety Afloat conducted by a certified BSA Lifeguard or BSA Aquatics Instructor before assuming responsibility for boating activity.); (3) successful completion of a three-day NCS Cub Scout Aquatics training program; and (4) successful completion of a course that includes adult, child, and infant CPR and adult, child, and infant airway management (Heimlich maneuver), such as those offered by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.

Note that a Cub Scout Aquatics Supervisor is not qualified for instruction beyond basic learn-to-swim. If the program will include more advanced training, it should be under the supervision of a certified BSA Aquatics Instructor.

Reference: Camp Program and Property Management, Section IV, Aquatics.

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Source: BSA Health and Safety Guide #33415B - 2000 Printing