Accessing the Training
Aquatics Supervision Guide
Aquatics Supervision: A leader’s guide to youth swimming and boating activities, formerly only available for purchase from online or storefront Scout Shops, is now available for free digital download and may be printed locally. The guide supports the Aquatics Supervision Swimming & Water Rescue and Paddle Craft Safety programs and serves as a resource for the aquatics special awards.
Local Council Aquatics Committee Starter Kit (2022)
Learn about the duties outlined for a Local Council Aquatics Committee and how to integrate their efforts in your local council structure to support all aquatics activities.
Local Council Swimwear Guidelines
The Local Council Swimwear Recommendations are to aid councils in developing appropriate swimwear guidelines for their aquatics’ programs. The Scouting America National Aquatics Committee Swimwear Statement:
We recommend that swimwear should be comfortable, functional, and appropriate for the specific aquatic activity. As always, we remind everyone that Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse state, “Appropriate attire is required for all activities”. Policies should reflect Scouting America’s statement and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Aquatics Staff Guide (2022)
This guide was put together by the National Aquatics Task Force to help you, a member of your camp’s aquatics staff, do your job better. You should work with your aquatics director and camp management to use this document as a guide to your development as a staff member.
Aquatics Management Guide (2024)
The Scouting America Aquatics Management Guide is intended to serve as a guide for those tasked with planning, developing, and delivering aquatics program at all levels of Scouting. It will provide guidance for Camp Management and Aquatics Directors while, at the same time, giving Council and District professionals and volunteers direction in developing exciting and safe aquatics programs.
Paddle Craft Safety
Paddle Craft Safety expands Safety Afloat training to include the skills and knowledge needed for a unit leader to confidently supervise canoeing or kayaking excursions on flat water. The following materials are required to conduct the course.
- Paddle Craft Safety Instructor’s Guide
- Canoe training video English | Spanish
- Kayak training video English | Spanish
- Paddle Craft Safety Course PowerPoint
- Paddle Craft Safety Course Exam
- Exam Answer Key
Swimming & Water Rescue
Training for Swimming & Water Rescue provides Scouting America leaders with information and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to swimming emergencies during unit swimming activities. It expands the awareness instruction provided by Safe Swim Defense training. The following materials are required to conduct the course.
- Swimming & Water Rescue Instructor’s Guide
- Remote Area Setup Video
- Swimming & Water Rescue Course PowerPoint
- Swimming & Water Rescue Course Exam
- Exam Answer Key
Aquatics Supervision: Swimming & Water Rescue and Paddle Craft Safety Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to questions about the new aquatics courses.
Kayaking BSA
Kayaking BSA provides an introduction to kayaking skills and safety procedures and serves as a program opportunity for Scouts BSA and Venturing units in camp or out.
Safety Afloat
Safety Afloat
Safety Afloat has been developed to promote boating and boating safety and to set standards for safe unit activity afloat. (Take the course; link below.)
Safe Swim Defense
Safe Swim Defense
Safe Swim Defense is a plan for conducting swimming activities in a safe manner. (Take the course; link below.)
Scuba BSA
Scuba BSA introduces qualified Scouts BSA, Venturing, and registered adult participants to the special skills, equipment, and safety precautions associated with scuba diving.
Snorkeling Safety
Snorkeling Safety is the recommended procedure for conducting group snorkeling at a private or public pool, wilderness pond, stream, or wherever the water looks inviting enough to take a dip.
Swim-Classificaiton-record-430-122
To record the classification of nonswimmers, beginners, and swimmers.
Boardsailing Award Application
Lifeguard CPR/AED & First Aid Equivalencies
National Aquatics Workshop Materials
Here are some of the presentations from the 2018 AQUATICS WORKSHOP at the Florida Sea Base. The workshop included great discussions about current aquatics areas of focus and a sharing of ideas. Many of the presentations made during the workshop are listed in the resource section below. We hope you gained good information and a renewed perspective for aquatics programs in your council.
1. PowerPoint update of Aquatics Activity Awards and Aquatics Supervision
2. North Florida Council Aquatics Camp
4. National Capital Area Council Aquatics Programs flyer
5. Sea Scouts Today presentation
6 24th World Scout Jamboree Aquatics Update
7. American Canoe Association Paddlesports Statistics and Updates
Here are some still relevant sessions from the 2016 AQUATICS WORKSHOP
1. New and Creative Aquatics Programs and Best Practices From Councils
2. New Cub Scout Aquatics Program and Requirements
3. Important American Red Cross/BSA Agreements and Programs
4. Health and Safety Moments and Incident Reporting
5. A Great Eagle Scout “Loaner Lifejacket” Project
6. List of Aquatics Merit Badge Review Dates and Lead Subject Matter Experts