Ensures consistency and safety

The same at all levels of Scouting

Non-Swimmer, Beginner and Swimmer

Non-Swimmer Beginner Swimmer

Tiger Cub Elective (Go swimming with an adult)

Tiger Cubs may work toward Swimming Belt Loops and Sports Pins

Cubs have no formal learn-to-swim program but should be encouraged to participate in other agencies’ programs. (ARC or YMCA)

Wolf AchievementBear Electives

-- Boats-- Swimming

Swimming Belt LoopSwimming Sports Pin

Swimming Belt Loop

Swimming Sports Pin

Aquanaut Activity Badge

How to conduct a safe swim -- Safe Swim Defense

Boy Scout Beginners TestReaching and Throwing

RescuesCan be checked off by

knowledgeable adult leaderProcedures can be found in

the Scout Handbook

How to conduct a safe boating activity -- Safety Afloat.

Boy Scout Swimmers TestLine and Tender RescuesCan be checked off by

knowledgeable adult leaderProcedures can be found in

the Scout Handbook

• SWIMMING MB• LIFESAVING MB• CANOEING MB• ROWING MB• MOTORBOATING MB• SMALL BOAT SAILING MB• WATER SPORTS MB• WHITEWATER MB• SCUBA DIVING MB

SATISFY EAGLE REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRE SPECIALIZED INSTRUCTION

Introduce specialized areas of aquatics

Available to Boy Scouts and Venture Scouts

Can be earned by adults as well as youth

Tied to advancement or simply for recreation

The BSA maintains two High Adventure bases centered around aquatics -- Northern Tier (MN and Canada) and the Seabase (FL).

Many councils also operate High Adventure camps.

The Outdoor Bronze Award and the Ranger Award have aquatic electives -- Lifesaver, Scuba and Watercraft.

The Sports Bronze Award and the Silver Award also have aquatic elements.

Normal Venture Crew activities could also be aquatic oriented.

Sea Scouts is a specialized segment of the Venturing program.

Organized to address members' boating skills and promote knowledge of our maritime heritage.

Sea Scout “Crews” are called “Ships”

Required training for supervision of swimming activities.

Provides knowledge of policies and procedures.

Available on-line or through council-approved instructor.

Required training for supervision of activities afloat.

Provides knowledge of policies and procedures.

Available on-line or through council-approved instructor.

Recommended training for supervision of swimming activities

Ties Safe Swim Defense to the advanced skill training of lifeguarding

Open to adults and older youth

Instruction must be provided by an SWR Instructor or an Aquatics Instructor BSA.

Recommended training for supervision of boating activities

Can be earned in either a canoe or a kayak

Open to adults and older youth

Instruction must be provided by a PCS Instructor or an Aquatics Instructor BSA.

Designed to meet the training requirements of government agencies for those in professional lifeguarding situations -- such as summer camp.

Open to adults and older youth.

Program is closely aligned with American Red Cross Lifeguarding.

Committee promotes aquatic activities, helps procure equipment and instructors, and provides guidance to unit leaders or council professional.

Committee has overall responsibility for the local council’s aquatic activities in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing and Exploring.

Committee is made up of local volunteers and professionals and aligned with the council’s committee structure.

Primary purpose is to support the unit’s year-round aquatic program.

Can also provide aquatic opportunities not available elsewhere.

Program varies with a camp’s facility, staff and location.

National Camp Standards require 50% of a camp’s aquatic staff to be certified as lifeguards.

Aquatics Instructor, BSA is the highest level of training available for adults in BSA Aquatics. This training is required for summer camp Aquatics Directors.

The training can only be earned at a National Camping School.

These national training schools are offered annually in each region.

DocumentsScout HandbookScout FieldbookMerit Badge PamphletsGuide to Safe ScoutingAquatic SupervisionLifeguarding, Red CrossNational Camp StandardsCub Scouts Academic and Sports Program Guide

On-LineGuide to Safe ScoutingSafe Swim Defense TrainingSafety Afloat Training

DigitalAquatic Staff GuideBSA Lifeguard Counselor GuidePaddle Craft Safety Instructors Guide and PowerpointSwimming and Water Rescue Instructors Guide and PowerpointLocal Council Aquatics Committee – a Starter Kit (Powerpoint)What’s Up in BSA Aquatics (ppt)