Scouts BSA Second Class Aquatics Requirements Helps and Documents

Second Class requirement 5 is all about being in the water. Scouts learn how to swim safely and how to rescue a friend who is in trouble.

5a. Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe swim.
5b. Demonstrate your ability to pass the BSA beginner test: Jump feet first into water over your head in depth, level off and swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming, then return to your starting place.
5c. Demonstrate water rescue methods by reaching with your arm or leg, by reaching with a suitable object, and by throwing lines and objects.
5d. Explain why swimming rescues should not be attempted when a reaching or throwing rescue is possible. Explain why and how a rescue swimmer should avoid contact with the victim.

Helps for this requirement are listed below.

Water Rescue Methods

Since I am focusing on an aquatics theme this month, I thought I'd post about water rescue methods. These are methods used to rescue someone who is in trouble in the water. You will see these methods throughout the BSA programs from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA to Venturing.

Safe Swim Defense

Safe Swim Defense provides the steps which a BSA unit must take to safely participate in an activity which involves swimming.

BSA Swim Test

The BSA swim test is used to determine ability level so that participants can swim in an area which is appropriate for them.

Sharks and Minnows

Here is a game to go with an aquatic theme. It can be used at your pack pool party or at a meeting focused on swimming skills.

Safety Programs Feature for Scouts BSA

The Safety feature teaches Scouts to "Be Prepared" for hazardous situations in their homes, on the street, and while out in the woods with their troop.

Scouts BSA Second Class Rank Helps and Documents

Second Class is the rank a Scout can earn after Tenderfoot. The requirements for Second Class continue to teach the youth to the skills needed to advance in Scouts BSA.

Sweet 16 of BSA Safety | Skill Level Limits

The most familiar application of skill level limits is the swim tests which are administered at summer camp. But there are other examples as well.

Swimming Troop Program Feature for Scouts BSA

The Swimming program feature helps Scouts learn how to safely enjoy fun and physical activity in the water. Scouts also need to know how to swim to enjoy other aquatics activities such as boating and paddling.