Lion Time to Swim Adventure

Printable requirements for the Lion Time to Swim Adventure

Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den’s progress on the Lion Time to Swim Adventure

Lion Adventures Check Off Sheet

Lion Time to Swim Requirement 2: Enter the Swimming Area

Demonstrate how to enter the swimming area properly.

For the Lion Time to Swim Adventure requirement to demonstrate entering the swimming area properly, it’s important for Lions to learn the safest way to get into the water. This helps prevent injuries and makes sure everyone enjoys their time swimming.

1. Check for a safe entry point: Always enter the water at a designated spot, like a shallow end or a staircase.
2. Use the ladder or steps if available: If there’s a ladder or steps, use them to slowly and carefully enter the water.
3. Sit and slide: If entering from the poolside, sit on the edge and slide into the water feet-first.
4. Enter slowly: Whether using steps or sliding in, always go slowly to adjust to the water temperature and depth.

Here is an option for Lion Time to Swim requirement 2

• Lions Enter the Swimming Area
  • 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

Den leaders should demonstrate these methods first and then help Lions practice. Make sure each Lion feels comfortable and confident as they learn to enter the water properly. Explain why it’s important to follow these steps, like keeping safe and preventing slips or falls.

Lion Time to Swim Requirement 3: Go Swimming

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

For the Lion Time to Swim Adventure, requirement 3 involves being active in the water with an adult partner. This helps Lions get comfortable in the water while ensuring safety with the presence of a trusted adult.

Here’s some advice for den leaders:

• Choose the right water depth: Make sure Lions are in a part of the pool that matches their swimming ability. For most young Lions, the shallow end is best.
• Stay close and attentive: Adult partners should always stay near their Lion, offering support and encouragement.

To make this activity fun and engaging, consider these simple games that Lions and their adult partners can play in the shallow section of the pool:

• Treasure Hunt: Drop some waterproof toys or items in the shallow water and have Lions and their partners find them.
• Follow the Leader: Have the adult partner lead by doing simple water movements like splashing, kicking, or floating, and the Lion follows.
• Ring Toss: Use floating rings or safe objects that Lions can toss and then swim or walk to retrieve.
• Water Dancing: Create simple dance moves or actions to do together in the water, like waving hands or tapping feet on the pool floor.
• Simon Says: Play a water version of “Simon Says,” where the adult gives commands like “Simon says, splash water!” or “Simon says, jump!”

Here is an option for Lion Time to Swim requirement 3

• Lions Go Swimming
  • Take your den and go swimming. 
  • 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 games keep Lions moving and enjoying the water, all while building their confidence and swimming skills. It’s a great way to meet the requirement while having a lot of fun.

Lion Time to Swim Requirement 4: Blow Bubbles

Place your face in the water and blow bubbles.

For the Lion Time to Swim Adventure, requirement 4 teaches Lions how to put their face in the water and blow bubbles. This skill is important as it helps young Scouts become more comfortable with water, especially around their face, which is essential for learning to swim.

Here’s how den leaders can encourage and support Lions in this activity:

• Start slow: Begin by having Lions practice blowing bubbles in a bowl of water or at the edge of the pool. This helps them get used to the sensation.
• Demonstrate: Show them how to gently place just their mouth or nose in the water and blow bubbles. Gradually, they can progress to submerging their entire face as they feel comfortable.
• Use a game: Turn it into a fun game, like pretending to be fish or sea creatures blowing bubbles under the water. This makes the activity playful and less intimidating.
• Offer praise: Always give lots of encouragement and praise for any attempt, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement will make Lions feel proud and eager to try more.
• Stay close: Be nearby to provide support and make them feel secure. This reassurance is crucial for building their confidence in the water.

Here is an option for Lion Time to Swim requirement 4

• Lion Bubbles
  • 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

By making this experience fun and stress-free, Lions will learn to be more at ease with water on their face and take an important step in their swimming education.

Lion Time to Swim Requirement 5: Exit the Water

Demonstrate how to exit properly from the swimming area.

For the Lion Time to Swim Adventure, requirement 5 focuses on teaching Lions how to exit the swimming area properly. This skill is crucial for safety and helps ensure that Lions can leave the water safely and efficiently.

• Approach the exit: Guide Lions to move towards the exit area, such as the ladder or steps, calmly and without rushing.
• Use the ladder or steps: Encourage them to use a ladder if available. Show them how to hold onto the sides with both hands and climb out step by step. If steps are available, teach them to use the railing for support as they step out.
• Exit safely: Make sure they know to never push or jump near the exit area, as it can be slippery. Teach them to take their time and be careful.
• Don’t forget your buddy: Remind them that their buddy should exit at the same time.
• Stay calm: Remind Lions to keep calm and not to crowd or rush at the exit. Everyone will get their turn to exit safely.

Here is an option for Lion Time to Swim requirement 5

• Lions Leave the Swimming Area
  • 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

Den leaders should demonstrate these steps themselves and assist Lions as needed. Practice this several times to ensure that all Lions are comfortable with exiting the pool properly. This practice not only promotes safety but also builds the Lions’ confidence in handling themselves in 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 everyone’s safety. This adult must be trained in and follow the eight points of BSA Safe Swim Defense.

Before starting this Adventure:

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

During the Adventure:

• Give an overview of the Safe Swim Defense points before starting.
• Provide continuous, qualified adult supervision and discipline.
• When swimming outdoors, ensure all Cub Scouts apply sunscreen.

See more information

The Lion Time to Swim Adventure is designed to introduce young Lions in kindergarten to basic swimming skills and water safety. This adventure helps Lions gain confidence and comfort in the water through fun and educational activities. Lions learn crucial swimming safety rules, which are essential for their safety around water throughout their lives.

In the adventure, Lions practice entering and exiting the swimming area properly. This teaches them to be cautious and responsible in the pool. They also spend time being active in water that matches their ability, always accompanied by their adult partner. This activity not only helps them get comfortable in the water but also promotes physical fitness through playful exercises.

One of the key skills Lions learn is how to put their face in the water and blow bubbles. This basic skill is an important step in learning to swim and helps young Scouts overcome any fear of water. By the end of the adventure, Lions have not only improved their swimming ability but also learned how to be safe and have fun in the water.