Before the meeting:
- Locate a swimming area.
- Review Scouting America Health and Medical Form for each Cub Scout.
- Review the Safe Swim Defense and secure the proper Qualified Adult Supervision for the 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.
During the meeting:
- Gather the Cub Scouts before entering the swim area and give them their buddy tags. Have them identify their buddy and once they have their buddy they may place their buddy tag together on the buddy board.
- If no one has attempted the Scouting America Swimmer or Beginner test they are considered non-swimmers and must stay in water that is no more than waist to chest deep.
- Tell Cub Scouts they will be taking the Scouting America swimmer test. To pass the test they must:
- Jump feet first into water that’s over your head in depth.
- Level off and swim 100 yards in one swim (without stops and including at least one sharp turn). The first 75 yards must be done in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; the last 25 yards must be done using an easy resting backstroke.
- After completing the swim, rest by floating.
- Have Cub Scouts attempt the test.
Tip: The outcome of this requirement is for Cub Scouts to attempt the Scouting America Swimmer Test. It is okay if they do not pass the test.