Safe Swim defense 2025; is this new?

[skeptic]

https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss02/#d     "Life Jacket Use: Swimming in clear water over 12 feet deep, in turbid water over 8 feet deep, or in flowing water may be allowed if all participants wear properly fitted, Coast Guard–approved life jackets and the supervisor determines that swimming with life jackets is safe under the circumstances."

This was quoted in the Scout Life magazine just received last week in an article.  I do not remember a life jacket rule for open water swimming as discussed here.  While it certainly may be reasonable at some levels, it seems problematic to some extent, especially when swimming in large pools, or specifically designed lake or ocean areas.  Thoughts? 

[DuctTape]

That's not swimming then, it is floating. 

???????

[MikeS72]

I do not remember this in the previous iteration of Safe Swim Defense, and while I do not keep old versions of the GSS I did find a reference in Aaron on Scouting from 2021 that made no mention of life jackets.

I can say that when my scouts came back to our campsite after the first free swim of the week (swimming in a lake that easily met the definition of turbid water) they complained about having to wear life jackets until I showed them the most 2025 version of the Aquatics Supervision Manuel.  While they did not like it, they accepted it.

[skeptic]

How do we interpret this for going to the beach?  Guess it would help with the challenges of rip currents and tides, but actually, swimming with a vest is awkward, or at least for me.  Can we find a way to fix legalese stupidity?  And I still remember getting a vest caught on the edge of a canoe that went over in one of the canoe contests for leaders, and the vest kept my face in the water briefly, making me struggle to get upright.  Guess I need not worry for myself, as I am no longer involved at that level.  Still?

 

Edited 18 hours ago by skeptic

[scoutldr]

The version I just read (undated) requires roped off areas according to ability groups (nonswimmer, beginner, and swimmer), and nothing over 12 feet deep is permitted, which is how I remember it as a former BSA Lifeguard Counselor.  So this appears to be a modification to allow depths greater than 12 feet as long as PFD are worn.

This would apply at the beach, as well, for a Unit activity.