Tigers in the Water Adventure
Adventure Type: Elective
Number of Requirements: 6, or an alternative completion option
Typical Time to Complete: 1 meeting plus a swimming outing
Parent Involvement: Tiger adult partner required
Preparation Needed: Arrange a swimming area, qualified supervision, and required forms
Activity Level: Active
Indoor or Outdoor: Either, at a swimming area
Special Requirements: Safe Swim Defense training for supervising leaders; 20 minutes in water suited to each Tiger’s ability
Supplies Snapshot: Swimwear, buddy tags and board, consent and health forms
The Tigers in the Water Adventure helps young Scouts feel more comfortable around water. With their Tiger adult partners, they learn swimming safety rules and practice basic skills.
Tigers learn how to enter and leave a swimming area safely. They spend time in water that matches their ability, blow bubbles, and practice a flutter kick.
The adventure gives Tigers a chance to have fun in the water while learning to respect it. The activities below offer ideas for completing each requirement.
Requirements for the Tigers in the Water Adventure
Tigers in the Water Adventure Requirements
This Adventure may be earned by completing the requirements below OR passing the BSA Swimmer Test OR taking swimming lessons.
- Learn about the swimming safety rules that you need to follow.
- Demonstrate how to enter the swimming area properly.
- With your Tiger adult partner as your buddy, be active in water depths matching your ability for 20 minutes.
- Place your face in the water and blow bubbles.
- Demonstrate a flutter kick.
- Demonstrate how to exit properly from the swimming area.
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
Printable checkoff sheet for the Tiger Badge (for den or individual use)
Resources for the Tigers in the Water Adventure
Requirement 1: Swimming Safety
Learn about the swimming safety rules that you need to follow.
Keep the safety discussion short and practical. Before anyone enters the water, ask Tigers what they should do if they cannot find their buddy or feel unsure about the depth.
Easy Option: Go around the group. Have each Tiger name one swimming rule and explain it.
Here is an option for fulfilling Tigers in the Water Adventure requirement 1:
- Safe Swim Defense: See more information and resources about Scouting America’s required training for all swimming activities
- Tiger Safe Swim Defense: Cub Scouts will identify the points of Safe Swim Defense.
Requirement 2: Entering the Water
Demonstrate how to enter the swimming area properly.
Show Tigers where to enter, then let each Tiger practice with their adult partner. Remind them to wait for permission and move carefully on wet surfaces.
Easy Option: Use the pool steps and have each pair take a turn entering. See Swim Area Safety.
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.
Plan a simple activity that keeps Tigers moving for the full 20 minutes in water suited to their ability. A beach ball or a game of Follow the Leader can hold their attention without complicated setup.
Easy Option: Play Follow the Leader in the shallow area with each Tiger’s adult partner as their buddy.
More resources:
- Go Swimming: Take your den and go swimming.
Requirement 4: Blow Bubbles
Place your face in the water and blow bubbles.
Let hesitant Tigers watch a demonstration and try at their own pace. Encourage them to start by blowing across the surface of the water before putting their face in.
Easy Option: Have adult partners blow bubbles first, then invite Tigers to try beside them. See Bubbles in the Water.
Requirement 5: Flutter Kick
Demonstrate a flutter kick.
Give Tigers something steady to hold so they can focus on moving their legs. Demonstrate small kicks and let them practice briefly before trying again.
Easy Option: Have Tigers hold the pool wall and practice kicking with their adult partners beside them. See Flutter Kicking.
Requirement 6: Exit the Swimming Area
Demonstrate how to exit properly from the swimming area.
Point out the designated exit before the activity begins so Tigers know where to go when swim time ends. Have them leave carefully with their buddies, then check that everyone is out of the water.
Easy Option: Ask each Tiger and adult partner to use the pool steps and check out together. See Swim Time Is Over.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Tigers in the Water Adventure
What should my Tiger wear for the Tigers in the Water Adventure?
Your Tiger should wear a swimsuit and sunscreen.
Do parents need to be in the water with their Tiger?
Yes, a Tiger’s adult partner must be in the water with them during the adventure to ensure safety and help with the activities.
What if my Tiger is scared of putting his face in the water?
Start slow. Let him practice by putting just his nose or lips in the water first. Praise small steps and be patient.
How do we show we’ve completed each requirement?
Tell the den leader. The den leader will check off each requirement as your Tiger completes them.
Splashing Into Skills
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.
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