Safe Swim Defense BSA Lifeguard Training 2000 Ray Voigt Gulf Stream Council BSA Palm Beach County, Florida Palm Beach County, Florida

Safe Swim Defense Q - B A L L S - P D or P D Q – B A L L S Qualified Supervision The Buddy System Ability Groups Lifeguards Lookouts Safe Swim Area Physical Fitness Discipline

Qualified Supervision All swimming activity must be supervised by a mature and conscientious adult 21 years of age or older who understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the well being and safety of the children in his or her care, who is experienced in the water and confident of being able to respond in the event of an emergency, and who is trained in and committed to compliance with the eight points of BSA Safe Swim Defense.

Qualified Supervision n A mature adult, at least 21 years of age n One who is able to accept responsibility. n Experienced in the water and water safety. n Able to respond in the event of an emergency. n Trained in and committed to compliance with the eight points of the BSA Safe Swim Defense.

Qualified Supervision It is strongly recommended that all units have at least one adult or older youth member currently certified as a BSA Lifeguard to assist in the planning and conducting of all swimming and water related activity. It is strongly recommended that you also include a trained scouter who has a current CPR certification.

The Buddy System n Pair every swimmer with another in the same ability group. n Buddies check in and out of the swimming area together. n Emphasize that each buddy lifeguards his buddy. n Check everyone in the water about every ten minutes, or as needed to keep the buddies swimming together.

The Buddy System n The Adult in charge signals a buddy check with a single blast of a whistle or a ring of a bell, and calls “Buddies!” or “Buddy Check!” n He counts slowly to ten while buddies join and raise hands and remain still and silent. You may want them to get out of the water. n Guards check all areas, count the pairs, an compare the total with the number known to be in the water. (sets of shoes or sets of buddy tags) n Signal two blasts or bells to resume swimming. n Signal three blasts or bells for checkout.

The Buddy System Buddy checks are a great way of maintaining the control and discipline of your swimmers.

Ability Groups n Divide your scouts and adults into three ability groups: n Non-swimmers, beginners, and swimmers. n Keep each group in its own area.

Ability Groups

n Non-swimmers; have not passed any swimming test. n Beginner Swimmers; must pass the following test: ¶Jump feet-first into water over the head in depth, level off, ·Swim 25 feet on the surface. Stop, turn sharply and swim as before and return to the starting place.

Ability Groups Swimmers must pass this test; 1. Jump feet first into water over the head in depth. 2. Level off and swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes; Side Stroke, Breast Stroke, Trudgen or Crawl. 3. Then swim 25 yard, using an easy resting backstroke. 4. The 100 yards total, must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. 5. After completing the swim, rest by floating. These classification tests should be renewed annually, preferably at the beginning of the season.

Lifeguards n Appoint two capable swimmers as lifeguards. n Station them ashore, equipped with a lifeline. (100-foot length of 1/4" nylon rope). n In an emergency, one carries out the line and the other feeds it out from shore, then pulls in his partner and the person being assisted. n In addition, if a boat is available, have two people, preferably capable swimmers and boaters, take it out, one rowing, the other equipped with a 10- foot pole or an extra oar. n Provide one guard for every ten swimmers.

Lifeguards The Formula is; 1. two capable swimmers as lifeguards. n Provide one guard for every ten persons. *** 1 swimmer = 2 lifeguards 10 swimmers = 2 lifeguards 11 swimmers = 3 lifeguards 20 swimmers = 3 lifeguards 21 swimmers = 4 lifeguards

Lookouts Station a lookout on the shore where they can see and hear everything in all areas.They can be the adult in charge of the swim and may also be the person that gives the signals for the buddy checks

Lookouts n NOTE: Lifeguards and lookouts must not take their eyes off the water, swimmers, the swimming area, and the weather conditions. n Keep all swimmers clearly in view and avoid talking to other people while on duty. n The time may come when your attention and alertness will save a life. n Be alert. Be serious about your responsibility.

Lookouts Lifeguards must not serve as lookouts while they are serving as lifeguards. **** Lookouts must not serve as or double as lifeguards while they are on duty as lookouts. Lookouts must not serve as or double as lifeguards while they are on duty as lookouts.**** Socializing between lifeguards and lookouts or swimmers should not take place.

Safe Swim Area n Have the lifeguards and swimmers systematically examine the entire bottom of the swimming area to –determine varying depths, –deep holes, –hidden rocks –Hidden tree stumps

Safe Swim Area n Mark of an area for 3 groups; –Not more that 3.5 feet deep for non-swimmers –From shallow water to just over the head of the average beginner swimmer, –Water not more than 12 feet deep for swimmers. n Mark the boundaries using sticks, or flags stuck into the bottom, or plastic bottles, balloons or floats anchored to rocks for anchors.

Safe Swim Area n Enclose the non-swimmer and beginner area, with buoy lines and floats between the markers. n Mark the outer bounds of the swimmer area with floats. n Be sure that the water depth is 7 ft or greater before allowing any diving in pools, off piers on floating docks.

Safe Swim Area

Physical Fitness n Require evidence of fitness for swimming activity with a complete health history from physician, parent, or legal guardian. n The adult supervisor should adjust all supervision, discipline, and protection to anticipate any potential risks associated with individual health conditions. n In the event of any significant health conditions, an examination by a physician should be required by the adult supervisor.

Discipline n Be sure that everyone understands and agrees that swimming is allowed only with proper supervision and use of the complete Safe Swim Defense. n Scouts should respect and follow all directions and rules of the adult supervisor.

Discipline n When everyone knows the reason for rules and procedures, they are more likely to follow them. n Be strict and fair, and show no favoritism.

Safe Swim Defense Q - B A L L S - P D or P D Q – B A L L S Q _________________________________ B _________________________________ A _________________________________ L _________________________________ S _________________________________ P _________________________________ D _________________________________

Safe Swim Defense Thank you for your attention..! It is our intention that you are able to host both fun, and safe swimming events in scouting.