1. WELCOME VENTURING AQUATICS SAFETY VENTURING AQUATICS SAFETY

2. Introductions

3. Learning Objectives As a result of this session, you should: Understand & appreciate important aspects of Venturing Aquatics Safety Be able to organize and conduct a safe Crew activity both On and In the water

4. Have a thorough working knowledge of Safe Swim Defense (SSD) and Safety Afloat (SA) and be able to apply them to assure safe Crew activities Have a working knowledge of the special modifications to SSD/SA for specialized or advanced aquatics activities Understand what Aquatics Activities are PROHIBITED

5. Disclaimer…. This session presents applicable Aquatics Safety information for Venturing activities at the Unit level This session does not cover the unique rules, regulations, policy and procedures applicable to District and Council sponsored activities This session does not cover the unique rules, regulations, policy and procedures applicable to Boy Scout or Cub Scout activities

6. Who Can Teach Safe Swim Defense and Safety afloat training can be given by any person authorized by the council, including a BSA Aquatics resource person, a unit leader with aquatics skill, or any other person with aquatics knowledge or experience whom the local council has approved.

7. IN THE WATER SAFETY SAFE SWIM DEFENSE

8. Safe Swim Defense What is the requirement before a Crew engages in swimming activity? –Minimum of one adult leader must: Complete Safe Swim Defense training Have a commitment card with them Agree to use the eight points of the plan

9. Eight Points of Safe Swim Defense Qualified supervision Physical fitness Safe area Lifeguards on duty Lookout Ability groups Buddy system Discipline

10. 1. Qualified Supervision Mature and conscientious adult, 21 or over Accepts responsibility for safety of youth Experienced in the water Confident of ability to respond to an emergency Trained and committed to eight points of SSD Not necessarily a Swimmer Strongly recommended at least one adult or older youth qualified as BSA lifeguard

11. 2. Physical Fitness Evidence of physical fitness (complete health history from parent / physician) –Require a physical if problems are identified –Those with disabilities can be accommodated if they are known and precautions taken

12. 3. Safe Area Three groups –Maximum depth 3.5 feet for non-swimmers –Just over head for beginners –Maximum 12 feet for swimmers Bottom- clear of obstructions & hazards Boundaries—buoys, lines Diving, jumping Visibility of swimmers / clarity of water Surface swimming only in turbid water

13. 4. Lifeguards on Duty Swim only when lifeguards are on duty Recommended, not required to be certified The unit may designate two strong swimmers –Equipped with a lifeline (100 ft of 3/8” nylon) –One goes, other pulls rescuer and rescuee in –Rowboat, reach/throw/go devices are good –One lifeguard for every 10 swimmers, min 2

14. 5. Lookout Lookout can see everywhere May be the adult in charge Not Necessary to be a swimmer

15. 6. Ability Groups Non-swimmers, beginners, swimmers Beginners: jump feet first in water over head, swim 25 feet, stop, turn, return to starting point Swimmers: jump feet first in water over head, swim 75 yards strongly using sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgeon, or crawl. Then swim 25 yards using resting backstroke. No stops, one sharp turn, followed by floating. Annual testing; note parental certification on Venturing “Approval by Parents” form

16. 7. Buddy System Pair by ability group Check-in / check-out together Lookout, guards and buddies should ensure buddies stay together

17. 8. Discipline Swimming is allowed only with proper supervision and complete Safe Swim Defense Review the rules before the outing Review the rules on the beach Enforce the rules fairly and consistently

18. Eight Points of Safe Swim Defense Qualified supervision Physical fitness Safe area Lifeguards on duty Lookout Ability groups Buddy system Discipline

19. Pool and Surf You may use facility personnel as your lifeguards and lookouts, but maintain the buddy system Surf brings possibility of wave action, currents, undertow, rip, jellyfish, etc. and precautions/training of participants should be taken prior and during the activity

20. Other In-The-Water Activities Diving and Elevated Entry into the water There are additional requirements when diving and/or entry is involved SCUBA and Snorkeling SCUBA and Snorkeling have their own safety recommendations and procedures These supplement and in some portion supersede Safe Swim Defense

21. Be sure to check and follow- Facility rules/policies if applicable Local, State, Federal and International Law, rules and regulations

22. Questions?

23. Certificate

24. Resources Who can teach SSD to your Crew? –As a Unit Leader YOU CAN and YOU SHOULD What are your teaching resources? –Guide to Safe Scouting, available online at www.scouting.org/pubs/gss, the Safe Swim Defense pamphlet, video, and these slides www.scouting.org/pubs/gss Who are your lifeguard/supervision resources? –Adults and Youth in your Crew –Facility personnel –Expert Consultants

25. DIVING

26. Diving Safety Diving refers to other than feet first entry All entries feet first in water less than 7’ All entries feet first in turbid water (a 12” white disk is not visible at 3’) Diving allowed from dock/platform/pier no higher than 18” off the water in 7’ water Diving allowed from 18-40” in 9-12’ water. Diving clearance should be 15’ on sides, 25’ in front of dive location

27. Elevated Entry Entries from 40-60” should be feet first in 10-12’ deep water with 15’ side and 25’ forward clearance.

28. SNORKELING

29. Snorkeling, BSA- Training Is required prior to Open Water Snorkeling Snorkeling, BSA may given by any –BSA Aquatics Instructor or a Person trained and assigned by a BSA Aquatics Instructor –Person certified to conduct Snorkeling training by PADI, NAUI or other BSA recognized agency –Training consists of three 45 minute sessions and is conducted in clear, confined water with a maximum depth of 12’

30. Snorkeling- Recreational Open Water

31. What is the requirement before a Crew engages in a Snorkeling activity? –Minimum of one adult leader must: Complete Safe Swim Defense training Have a commitment card with them Understand Snorkeling Safety Agree to use the eight points of the plan Possesses skills and knowledge matching the Snorkeling, BSA award.

32. Snorkeling Safety Modifications Qualified supervision Physical fitness Safe area Proper Equipment Lifeguards/Lookout Ability groups Buddy system Discipline

33. 3. Safe Area Training- Clear water, pool recommended Open Water- –Clear Water, daylight conditions –Temporary area of flexible extent –In a natural body of water –Need not have boundary markers –Generally a 50’ radius around a reference on shore, a boat or a float

34. Consider/plan emergency response Guards should be able to both see and reach the bottom or participants should wear flotation equipment Watch for excessive currents River snorkeling may require upstream entry, downstream exit

35. Adjust time in water based on temperature and sun exposure Consider dive cancellation/abbreviation for worsening/unexpected adverse conditions –Water depth/clarity –Weather –Hostile Marine life –Bottom conditions –Vegetation

36. 4. Proper Equipment In good condition Properly fitted Inflatable Snorkeling Vests or PFD’s can be used at discretion of the Supervisor- –When bottom not visible –When there is noticeable current/swells –When > 50yards from shore –If participant ability dictates

37. Use Dive Flag in all open water sites Dive Flags and their use should follow local/state/federal regulations Protective clothing/wet suits may be worn Weight belts may not be used Lifesaving equipment ready for immediate use and in good repair- –Flotation device such as rescue tube, PFD, reaching/throwing devices, body board/small craft are recommended as appropriate

38. Dive Boats (if appropriate) –Radio –First Aid kit –Deploy safety line

39. 5. Lifeguards/Lookouts –2 guards per group of 2-8 snorkelers –If more than one group, a lookout is required

40. Lookout may also be the supervisor Lookout Should have audible/visible means to recall all the groups If using a boat, Lookout should remain aboard and be skilled in using it and it’s radio Lookout and Guards must know the number of people in the water at all times Buddy boards/tags or equivalent must be used to account for everyone in the water and on their return

41. 6. Ability Groups Beginners and Non-swimmers may only use equipment in appropriate depth, confined, clear water during instruction and closely supervised recreational activity Training for, and award of Snorkeling, BSA is limited to Swimmers Snorkeling, BSA completion is required for open water snorkeling

42. 7. Buddy System All participants are paired as buddies Check-in / check-out together Before the activity, they should –Check each other’s equipment –Review hand signals Lookout, guards and buddies should ensure buddies stay together Breath hold diving done one person at a time, with their buddy remaining at surface

43. SCUBA Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus

44. SCUBA, BSA- Introductory Training Is an introductory course that introduces some of SCUBA diving’s –Special skills –Equipment –Safety Precautions Is taught by a SCUBA Instructor, currently certified by NAUI, PADI, SSI or other recognized agency

45. Is designed to be educational Is designed to be fun Is conducted in a swimming pool or an established waterfront with pool-like visibility under close supervision of the certified Instructor IS NOT a Diver certification course There is a SCUBA Safety for this course

46. SCUBA – Certification Training SCUBA certification training is authorized for Venturing members as a Crew activity Training is authorized by the BSA when given by NAUI, PADI & SSI instructors.

47. If instructors from these Organizations are not available, the local council may approve others that follow the RSTC guidelines after consulting with the BSA Safety rules and procedures are the responsibility of the instructor, using his/her organization’s guidelines

48. Recreational Open Water SCUBA diving Certified Venturers may group dive in open water

49. Junior Divers must buddy with an 18+yo Dives must be supervised by a currently certified NAUI/PADI/SSI: –Dive Master, Assistant Instructor –Or any higher leadership certification A certified Instructor should screen and evaluate participant skills to ensure currency and skill proficiency Safety rules and procedures are the responsibility of the supervisor, using his/her organization’s guidelines

50. Persons NOT ALLOWED to dive – symptomatic or active Asthma/Reactive Airway Disorder including (at a minimum): –Currently taking medication for asthma/RAD –Has received treatment for bronchospasm within the past five years –Has exercise-induced bronchospasm –Has cold induce bronchospasm –Asymptomatic persons should be approved by a pulmonary specialist familiar with diving medicine

51. Unauthorized SCUBA activities “Hard-Hat diving”- Surface-supplied air-

52. WATERCRAFT SAFETY SAFETY AFLOAT

53. What is the requirement before a BSA group engages in excursion, expedition or trip on water (canoe, raft, sailboat, motorboat, rowboat, tube, or other craft)? –Adult leaders must: Complete Safety Afloat training Have a commitment card with them Agree to use the nine points of the plan Ensure someone is a certified CPR resource

54. Nine Points of Safety Afloat Qualified supervision Physical fitness Swimming ability Personal flotation equipment Buddy system Skill proficiency Planning Equipment Discipline

55. 1. Qualified Supervision Mature and conscientious adult, 21 or over Accepts responsibility for safety of youth Experienced in the water Confident of ability to respond to an emergency Trained and committed to eight points of SSD One Supervisor required per each 10 participants, with a minimum of 2 and at least one must be a CPR resource Strongly recommended at least one adult or older youth qualified as BSA lifeguard

56. 2. Physical Fitness Evidence of physical fitness (complete health history from parent / physician) –Require a physical if problems are identified –Those with disabilities can be accommodated if they are known and precautions taken

57. 3. Swimming Ability Non-swimmers, beginners: may ride in rowboat or motorboat with an adult swimmer, or in a canoe, raft or sailboat with an adult certified lifesaver Swimmers: in all other circumstances, must be a swimmer to participate in an activity afloat. Annual testing; parental certification on “Approval of Parent or Guardian” form

58. 4. Personal Flotation Equipment Properly fitted USCG approved Worn by everyone on the open water –Rowing, canoeing, sailing, boardsailing, motor boating, waterskiing, rafting, tubing, kayaking Type II / III recommended, Type I is acceptable

59. 5. Buddy System Adhere to the principles of the buddy system Individual buddies (may be more than one) “Buddy boats” on the water

60. 6. Skill Proficiency Everyone trained and experienced in watercraft handling skills, safety, and emergency procedures Whitewater: All complete special whitewater training by a qualified BSA Aquatics Instructor or other qualified specialist / expert consultant Powerboats: Meet BSA Motor boating merit badge or equivalent Otherwise: Three hours training and practice or “basic handling tests” for float trips or open water excursions in un-powered craft

61. 7. Planning Float plan—in, out, stopovers, time, maps, etc. Local rules—written permission to cross private property Notification—parents / committee / council / agencies / return Weather check Contingencies

62. 8. Equipment Suited to the craft, water conditions, individual Good repair Meets Local, State and USCG requirements Carry spare paddles, oars, PFD’s, etc Carry repair material on trips Have rescue equipment

63. 9. Discipline All know, understand and respect rules and procedures for Safety Afloat Review the rules before the outing Review the rules on the beach –Insure youth and adults understand “why” Enforce the rules fairly and consistently

64. Summary of Safety Afloat Qualified supervision Physical fitness Swimming ability Personal flotation equipment Buddy system Skill proficiency Planning Equipment Discipline

65. Be sure to check and follow- Facility/Vessel rules/policies as applicable Local, State, Federal and International Law, rules and regulations as applicable

66. Cruising Vessels in Venturing “The Standards and procedures in the Sea Scout Manual may be substituted for the Safety Afloat standards.” when the Crew is on an Adult supervised Crew activity & specializing in watercraft operations & using powerboats/sailboats over 20’ length not using rowboats, canoes, kayaks, rafts

67. Questions?

68. Certificate

69. Resources Who can teach Safety Afloat to your Crew? –As a Unit Leader YOU CAN and YOU SHOULD What are your teaching resources? –Guide to Safe Scouting, available online at www.scouting.org/pubs/gss, the Safety Afloat pamphlet, video, and these slides www.scouting.org/pubs/gss Who are your supervision resources? –Adults and Youth in your Crew –Facility/Vessel personnel –Expert Consultants

70. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS OF SAFETY AFLOAT Kayaking Kayaking, BSA Kayaking Safety Whitewater Safety Code Waterskiing Water-Skier’s Safety Code Boat Driver’s Safety Code Boardsailing, BSA

71. KAYAKING

72. Kayaking, BSA- training Provides an introduction to Basic Flat Water Kayaking Skills and Safety procedures Prepares participants for more advanced Touring and Whitewater Courses Taught by any person recognized as a Kayak Instructor by the American Canoe Assoc or equivalent who is also trained in Safety Afloat Kayak and Gear knowledge Boarding, capsize, aiding capsized paddler, Kayak-over-Kayak assist Basic Skills Forward, Sweep, Draw, Rudder, & Back Strokes

73. Nine Points of Kayaking Safety Qualified supervision Physical fitness Swimming ability Personal flotation equipment Buddy system Skill proficiency Planning Equipment Discipline

74. 1. Qualified Supervision Experienced with the types of Kayaks & Activity

75. 3. Swimming Ability Each participant must be a swimmer to participate in training or to solo a kayak

76. 6. Skill Proficiency Kayaking BSA qualifies for flat water of a limited extent Kayak trips require additional training in Emergency equipment and communication Ocean and River trips require training for waves, moving water and “reading” the environment

77. 8. Equipment Safety Helmets for Whitewater Trek Safety gear in Kayaks or support craft –Navigation Aids –Weather radios –Individual signal devices –Throw bags –First aid kits –Spare paddles –Spare clothing

78. WHITEWATER SAFETY

79. Whitewater Safety Code The American Whitewater Affiliation (AWA) Safety Code includes ten recommendations for river safety: 1.Be a competent swimmer 2.Wear a PFD 3.Keep your Canoe, raft or kayak under control – always! 4.Be aware of River Hazards and avoid

80. 5.Boating alone is not recommended (or allowed); preferred minimum is 3 6.Be suitably equipped a. Wear shoes (tennis or special canoeing shoes are best) b. Tie your glasses on c. Carry a knife and waterproof matches (also compass and map) d. Don’t wear bulky clothing that will waterlog e. Wear a crash helmet where upsets are likely f. Carry an extra paddle and repair tape g. Open canoes should have bow and stern lines (painters) securely attached so that they are readily available, but will not entangle in a spill

81. 7. In an out-of-boat experience, Swim on your back in fast water, keeping your feet and legs downstream and high, keep watching ahead. 8. When you start to spill, keep the upstream gunwale high. 9. If you do spill, hang on to your boat 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.

82. 10. When you are with a group (always the case in Venturing): a. organize the group to even out ability b. Keep the group compact for mutual support c. Don’t crowd rapids! Let each boat complete the run before the next enters d. Each boat is responsible for the boat immediately behind it.

83. WATER SKIING

84. Water Skiing A Safety Afloat activity Swimmer ability Thorough knowledge of techniques Efficient, careful towboat operator Conscientious observer PFD’s worn by all Skis in good shape Boat driven solely for benefit of skier Away from docks, swimmers, boats, fishing and other objects in the water

85. Water-Skier’s Safety Code Take instruction from a good instructor or advanced skier Wear a PFD Look ahead and know where you’re going Stay away from solid objects Be courteous and stay a reasonable distance from other skiers, boats and swimmers Run parallel to shore and come in slowly when landing

86. Learn new maneuvers progressively Have a person in the boat dedicated only to watching the skier Signal that your are all right after a fall by clasping your hands overhead or waving Hold up a ski while waiting in busy areas Check your equipment for dangerous, sharp or protruding objects Never ski in water you do not know the depth. Minimum safe is 5’ or your height Never ski to the point of exhaustion

87. Never put any part of your body through the bridle or wrap the rope around any part of your body Never signal the driver to start until the rope is tight and your ski tips are up Never ski at night Never ski ahead of another boat Never ski double with different length rope Never attempt fast landings directly towards shore Never jump from the boat while it’s moving

88. Never climb into the boat or approach the stern while the motor is running Use a stern platform or ladder when climbing into the boat

89. Boat Driver’s Safety Code for Water Ski Boating Always have a dedicated observer onboard to watch the water skier while you watch forward The Skier is your primary responsibility Return quickly to protect a fallen skier from oncoming boat traffic Drive according to skier’s ability, avoid sharp turns

90. Shift to neutral when passing a fallen skier Turn off motor when picking up skier Use common sense and courtesy Take a skier into the boat using ladder or low rear deck-avoid contact with motor or rudder Let no one to ride the gunwale or seat back Never increase speed bringing in a skier Never tow skiers in congested areas Never two skiers in swimming areas

91. WIND SURFING / BOARD SAILING

92. Boardsailing, BSA Introduces youth to basic boardsailing (Windsurfing) skills, equipment and safety precautions Taught by any person certified as an instructor by Windsurfer International, or the U.S. Board Sailing Association Instruction in recreational activity must be conducted according to the BSA guidelines for Boardsailing

93. Nine Points of Boardsailing Safety Qualified supervision Physical fitness Swimming ability Personal flotation equipment Buddy system Skill proficiency Planning/Safe Area Equipment Discipline

94. 1. Qualified Supervision Trained and committed to Boardsailing guidelines and procedures Must be an experienced Boardsailor or assisted by and adult or older youth with such experience

95. 3. Swimming Ability Must be a Swimmer to participate in board sailing activities

96. 6. Skill Proficiency All participants should receive instruction in boardsailing skills and safety from an experienced board sailor

97. 7. Planning/Safe Area Weather forecast check, check actual conditions Must stay within view and easy rescue range of a lookout with an appropriately equipped rescue boat Use designate boardsailing beaches when available Avoid swimming Areas Avoid Fishermen Avoid Underwater Diving activity Avoid boat traffic When in difficulty, stay with the boat No boardsailing at night, dusk or rough weather

98. 8. Equipment Wet suits for cold water or cool weather

99. ADDITIONAL AQUATICS SAFETY INFORMATION BSA Lifeguard Transportation USCG-Auxiliary Vessel Safety Check Unauthorized Activities Material Subject to Change

100. BSA LIFEGUARD Covers the full range of On and In-The-Water Aquatics protection needs in Venturing type environments. Highly recommended for any unit. It teaches the skills and knowledge necessary to implement SSD & SA A currently certified Red Cross Lifeguard can become a BSA Lifeguard by completing 6 hours of skills development and passing the written test

101. TRANSPORTATION Guide To Safe Scouting Ch. XII Do not tow rowboats/canoes w/sail/power Canoeists need proficiency in launching, landing, paddling, handling & swamping Sail/power boats need 10 cubic ft/person Canoe / row boats need 7 cubic ft/person Sail / power boats need oars/paddles also Ventilate bilges of gasoline / oil fumes Metal-to-metal contact when refueling No passengers when refueling

102. VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS (Courtesy Marine Examinations) Proper Equipment involves checking for safety For smaller craft, items to check are taught in the basic instruction courses. For larger craft, 16’+, information on what you need to check or to arrange a courtesy examination by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary can be found at www.safetyseal.net/what_is_vsc.asp

103. Activities NOT AUTHORIZED “MOTORIZED PERSONAL WATERCRAFT, such as Jet Skis are not authorized for use in Scouting Aquatics, and their use should not be permitted in or near BSA program Areas.”

104. Activities NOT AUTHORIZED “PARASAILING, or any activity in which a person is carried aloft by a parachute, parasail, kite or other device towed by a motorboat or by any other means is unauthorized.”

105. MATERIALS SUBJECT TO CHANGE Check the latest guidelines prior to each outing The BSA is a dynamic organization Policy is modified to incorporate industry- wide advances in risk management Changes will be reflected as implemented in the Guide to Safe Scouting: –www.scouting.org/pubs/gsswww.scouting.org/pubs/gss –Chapter II. Aquatics Safety –Chapter IX. Sports & Activities; Unauthorized & and Restricted –Chapter XII. Transportation

106. Thank You