Lion Time to Swim Adventure
Adventure Type: Elective
Number of Requirements: 5, or pass the swimmer test, or take swimming lessons
Typical Time to Complete: 1 pool visit with a short safety lesson
Parent Involvement: Adult partner serves as each Lion’s swimming buddy
Preparation Needed: Arrange pool access, qualified supervision, forms, and buddy system
Activity Level: Moderate to high
Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor or outdoor pool
Special Requirements: Safe Swim Defense supervision, water depth matched to ability
Supplies Snapshot: Swimwear, towels, buddy tags and board, consent and medical forms
The Lion Time to Swim adventure introduces kindergarten-aged Cub Scouts to water safety through simple, fun activities. Lions learn swimming safety rules and practice getting into and out of the water safely. These first steps help them feel more comfortable around water.
With their adult partner as a buddy, Lions spend time moving and playing in water that matches their ability. They also practice putting their faces in the water and blowing bubbles. Adult support and encouragement help them try new skills at their own pace.
This adventure gives Lions a chance to be active, have fun, and build confidence. Den leaders and adult partners can help make the experience positive by explaining rules clearly and giving each child time to practice. The goal is to help Lions enjoy the water while learning safe habits.
Requirements for the Lion Time to Swim Adventure
Time to Swim Adventure Requirements
This Adventure may be earned by completing the requirements below OR passing the Scouting America 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 Lion 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 how to exit properly from the swimming area.
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
Printable checkoff sheet for the Lion Badge (for den or individual use)
Resources for the Lion Time to Swim Adventure
Requirement 1: Safety Rules
Learn about the swimming safety rules that you need to follow.
Keep the safety talk short and use examples Lions can practice, such as walking near the pool and staying with their buddy. Ask the lifeguard or supervising adult to explain the pool’s rules, and have Lions show or tell you what they learned.
Easy Option: Before anyone enters the water, review three simple reminders: walk, stay with your adult buddy, and listen to the adult in charge. All swimming activities must follow Safe Swim Defense.
More resources:
- Lion Safe Swim Defense: Cub Scouts will identify the Safe Swim Defense.
- Lions Learn from the Lifeguard: Have an adult Scouting America Lifeguard or other adult who has completed Safe Swim Defense training to talk to the Cub Scouts.
Requirement 2: Enter the Swimming Area
Demonstrate how to enter the swimming area properly.
Show Lions where and how to enter before they approach the water. Let them practice one at a time with their adult partners, using steps or another approved entry that suits their ability.
Easy Option: Have each Lion use the shallow-end steps with their adult partner nearby. Encourage them to hold the railing and move slowly. See Lions Enter the Swimming Area.
Requirement 3: Go Swimming
With your Lion adult partner as your buddy, be active in water depths matching your ability for 20 minutes.
Plan simple activities that keep Lions moving for 20 minutes in water suited to their ability. Each adult partner should stay close to their Lion and offer encouragement without pushing them to try something they are uncomfortable doing.
Easy Option: Play follow the leader with adult buddies. Use easy movements such as walking, splashing gently, and moving arms through the water.
More ideas:
- Lions Go Swimming: Take your den and go swimming.
Requirement 4: Blow Bubbles
Place your face in the water and blow bubbles.
Demonstrate blowing air out into the water, then let Lions practice with their adult partners. Start with lips in the water and gradually work toward placing the face in, giving each child time and encouragement.
Easy Option: Pretend to be fish blowing bubbles in shallow water. Have Lions try short bursts of bubbles, lifting their faces out to breathe between attempts. See Lion Bubbles.
Requirement 5: Exit the Water
Demonstrate how to exit properly from the swimming area.
Show Lions the approved exit and remind them to wait their turn without pushing. Have adult partners help as needed, then follow the swimming area’s checkout procedure, including removing buddy tags if used.
Easy Option: Use the same shallow-end steps used to enter. Have each Lion and adult buddy leave together, holding the railing and walking carefully. See Lions Leave the Swimming Area.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Lion Time to Swim Adventure
What should Lions wear for the Time to Swim Adventure?
Lions should wear a swimsuit and sunscreen.
What if a Lion is scared to put his or her face in the water?
That’s okay. Encourage them to start slow, perhaps by blowing bubbles on the surface. Gradually, as they feel more comfortable, they can try putting part of their face in the water.
How can adult partners help during the Time to Swim Adventure?
Adult partners should stay close to their Lion, offering encouragement and support. They can demonstrate skills and play games to make the adventure fun.
What do Lions learn from the Time to Swim Adventure?
Lions learn how to be safe around water, basic swimming skills, and how to enjoy being active in the water. They also build confidence as they try new things.
Splish Splash, Lions Learn to Dash!
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.
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