Re: Swimming
(no name) ((no email))
Thu, 3 Aug 1995 19:16:35 -0700
This one turned out longer than I planned, so you are fairly warned!
Wow, talk about a classic question that could easily be answered by simply
reading the book. (Never listen to self proclaimed experts, they are
usually loud because they do not know what they are talking about and are
trying to convince you they do.)
To find out what is required in swimming ability for canoeing merit badge,
all you have to do is read the requirements for the badge. What is
required is similiar to the First Class swimming requirement, except it is
a bit more specific about what strokes to swim. The distance is 100
yards/meters. (Yes the requirment for First class is differnt than the
Swimmer test! The difference is not in the distance.)
Many councils and camps want scouts to be able to pass this test before
they use a canoe. This is because it is stated in the Guide to Safe
Scouting in Bold
(which means it is a policy or rule and local councils cannot modify it).
For Terry's reference I will quote (Oh NOOoooo, not again):
From the Safety Afloat section:
3. A person who has not been classified as a "swimmer" may ride as a
passenger in a rowboat or motorboat with an adult "swimmer" or in a canoe,
raft, or sailboat with an adult certified as a lifeguard or a lifesaver by
a recognized agency. In all other circumstances, the person must be a
swimmer to participate in an activity afloat. "Swimmers" must pass this
test: Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth, level off, and
begin swimming. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the
following strokes; sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim
25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke. the 100 yards must be swum
continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the
swim, rest by floating.
(This is from my 1993 copy, check the most recent copy for updates.)
Please note, almost all the recognized agencies refered to above have
expiration dates on their Lifeguarding/Lifesaving training. The Red Cross
card is good for three years, but only if your CPR for the Professional
rescurer is current (only good for one year). If your CPR/PR card has
expired, so has your Lifeguarding. If you took Lifguarding a couple of
years ago and never got CPR/PR your Lifeguarding card expired last July.
Granted this information is only of value if something happens. That is
when the lawyers will come out of the woodwork and you find yourself
standing on your own, because as far as the Red Cross is concerned, your
certification has expired (no need to back you up) and of course, do you
think the BSA is going to be all helpful if you are in violation of their
rules and policies. Actually, both organizations might do what they can to
help, but it will not be much because they will only be able to repeat the
above. This means no deep pockets, only yours. Scarry huh!
Please, if you do aquatic activities, get a copy of the Guide for Safe
Scouting, then understand the Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat. I have
yet to go canoeing on a river with a group where at least one canoe did not
go over. (No, we are not talking about real white water, Michigan Rivers
and the Verde in Arizona when the water was is so low I even have to get out and
walk a couple of times-I can usually spot the rocks and deep water). On my
last trip on the Verde, we had a mother panic when her son disappeared under
water for a couple of seconds after a strainer rolled their canoe. Yes he
was a swimer and he was helped back up to the surface by the life jacket he
was wearing! Aquatic accidents happen, talk to any lifeguard at a city
pool. One of their hardest tasks sometimes is trying to determine if a
child is in trouble or just playing. Last, do not forget, even good and
great swimmers can get into trouble. Cramps, attacks, etc can happen in
the water too.
Chris Haggerty, District Advancement Chairman,
Lifeguarding "94" certified and a Instructor Trainer in Water Safety for
the American Red Cross
Cochise District, Catalina Council, Sierra Vista, Arizona
INTERNET: CHAGGERTY@BPA.ARIZONA.EDU Bitnet: CHAGGERTY@ARIZBPA.BITNET
The requirements for Eagle are mostly trivial, any scout is capable. Doing
them is what is significant, because most people never finish what they start.
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
