Safe Swim Defense Original Presentation Prepared By: James Lowell Fry BSA Aquatics Instructor & Red Cross Certified Lifeguard Additional Material Provided By: Rich Diesslin, BSA Lifeguard & BSA Online Training Course Edited and Annotated By: Jim Banko BSA Troop 89, Great Bend, PA DISCLAIMER: The use of this slide presentation should be done in conjunction with the review of the official BSA Safe Swim Defense

Safe Swim Defense Is the recommended procedure for conducting group swims at the beach, private or public pools, wilderness pond, stream, or wherever the water looks inviting enough to take a dip.

Safe Swim Defense Supervision, Qualified Medical Re-checks (Physical Fitness) Ability Groups Lifeguards on Duty Lookout Buddy System Area, Safe Discipline Emphasize Small Bad There are many mnemonics that can be used to help remember the 8 points of the Safe Swim Defense

Safe Swim Defense Supervision, Qualified Mature Adult – 21 years of age or older Accepts responsibility for the well-being and safety of the youth Confident they can respond to emergencies Trained in and committed to compliance with the Safe Swim Defense Not necessarily a certified lifeguard Strongly recommended that unit has one adult or older youth trained as a BSA Lifeguard to assist The BSA Lifeguard or other such aquatic professional should be consulted before any aquatics event is conducted. Ask the question “Is the event safer with a professional present?”

Safe Swim Defense Medical Re-checks (Physical Fitness) Complete health history Class 2 or 3 Medical Form Identify significant medical conditions Adjust activity and lifeguard duties to accommodate medical concerns Significant medical concerns should require a physicians examination Extra guards may be necessary, a 1 on 1 guard situation may be necessary, a written release or instructions from the doctor may be necessary in order for some scouts to participate.

Safe Swim Defense Ability Groups Non-Swimmer Beginner Swimmer Classification test renewed annually

Safe Swim Defense Non-Swimmer Non-Swimmer activities (games etc.) Make time and provide staff to help teach swimming Encourage swim lessons Be sure to explain reasons for each test and what are the really important points to look for in each test.

Safe Swim Defense Beginner Jump feet-first into water over your head Level off and swim 25’ Start swimming without push-off Stop and turn sharply Resume swimming and return to start Do not touch bottom or push-off Be sure to explain reasons for each test and what are the really important points to look for in each test.

Safe Swim Defense Swimmer Jump feet-first into water over your head Start swimming without push-off Level off and swim 75 yards in a strong manner Crawl, Trudgen, Breast, Side Include at least one sharp turn Do not touch bottom or push-off Swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke Rest by floating Be sure to explain reasons for each test and what are the really important points to look for in each test. Be sure to explain reasons for no compromise on standard.

Safe Swim Defense Lifeguards on Duty Certified Troop Swim School pools, water parks, etc. Troop Swim Non-certified 2 capable swimmers stationed ashore Equip with a 100’ lifeline, pole, float, etc. Use boat for rescue if available 1 lifeguard for every 10 people in the water Explain ratio and reasons why. Also explain when that ratio may not work. Be sure to mention the state regulated ratio in regular pool/beach settings (200/1).

Safe Swim Defense Lookout Stationed ashore Must see and hear everything in all areas May be the adult in charge of the swim May give the buddy signals Be aware of lightning safety The adult in charge may be the lookout. Don’t forget parents can be the lookout as well.

Safe Swim Defense Buddy System Pair every youth with another of the same ability group Check in and out of area together Buddy Checks every 10 min, or as needed Signal for Buddy Check Single whistle blast or bell and call of “buddies” Two whistle blasts or bells to resume swimming Three whistle blasts or bells for checkout

Safe Swim Defense Area, Safe Three areas clearly marked Participants must not swim in an area if they can not recover and maintain their footing or maintain their position due to swimming ability or water flow Non-Swimmer Area 3½’ maximum depth Beginners From shallow water to just over the head Be sure to explain reasons for each test and what are the really important points to look for in each test.

Safe Swim Defense Area, Safe Swimmers 12’ Maximum depth Surface swimming only in turbid water 12” white disc at 3’ depth not visible from surface Diving 7’ minimum clear-water depth Dive entry over 40” prohibited Feet first entry over 60” prohibited Entry from over 18” needs 10’-12’ clear-water depth Be sure to discuss river swimming. Docks 18”-40” must have 9’min. of water depth. Guard personnel must be able to see body at the deepest part of the water. Entry over 40” must have water depth of 10’-12’.

Safe Swim Defense Discipline Safe Swim Defense Agree to and use all points Rules are set and discussed for the area you are using prior to activity Follow all directions and rules of supervisor Give reasons for rules if possible Be strict and fair

Safe Swim Defense Supervision, Qualified Medical Re-checks (Physical Fitness) Ability Groups Lifeguards on Duty Lookout Buddy System Area, Safe Discipline Emphasize Small Bad There are many mnemonics that can be used to help remember the 8 points of the Safe Swim Defense

BSA Online Training Course

BSA Online Training Course

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