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Swin Check
Any Scout or Adult who will attend a water related activity with the troop must complete a Swim Check. A Swim Check is required annually. The Swim Check is supervised by a BSA Lifeguard.
The purpose of the Swim Check is to gain awareness of every participant’s swimming ability so that supervision can be appropriately provided. Each Scout and Adult will be rated as “Nonswimmer,” “Beginner,” or “Swimmer.” If you do not complete a swim check and decide to participate in a water related activity, you will be considered a “Nonswimmer” until you have completed an official Swim Check. Swim Checks must be completed without using goggles or masks.
Read the following information including excerpts from the Safe Guide to Scouting. If you want more detailed information, see the official Safe Swim Defense in the Boy Scouts of America website. Requirements
For a "Beginner"
- Jump feet first into water over the head in depth.
- Level off and swim 25 feet on the surface.
- Stop, turn sharply, resume swimming as before and return to the starting place.
For a "Swimmer"
- Jump feet first into water over the head in depth.
- Level off and swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl.
- Swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke.
- The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stopping, standing up, or holding the edge and must include at least one sharp turn.
- After completing the swim, rest by floating.
- There is not a time limit to complete the Swim Check and there are not any criteria regarding the quality of the stroke. Participants are encouraged to take their time and stay relaxed - not race the other participant(s).
Upon completion of a Swim Check, each Scout or Adult will be classified as a "Nonswimmer," "Beginner," or "Swimmer." If a Scout or Adult does not participate in the Swim Check, it is assumed that they are "Nonswimmer" until a Swim Check is completed to show otherwise.
If a Scout or Adult is classified as a "Nonswimmer," he may only swim in an area that is no more than waist to chest deep, and the area must be enclosed by physical boundaries such as the shore, a pier, or lines. If a Scout or Adult is classified as a "Beginner," he may only swim in an area that is no more than just over the head, and the area must be enclosed by physical boundaries such as the shore, a pier, or lines. For activity afloat, a "Nonswimmer" or "Beginner" is limited to multiperson craft during outings or float trips on calm water with little likelihood of capsizing or falling overboard. He may operate a fixed-seat rowboat or pedal boat accompanied by a buddy who is a swimmer. He may ride in a canoe or other paddle craft only with an adult swimmer skilled in that craft as a buddy. He may also ride as a part of a group on a motorboat or sailboat operated by a skilled adult.
If a Scout or Adult is classified as a "Swimmer," he may swim in depths up to 12 feet in clear water, and the area should be defined by floats or other markers. For activity afloat, he is able to operate a multiperson or individual craft. The buddy system must always be followed.
All Scouts and Adults MUST wear an approved life vest during all safety afloat activity.
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