Tigers in the Water Adventure

Printable requirements for the Tigers in the Water Adventure

Check off sheet to keep track of your den’s progress on the Tigers in the Water Adventure

Tiger Adventures Check Off Sheet

Tigers in the Water Requirement 2: Entering the Water

Demonstrate how to enter the swimming area properly.

For the Tigers in the Water Adventure, requirement 2 focuses on demonstrating how to enter the swimming area properly. This is an important skill that helps ensure safety when starting to swim. Here’s how Tigers are taught to enter the swimming area correctly:

• Check for safety: Before entering the water, look around to make sure the area is safe and that an adult is watching.
• Use the buddy system: Always enter the water with your buddy, not alone.
• Use proper entry points: Enter the water only at designated points such as a dock or beach entry. Avoid jumping or diving unless the water depth is known to be safe and such actions are allowed.
• Enter slowly: Walk slowly into the water to avoid slipping or startling yourself with sudden changes in water temperature.
• Follow adult guidance: Listen to any instructions from an adult or lifeguard about the correct way to enter the water in that specific location.

Here is an option for fulfilling Tigers in the Water Adventure requirement 2:

• Swim Area Safety
  • Before going swimming Cub Scouts learn how to properly enter the swimming area.
  • Supplies: swimming area, qualified adult supervision, Activity Consent Form, BSA Health and Medical Form, buddy tags, buddy board
  • requires travel, low energy, a week or more prep

These steps help Tigers learn to be cautious and respectful of the water, promoting a safe swimming environment.

Tigers in the Water Requirement 3: Get in the Water

With your Tiger adult partner as your buddy, be active in water depths matching your ability for 20 minutes.

In the Tigers in the Water Adventure, requirement 3 involves being active in water depths that match the Tiger’s ability for 20 minutes, with a Tiger adult partner acting as a buddy. This activity encourages both safety and fun while in the water.

Here are fun group activities which are even appropriate in the shallow section, suitable for Tigers and their adult partners:

• Treasure Hunt: Scatter some waterproof toys or items on the bottom of the shallow end. Have the Tigers and their partners search for these items together.
• Pass the Ball: Use a beach ball or a soft water ball to play a game of pass or keep-away. This helps build water comfort and teamwork skills.
• Duck, Duck, Splash: A watery version of “Duck, Duck, Goose”. Instead of running, the Tiger taps heads and says “duck” until they choose someone and say “splash”, then gently splash water towards them before that Scout chases them around a circle formed by other players.
• Simon Says: Play “Simon Says” with simple water-based actions like “splash water”, “float on your back”, or “kick your legs”.
• Follow the Leader: Have an adult lead a line of Tigers around the shallow end, doing different simple water movements like arm circles, leg kicks, or walking through the water.

Here is an option for fulfilling Tigers in the Water Adventure requirement 3:

• Go Swimming
  • Take your den and go swimming.
  • Supplies: swimming area, qualified adult supervision, Activity Consent Form, BSA Health and Medical Form, whistles, buddy tags, buddy board
  • requires travel, very high energy, a week or more prep

These activities make the time in the water enjoyable and engaging, helping Tigers feel more comfortable and confident while they learn basic swimming and safety skills.

Tigers in the Water Requirement 4: Blow Bubbles

Place your face in the water and blow bubbles.

In the Tigers in the Water Adventure, requirement 4 is about placing your face in the water and blowing bubbles. This exercise helps Tigers get comfortable with having their face in the water, which is a basic and important swimming skill.

To make this fun and less intimidating for Tigers who might be hesitant, here are some suggestions:

• Bubble Contest: Turn it into a game by seeing who can make the most bubbles or the biggest bubble. This adds a playful challenge.
• Imaginary Play: Encourage them to pretend they are fish or sea creatures blowing bubbles underwater. This can spark their imagination and make the activity more engaging.
• Practice Outside the Pool: Start practicing blowing bubbles in a bowl of water at home to build confidence before trying in the pool.

Here is an option for fulfilling Tigers in the Water Adventure requirement 4:

• Bubbles in the Water
  • While in the pool Cub Scouts will blow bubbles in the water.
  • Supplies: swimming area, qualified adult supervision, Activity Consent Form, BSA Health and Medical Form, buddy tags, buddy board
  • requires travel, moderate energy, a week or more prep

Using these fun and engaging methods can help reduce anxiety and make the experience enjoyable, encouraging Tigers to be more open to trying and learning new things in the water.

Tigers in the Water Requirement 5: Flutter Kick

Demonstrate a flutter kick.

In the Tigers in the Water Adventure, requirement 5 involves demonstrating the flutter kick. This is a basic swimming technique where you kick your legs straight up and down in a small, rapid motion. It’s a key part of freestyle and backstroke swimming.

To make learning the flutter kick fun for Tigers, here are some creative ideas:

• Kickboard Races: Use kickboards and have races across the shallow end. Tigers can focus on using their legs to propel themselves forward, making it a fun competition.
• Bubble Chase: Have Tigers practice their flutter kicks while trying to chase and pop bubbles created by an adult or another swimmer in the pool.
• Sing Along: Create a simple song or chant to keep rhythm while they hold on to the wall and kick. This can help keep their movements steady.

Here is an option for fulfilling Tigers in the Water Adventure requirement 5:

• Flutter Kicking
  • Demonstrate the flutter kick using the side of the pool for assistance.
  • Supplies: swimming area, qualified adult supervision, Activity Consent Form, BSA Health and Medical Form, buddy tags, buddy board
  • requires travel, high energy, a week or more prep

These activities not only make the learning process enjoyable but also help Tigers improve their flutter kick technique in an engaging way.

Tigers in the Water Requirement 6: Exit the Swimming Area

Demonstrate how to exit properly from the swimming area.

In the Tigers in the Water Adventure, requirement 6 teaches Tigers how to exit the swimming area properly. This skill is crucial for safety and ensures that Scouts can leave the water safely and efficiently.

• Use Designated Exits: Always leave the water at points that are meant for exiting, like a ladder, steps, or a shallow end, not over barriers or non-designated areas.
• Exit Slowly and Carefully: Walk slowly out of the water to prevent slipping or tripping. Water areas can be slippery.
• Keep Hands Free: Make sure hands are free and not holding toys or other items, so you can use them to balance or hold onto safety rails if available.
• Wait for Your Turn: If using a ladder or steps, wait for the person in front of you to move safely onto the deck before you start your exit.
• Exit with Your Buddy: You and your buddy must exit one after another. Keep an eye on each other until both of you have safely exited.
• Check in with Adult Supervision: Make sure an adult is nearby and aware that you are exiting the water.

Here is an option for fulfilling Tigers in the Water Adventure requirement 6:

• Swim Time Is Over
  • Demonstrate the importance of exiting the pool safely and removing buddy tag from the buddy board.
  • Supplies: swimming area, qualified adult supervision, Activity Consent Form, BSA Health and Medical Form, buddy tags, buddy board
  • requires travel, high energy, a week or more prep

These simple steps help ensure that exiting the water is as safe as entering it, reducing the risk of accidents near the water.

Before any activity, check the SAFE Checklist to make sure everyone is safe. Everyone involved in Scouting America activities should know the Guide to Safe Scouting and other relevant guides or books. Also follow any state or local rules that are more strict than Scouting America rules and guidelines.

All swimming activities must be supervised by a responsible adult age 21 or older who understands and accepts responsibility for the safety of those in their care. This adult must be trained in and committed to the eight points of BSA Safe Swim Defense.

Before starting this Adventure, complete the following:

• Complete the BSA Safe Swim Defense training (26 minutes) on my.scouting.
• Ensure enough adults are available to serve as rescuers, maintaining a ratio of one rescuer for every 10 Cub Scouts.
• Have buddy tags for everyone who will be in the water, both youth and adults.

During the Adventure:

• Give an overview and instructions on Safe Swim Defense before the activity.
• Provide continuous, qualified adult supervision and discipline during the activity.
• When swimming outdoors, ask all Cub Scouts to apply sunscreen.

More information

The Tigers in the Water Adventure is a great way for young Scouts to learn about swimming and water safety. This adventure is designed for first graders in the Cub Scouts program. It focuses on helping them build confidence and skills in the water.

The adventure starts with learning important swimming safety rules. Tigers learn to enter and exit the swimming area properly. These skills teach them to be careful and respect the water. Tigers also spend time in the water with their adult partners. They practice activities like blowing bubbles and doing the flutter kick. These activities help them get used to the water and start learning to swim.

Safety is a big part of this adventure. Tigers learn to always swim with a buddy and listen to adults. They practice in water that matches their ability. This keeps them safe while they learn.

This adventure is more than just swimming. It’s about spending time with family, having fun, and learning to be safe around water. It’s a great way for Tigers to start enjoying swimming and other water activities safely.