2nd & 1st Class Swimming Requirements

Some boys can't swim when they become Scouts. Some simply need
instruction. For others that skill is more difficult - it may be a matter of
maturation; or coordination; or psychological; or physical (strength or a
disability).
It seems that among our missions is to build success, self-confidence,
and personal esteem. The program suggests a path to First Class taking about a
year. That suggests that you cannot wait to summer camp to qualify the boys in
swimming.
Our Troop's October activity will be on/at the water. It's a trip to
Assateague Island/Chincoteague National Seashore/Wildlife Refuge, VA. So we're
into safe swimming/water safety mode. Next week we'll be camping out at a lake
and starting qualifications. And, we have 12 new Scouts.
So what can you do about the boys who are not "ready"? Well, any on
water activity demands a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) anyway, which if you
think about the 1st Class requirement to float motionless for one minute
suggests a watersport activity/rescue need in which a PFD is requisite. That
also suggests that you can start non-swimmers with a PFD to give them
confidence.
Also, neither the 2nd nor 1st Class swimming requirements state that
the swimming need be "unassisted". So, why not start with the use of a PFD to
qualify for those who need the maturity or experience to develop swimming
skills (and gain their rank advancement)?
No one need fail if you're creative. No one need be unsafe if you use
the tools at hand.
YIS
Jay Thal

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