1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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?”

5. 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.

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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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).

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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’.

16. 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

17. 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

18. BSA Online Training Course

19. BSA Online Training Course

47. Safe Swim Defense
Questions or Comments