Tiger Safe Swim Defense

Before the meeting: 

1. Become familiar with the Safe Swim Defense that is used for swimming activities in Scouting America. 

During the meeting: 

1. Gather Cub Scouts and adult partners and share with them that before Cub Scouts go swimming there are eight important rules that we must follow that are is called the Safe Swim Defense.  Have Cub Scouts open their Tiger handbook to page 63.  As you describe each one of the points of the Safe Swim Defense have Cub Scouts color the section of the picture that represents that safety point. 
2. Review the eight points of the Safe Swim Defense with everyone. 
   • “The first rule is to make sure there is an adult who is properly trained oversee the swimming activity, this is called Qualified Supervision. 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.” 
   • “The second rule is to make sure that everyone who is going to swim is healthy.  You should never go swimming if you feel sick.  Everyone who is swimming is to have a Personal Health Review. A complete health history is required of all participants as evidence of fitness for swimming activities. The Scouting America Annual Health and Medical record can be used for this.” 
   • “The third rule is to make sure where we are swimming is safe.  A Safe Area means that all swimming areas must be carefully inspected and prepared for safety prior to each activity. Water depth, quality, temperature, movement, and clarity are important considerations. Hazards must be eliminated or isolated by conspicuous markings and discussed with participants. Controlled Access: There must be safe areas for all participating ability groups to enter and leave the water. Swimming areas of appropriate depth must be defined for each ability group. The entire area must be within easy reach of designated rescue personnel. The area must be clear of boat traffic, surfing, or other nonswimming activities.” 
   • “The fourth rule is to have Response Personnel or Lifeguards. Every swimming activity must be closely and continuously monitored by a trained rescue team on the alert for and ready to respond during emergencies.” 
   • “The fifth rule is to have a Lookout. The lookout continuously monitors the conduct of the swim, identifies any departures from Safe Swim Defense guidelines, alerts rescue personnel as needed, and monitors the weather and environment.” 
   • “The sixth rule is for everyone to be placed into an Ability Groups. All youth and adult participants are designated as swimmers, beginners, or nonswimmers based on swimming ability confirmed by standardized Scouting America swim classification tests.  The swimming area will be marked by ability groups and you can not go beyond your ability groups swimming area.   Nonswimmers must stay in the nonswimmer area, beginners can go in the nonswimmer and beginner area, and swimmers can swim in any of the three areas.” 
   • “The seventh rule is the Buddy System. Every participant is paired with another. Buddies stay together, monitor each other, and alert the safety team if either needs assistance or is missing.  During our swimming time when a lifeguard or adult calls for a buddy check you must exit the water with your buddy and hold your buddy’s hand up.  A count will be done to make sure everyone is safe before anyone gets back into the water.” 
   • “The last rule is extremely important and that is Discipline. Rules are effective only when followed. All participants should know, understand, and respect the rules and procedures for safe swimming provided by Safe Swim Defense guidelines.”