Remember the Beltloops are for the scout doing their best to learn about the sport or academic activity, and by putting the new techniques to practice with fellow scouts, in their community, or working with an adult.

1. Explain the rules of Safe Swim Defense.

2. Play a recreational game in the water with your den, pack, or family.

3. While holding a kick board, propel yourself 25 feet using a flutter kick across the shallow end of the swimming area.

Swim Level Ability Groups

• Nonswimmer:  Has not passed the swimming test.

• Beginner:  Jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off, swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming as before, and return to starting place.

• Swimmer:  Jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off, and begin swimming. 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 completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating with minimum movement for one minute.

Rules for Safe Swimming

• Be physically fit.

• Have a qualified adult present whenever you swim.

• Swim in areas that have already been checked for safe swimming.

• If you cannot swim, do not go in water that is more 3½ feet deep. Go in deep water only if your are a good swimmer.

• Swim with a buddy.

• Obey the rules of the swimming area.

Safe Swim Defense

• Qualified Supervision:  A responsible adult (at least 21 years of age) must supervise.

• Physical Fitness:  Require evidence of fitness for swimming activity, using a health history.

• Safe Area:  Before swimming in unknown waters, check the swimming area for varying depth, currents, holes, rocks, or other dangerous conditions.

• Lifeguard on Duty:  Swim where lifeguards are on duty.

• Lookout:  Station an adult on shore where he or she can see and hear everything in all areas.

• Ability Groups:  Divide Cub Scouts into non-swimmers, beginners, and swimmers. Mark off areas in the swimming area for the different ability groups.

• Buddy System:  Pair each boy with another boy in his ability group. They must stay together the entire time they are swimming.

• Discipline:  Insist upon strict but fair discipline.

Water Rescue Methods

Cub Scouts only do the first two water rescue methods, but they need to be aware of all four:

• REACH  with whatever is available or at hand.

• THROW  a line, a buoy, or a floating object to provide support.

• ROW  in a water craft to the victim. A rowing rescue requires a minimum of one person to retrieve the victim and one person to handle the boat. Any person in the boat must wear a PDF (personal flotation device).

• GO  with support. Those who "go" to the victim and make a swimming rescue must be trained in swimming and lifesaving. In the rare instance when a swimming rescue is tried, the rescuer takes with him something that can be used for flotation or extended to the victim to avoid direct contact.

Check with your local school, community pool, or local Scout troops for lifeguards and instruction.