From: Brian Nielsen (brian.nielsen@TCS.WAP.ORG)
Date: Thu Sep 07 2000 - 07:28:09 CDT
Our guys want to kick off the year with the first camping trip being a trip
to the beach -- Assateague Island (9/23-24). Beach camping is something
this troop has not done in known history, but several who came back from
SeaBase this summer want more! Two questions for the list...
#1 - Any recommendations on implementing the Safe Swim Defense at the beach?
I have read the Safe Swim section in the Guide to Safe Scouting, focusing on
the surf section. It's clear enough, but I'm looking for any
recommendations beyond that, or to provide practical details. For example,
what "works" for simple, inexpensive buoy markers for marking the swimming
area? I'm guessing maybe empty, but closed, gallon milk jugs tied &
anchored to a cinder block? But wondering if these actually remain visible
(or reasonably stay put) on the surf? Do you typically have to move these
markers in & out with the tide?
Are there any problems to be anticipated in marking off an area &
implementing the safe swim defense at a public beach?
#2 - For any of you familiar with Assateague, do you have any location
specific recommendations? It's been years since I was last there camping
(goes back to when I was a scout, before there was a Safe Swim Defense plan
other than exercising common sense...). Back then there was group camping
at the northern, Maryland end which was reasonably "cushy" (bath houses,
snack bar, etc -- we used this one year for a troop family camp); there was
another group camping area at the southern, Virginia end, across from
Chincoteague, which I recall being more rustic and thereby generally
preferred by my fellow scouts. I believe the Maryland end had guarded
beaches during the summer (but perhaps not in late September?) while the
Virginia end did not.
Thanks in advance!
Brian Nielsen
ASM - T1946
Washington, DC
