SECOND CLASS SCOUT

TURNS, REVERSES, STOPS, AND STARTS

Some skills are not particularly significant when swimming in shallow water where footing is always available. But being able to stop and restart swimming, reverse direction, and turn while swimming is very important when swimming in deep water. (Note that Second Class requirement 7b asks you to stop, turn, and resume swimming.) To stop while swimming the crawl stroke, simply stop kicking and raise your head while pushing down and slightly forward with your arms. A reverse after stopping can be done in one quick motion by sweeping both arms in the same direction across the front of your body while turning your head and shoulders in the opposite direction of your arm movement. Starting your swim stroke in deep water is accomplished by pressing your arms down from the surface of the water and back alongside your body while at the same time leaning forward, putting your face down in the water, and beginning the flutter kick. This planes your body into the prone glide position for the crawl stroke to begin. To turn while swimming the crawl, simply sweep wide with the arm stroke on the side opposite the turn and reach out in the direction of the turn with the other arm. When down in the prone glide position, your head can serve as a rudder to assist in swimming turns. (A turn when swimming on your hack is also accomplished by using your head as a rudder and sweeping wide with the arm stroke opposite the turning side.)

7c. Demonstrate water rescue methods by reaching with your arm or leg, by reaching with a suitable object, and by throwing fines and objects. Explain why swimming rescues should not be attempted when a reaching or throwing rescue is possible, and explain why and how a rescue swimmer should avoid contact with the victim.

WATER RESCUES

Several thousand Americans drown every year. By learning how to swim, you can take care of yourself in the water. To help someone else who is in danger of drowning, you must learn lifesaving techniques before you need them. Practice water rescues at Scout camp or take a course at a local pool. Many Scouts learn water rescue skills by earning the Lifesaving merit badge.