Qualified Supervision Bear

Before the meeting:

1. Review Scouting America Safe Swim Defense guidelines.

During the meeting:

1. Explain to Cub Scouts that when swimming, Cub Scouts follow Scouting America Safe Defense guidelines.
2. Tell Cub Scouts the first Scouting America Safe Defense guideline is “Qualified Supervision.”
3. Share with Cub Scouts the attributes of qualified adult supervision at a swimming activity.
   All swimming activity 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 those in their care, and who is trained in and committed to compliance with the eight points of Scouting America Safe Swim Defense. It is strongly recommended that all units have at least one adult or older youth member currently trained in Scouting America Aquatics Supervision: Swimming and Water Rescue or Scouting America Lifeguard to assist in planning and conducting all swimming activities.
4. Ask Cub Scouts questions to ensure they understand the meaning of “Qualified Supervision.” Example questions include:
   • What type of job would a person have to meet the guidelines? Aquatics Instructor, Scouting America; Scouting America Lifeguard; Scouting America Swimming & Water Rescue; or other lifeguard, swimming instructor
   • What are the responsibilities of the person performing qualified supervision? Watching Cub Scouts boating.
   • How old must someone be to be eligible? 21
   • How many Cub Scouts are assigned for each qualified supervisor? 10
   • Where would you find someone to supervise your swimming Adventure? Scouting America trained adult, lifeguard at a local swimming pool, Scout camp

Tip: It is strongly recommended that all units have at least one adult or older youth member currently trained in Scouting America Aquatics Supervision: Swimming and Water Rescue or Scouting America Lifeguard to assist in planning and conducting all swimming activities.