SWIM TEST - Testing will be done in the morning of the first day of camp. We will have 2 groups testing each session so it is important to be on time and be ready. Please have your Scouts wear their swimsuit under their shorts on the first day so time isn't wasted changing (they need to remember to bring underwear to change into after testing).
Swim Tags Swim tags will be issued on the first day of day camp. Swim tags indicate which area of the pool scouts are permitted in. Swim tags are required for the pool. Scouts' tags are hung on the tag board when the scouts enter the pool area. Life guards will check to make sure that all scouts who are present have their tags on the board and that they are in the correct section of the pool. Scouts who miss testing will only be permitted in the non-swimmer section of the pool. They may ask the lifeguard at the very beginning of their first session, if they can take the test.
Pool Buddies
Scouts will be assigned a pool buddy on the first day of camp. The adults from each Pack will need to do this based on the level of the swim test they have passed. No scout can enter or leave the pool without his buddy. Life guards conduct buddy checks and those who are found in the pool without their buddies or in the wrong section of the pool may have their swimming privileges revoked for that day. Buddies can only be in a section of the pool that their tag gives them permission to be in. Buddies can always go to a lower level in the pool but not to a higher lever than their tag. If they are switching to a different section of the pool, they must get out and move their tags. *There may be other groups or people from the neighborhood in the pool.Storage Area
Scouts will store their belongings in metal baskets in the pool building. Since the changing area becomes crowded with in-going and out-going scouts, scouts are encouraged to wear their swimming trunks to camp and to bring a pair of shorts to change into after swimming, remember to pack underwear. Scouts are responsible for their own belongings.
Cost The cost for use of the swimming pool is covered by each scouts day camp fee. If there are parents who want to swim, the cost is $3 per adult and the pool pass can be purchased at the Camp Trading Post.
Changing Area Scouts may change in the changing area but adults ARE NOT PERMITTED in the changing area. Adults who wish to use the pool will have an alternate changing area as directed by camp life guards.
Lost and Found Items that are left at the pool will be turned into the camp lost and found. Items must be claimed by the end of camp. Items not claimed will be donated to charity or properly disposed.
Inclement Weather Everyone must exit the pool for when there is thunder. The lifeguard will instruct you. The pool will be closed if climate conditions are unsafe. The lifeguards have full authority to determine conditions that could close the pool.
Classification of Swimming Ability Swimmer Test The swimmer test demonstrates the minimum level of swimming ability required for safe deep-water swimming. The various components of the test evaluate the several skills essential to this minimum level of swimming ability: Jump feet first into water over your head in depth. 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. The test administrator must objectively evaluate the individual performance of the test, and in so doing should keep in mind the purpose of each test element. "Jump feetfirst into water over your in depth, ... The swimmer must be able to make an abrupt entry into deep water and begin swimming without any aids. Walking in from shallow water, easing in from the edge or down a ladder, pushing off from side or bottom, and gaining forward momentum by diving do not satisfy this requirement. "...Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl..." The swimmer must be able to cover distance with a strong, confident stroke. The 75yards must not be the outer limit of the swimmer's ability; completion of the distance should show sufficient stamina to avoid undue risks. Dog-paddling and strokes repeatedly interrupted and restarted are not sufficient; underwater swimming is not permitted. The itemized strokes are inclusive. Any strong side or breaststroke or any strong overarm stroke (including the back crawl) is acceptable. "...swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke..." The swimmer must perform a restful, free-breathing backstroke that can be used to avoid exhaustion during swimming activity. This element of the test necessarily follows the more strenuous swimming activity to show that the swimmer is, in fact, able to use the backstroke as a relief from exertion. The change of stroke must be accomplished in deep water without any push-off or other aid. Any variation of the elementary backstroke may suffice if it clearly allows the swimmer to rest and regain wind. "...The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn..." The total distance is to be covered without rest stops. The sharp turn demonstrates the swimmer's ability to reverse direction in deep water without assistance or push-off from side or bottom. "...After completing the swim, rest by floating." This critically important part of the test evaluates the swimmer's ability to maintain himself in the water indefinitely even though exhausted or otherwise unable to continue swimming. Treading water or swimming in place will further tire the swimmer and therefore is unacceptable. The duration of the float test is not significant, except that it must be long enough for the test administrator to determine that the swimmer is resting and likely could continue to do so for a prolonged period. Drownproofing may be sufficient if clearly restful, but it is not preferred. If the test is completed except for the floating requirement, the swimmer may be retested on the floating only (after instruction) provided that the test administrator is confident that the swimmer can initiate the float when exhausted. Reference: Swimming and Lifesaving merit badge pamphlets Beginner Test 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. The entry and turn serve the same purpose as in the swimmer test. The swimming can be done with any stroke, but no underwater swimming is permitted. The stop assures that the swimmer can regain a stroke if it is interrupted. The test demonstrates that the beginning swimmer is ready to learn deepwater skills and has the minimum ability required for safe swimming in a confined area in which shallow water, sides, or other support is less than 25 feet from any point in the water.
Cub Scouts Swimming Sports Pin and Belt Loop Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts may complete requirements in a family, den, pack, school, or community environment. Tiger Cubs must work with their parents or adult partners. Parents and partners do not earn loops or pins. Requirements for the Swimming Belt Loop Complete these three requirements: Explain the rules of Safe Swim Defense. Emphasize the buddy system. Play a recreational game in the water with your den, pack, or family. While holding a kick board, propel yourself 25 feet using a flutter kick across the shallow end of the swimming area.
Requirements for the Swimming Pin Earn the Swimming belt loop, and complete five of the following requirements: Practice the breathing motion of the crawl stroke while standing in shallow water. Take a breath, place your head in the water, exhale, and turn your head to the side to take a breath. Repeat. Learn two of the following strokes: crawl, backstroke, elementary backstroke, sidestroke, or breaststroke. Learn two of the following floating skills: jellyfish float, turtle float, canoe (prone) float. Using a kickboard, demonstrate three kinds of kicks. Pass the "beginner" or "swimmer" swim level test. Visit with a lifeguard and talk about swimming safety in various situations (pool, lake, river, ocean). Learn about the training a lifeguard needs for his or her job. Explain the four rescue techniques: Reach, Throw, Row, and Go (with support).
Take swimming lessons.
Attend a swim meet at a school or community pool.
Tread water for 30 seconds.
Learn about a U.S. swimmer who has earned a medal in the Olympics.
Demonstrate the proper use of a mask and snorkel in a swimming area.
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