Qualifications to be Lifeguard for Cub Scout events....

[johnnylaw101]

I know there is a rule that a certified lifeguard must be present for all water activities... My son's pack has gone to public pools where we use the pools lifeguards... however...

 

What are the requirements to get one of our parents qualified? Must it be a BSA class or can it be a Red Cross Approved class at the local YMCA (30 hours and which is as rigorous as any). I have seen no BSA courses offered for adults.

 

... thank you in advance for coming to my rescue... (no pun intended)

[John-in-KC]

Here's the G2SS chapter: http://www.scouting.org/HealthandSafety/GSS/gss02.aspx

 

First, your overall event supervisor needs to take Safe Swim Defense. That's a MyScouting e-learning online course.

 

Second, and this depends on your Council, most aquatics events automatically require you to request a local Tour Permit, and plan your event.

 

Third, if you staff by hiring a commercial pool (neighborhood association/private pool/city park pool) for the event, they provide the support and your responsibility is overall supervision.

 

Fourth, if, however, your unit staffs the event, then we start talking about folks who have taken BSA Lifeguard (a course generally taken at a residential Boy Scout Camp). We're also talking about fully implementing buddy system, ability groups (and appropriate areas of the water), and on and on.

 

Best bet? Rent the pool and staff for the evening.

[ScoutNut]

I believe most councils would accept non-BSA lifeguard training (lifeguards at public pools are not BSA trained). However - you should first clear it with the person in your council who approves the Local Tour Permits.

 

If they will only allow BSA training, ask them where and when it is available. Unfortunately, you may find you can only get it at Boy Scout Summer Camp. You can also contact other councils in your area to see about their training.

 

[NealOnWheels]

There is a common misperception that lifegaurds must be "certified".

 

For unit activities two "capbable swimmers" may be designated lifegaurds.

 

Look at the details in the link John provided.

[Hal_Crawford]

>>There is a common misperception that lifegaurds must be "certified".

 

For unit activities two "capbable swimmers" may be designated lifegaurds.

[Eagle92]

This is opinion now, so take it with a grain of salt. Lifesaving MB is a tuff one and use to be a prereq for BSA lifeguard. If you have a good MBC they will teach it as if it is a 'guard course, expecting the same standards. Heck I taught guarding, and I would trust some scouts with the MBC over folks I had to certify!

 

Howeer the MBC doesn't teach boating rescues, except the basics. Since youe really need swimmers to deal with boat rescues as everyone does play a part, maybe that's why BSA madwe that rule?

[John-in-KC]

Just to be clear...

 

Boating for cubs is limited to District/Council events on flat water ...

[shortridge]

Eagle92,

 

Where I come from, Lifesaving MB is, at most, six hours during a week of summer camp. BSA Lifeguard is all day long. Do you really think they're comparable?

[Eagle92]

Short,

Yes and no as it depends upon the MBC. When I teach Lifesaving, I expect those skills to be mastered to the point that it is instinct. Lifesaving MB covers the BASICS, i.e. different types of rescues, holds, releases, etc.

 

BSA Lifeguard reiterates that to a higher level. In addition, it goes boating as well. Additionally you spend time as a lifeguard candidate dealing with the day to day stuff a lifeguard does, i.e. buddy checks, manning the lookout, etc.

 

As I stated, I have taught and seen people who completed Lifesaving MB that I feel would be better than some of the people who got certified via a national agency I worked for. While I tried to nor pass these folks, I got overruled and they got certified.

[johnnylaw101]

Thanks for everyone's responses......

 

I called our local council, (I am in rather rural area), and they said they would accept the local Red Cross - YMCA class. (turns out to be an intense 50 hrs of class and pool)

 

We have a mom that used to be a college swimmer and has volunteered to take the class.

 

Good to know that we dont need a certifield lifeguard, but nice to know someone there is fully trained.

[Pack212Scouter]

For Cubs, that restriction is for Canoeing, kayaking, rowing, and rafting. I do not believe that it applies to sailing and motor boats.

[AnniePoo]

"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 who is trained as a lifeguard or a lifesaver by a recognized agency."

[John-in-KC]

Verbatim, Safety Afloat:

http://www.scouting.org/healthandsafety/gss/gss02.aspx

 

Safety Afloat

 

Safety Afloat has been developed to promote boating and boating safety and to set standards for safe unit activity afloat. Before a BSA group may engage in an excursion, expedition, or trip on the water (canoe, raft, sailboat, motorboat, rowboat, floating in an inner tube, or other craft), adult leaders for such activity must complete Safety Afloat Training, No. 34159, have a commitment card, No. 34242, with them, and be dedicated to full compliance with all ninepoints of Safety Afloat.

 

1. Qualified Supervision

 

All activity afloat must be supervised by a mature and conscientious adult age 21 or older who understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the well-being and safety of the children in his or her care, who is experienced and qualified in the particular watercraft skills and equipment involved in the activity, and who is committed to compliance with the nine points of BSA Safety Afloat. One such supervisor is required for each 10 people, with a minimum of two adults for any one group. At least one supervisor must be age 21 or older, and the remaining supervisors must be age 18 or older. All supervisors must complete BSA Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense training and rescue training for the type of watercraft to be used in the activity, and at least one must be trained in CPR. It is strongly recommended that all units have at least one adult or older youth member currently trained as a BSA Lifeguard to assist in the planning and conducting of all activity afloat.

 

For Cub Scouts: The ratio of adult supervisors to participants is one to five.

 

2. Physical Fitness

 

All persons must present evidence of fitness by a complete health history from a physician, parent, or legal guardian. Adjust all supervision, discipline, and protection to anticipate any risks associated with individual health conditions. In the event of any significant health conditions, a medical evaluation by a physician should be required by the adult leader.

 

3. Swimming Ability

 

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 who is trained 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 your head. 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 qualification test should be renewed annually.

 

4. Personal Flotation Equipment

 

Properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) must be worn by all persons engaged in activity on the open water (rowing, canoeing, sailing, boardsailing, motorboating, waterskiing, rafting, tubing, kayaking, and surfboarding). Type II and III PFDs are recommended.

 

5. Buddy System

 

All activity afloat necessitates using the buddy system. Not only must every individual have a buddy, but every craft should have a "buddy boat" when on the water.

 

6. Skill Proficiency

 

All participants in activity afloat must be trained and experienced in watercraft handling skills, safety, and emergency procedures. (a) For unit activity on white water, all participants must complete special training by a BSA Aquatics Instructor or qualified whitewater specialist. (b) Powerboat operators must be able to meet requirements for the Motorboating merit badge or equivalent. © Except for whitewater and powerboat operation as noted above, either a minimum of three hours' training and supervised practice or meeting requirements for "basic handling tests" is required for all float trips or open-water excursions using unpowered craft. (d) Motorized personal watercraft, such as the Jet Ski and SeaDoo, are not authorized for use in Scouting aquatics, and their use should not be permitted in or near BSA program areas.

 

For Cub Scouts:�Canoeing, kayaking, rowing, and rafting for Cub Scouts (including Webelos Scouts) are to be limited to council/district events on flat water ponds or controlled lake areas free of powerboats and sailboats. Prior to recreational canoeing and kayaking, Cub Scouts are to be instructed in basic handling skills and safety practices.

 

7. Planning

 

Float Plan Obtain current maps and information about the waterway to be traveled. Know exactly where the unit will "put in" and "pull out" and what course will be followed. Travel time should be estimated generously. Review the plan with others who have traveled the course recently.

Local Rules Determine which state and local regulations are applicable, and follow them. Get written permission to use or cross private property.

Notification File the float plan with parents or participants and a member of the unit committee. File the float plan with the local council office when traveling on running water. Check in with all those who should be notified when returning.

Weather Check the weather forecast just before setting out, and keep an alert weather eye. Bring all craft ashore when rough weather threatens.

Contingencies Planning must identify possible emergencies and other circumstances that could force a change of plans. Appropriate alternative plans must be developed for each.

For Cub Scouts:�Cub Scout canoeing, kayaking, rowing, and rafting do not include "trips" or "expeditions" and are not to be conducted on running water (i.e., rivers or streams); therefore, some procedures are inapplicable. Suitable weather requires clear skies, no appreciable wind, and warm air and water.

 

8. Equipment

 

All equipment must be suited to the craft, to water conditions, and to the individual; must be in good repair; and must satisfy all state and federal requirements. Spare equipment or repair materials must be carried. Appropriate rescue equipment must be available for immediate use.

 

9. Discipline

 

All participants should know, understand, and respect the rules and procedures for safe unit activity afloat. The applicable rules should be presented and learned prior to the outing, and should be reviewed for all participants at the water's edge just before the activity begins. When Scouts know and understand the reasons for the rules, they will observe them. When fairly and impartially applied, rules do not interfere with the fun. Rules for safety, plus common sense and good judgment, keep the fun from being interrupted by tragedy.

 

Note: For cruising vessels (excluding rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and rafts, but including sailboats and powerboats greater than 20 feet long) used in adult-supervised unit activities by a chartered Venturing crew/ship specializing in watercraft operations, or used in adult-supervised program activity in connection with any high-adventure program or other activity under the direct sponsorship and control of the National Council, the standards and procedures in the Sea Scout Manual may be substituted for the Safety Afloat standards.

 

Reference: Safety Afloat, No. 34368 and in the Online Learning Center

 

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My Commentary:

 

For Cubs going on the lake as a Pack activity, the Pack is obliged to fully implement Safety Afloat. That means physical exams (not a Class 1 parental signoff). That means BSA Swim Test. That means 1 adult for every 5 youth. That means proficiency by the craft operators at least equal to the current MB requirements. That means a thought through Float Plan as an element of your Tour Permit request.

 

If you pass these bars, go for it. If not, contact your friendly Scout Troop to see what support they can give you so you can hurdle over the bars.

 

[Pack212Scouter]

Ok...I'm not trying to be as argumenative as I sound, but for the sake of accuracy...

 

Safety Afloat does not require a physical exam (and "class 1" will not exist after the end of this year). All that it requires is "evidence of fitness by a complete health history from a physician, parent, or legal guardian", which is the old Class 1.

 

It also does not require a swim test, all that it requires for non-swimmers in an adult swimmer with them (in the case of a motorboat) or someone qualified as a lifeguard or lifesaver (in the case of a sailboat). Cubs are not permitted on most other craft outside of Council events.(This message has been edited by pack212scouter)

[dg98adams]

Pack. - Safety Afloat - Accuracy

 

2. Physical Fitness

 

All persons must present evidence of fitness by a complete health history from a physician, parent, or legal guardian.

 

----this has got to be some kind of medical/release form signed

 

 

3. Swimming Ability

 

---Without a swim test (or swimming MB/Lifesaving MB)...everyone is considered a non-swimmer - (need to have some kind of demonstration)