FIRST CLASS SCOUT

BSA SAFETY AFLOAT

1. Qualified supervision. A conscientious and experienced adult leader must supervise all activity afloat.
2. Physical fitness. Evidence of fitness for swimming activity is required in the form of a complete health history from a physician, parent, or legal guardian. The supervisor must know the physical condition of all participants and must adjust the supervision, disapline, and protection to anticipate any potential risks associated with individual health conditions.
3. Swimming ability. You must be classified as a "swimmer" to participate in Scout activity afloat. (A Scout who has not passed the swimmer test may ride as a passenger in a rowboat or motorboat with an adult classified as a swimmer, or in a canoe, raft, or sailboat with an adult certified as a lifeguard or lifesaver by a recognized agency.)
4. Personal flotation equipment. Properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) must be worn by all persons engaged in activity on the open water.
5. Buddy system. Scouts never go on the water alone. Every person has a buddy, and every craft on the water has a "buddy boat."
6. Skill proficiency. All persons participating in activity afloat must be trained and practiced in craft-handling skills, safety, and emer- gency procedures.
7. Planning. Before Scouts go afloat, they develop a "float plan" detailing their route, time schedule, and contingency plans. The float plan considers all pertinent water and weather conditions and all applicable rules or regulations, and is shared with all who have an interest (parents, local authorities, Scout leaders, and others).
8. Equipment. All equipment must be suited to the craft, to the water repair and meet all applicable standards. Appropriate rescue equip- ment must be available.
9. Discipline. Scouts know and respect the rules, and always follow directions from the adult supervising the activity afloat.

*For (he complete statement of the BSA Safety Afloat standards, see Canoeing Merit Badge pamphlet, No. 33305; Rowing Merit Badge pamphlet, No. 33404; or Guide to Safe Scouting, No. 34416.