Arrow of Light Swimming Adventure

The Arrow of Light Swimming Adventure is a great way for AOL Scouts to learn important swimming skills and safety practices. In this adventure, Scouts develop the ability to swim safely and confidently. They learn through hands-on activities that are both fun and educational. This helps Scouts feel more comfortable in and around water.

Swimming is a vital skill that everyone should learn, and it’s especially important for young Scouts. This adventure teaches them basic techniques and safety rules that are useful for life. It also encourages physical fitness and healthy living. By participating in this adventure, Scouts not only improve their swimming abilities but also boost their overall physical fitness.

Safety is a key part of the Arrow of Light Swimming Adventure. Scouts review safety procedures and learn how to help others in the water without putting themselves at risk. They practice rescues from the shore, which is a crucial skill in emergency situations. Understanding and applying these safety skills can make a real difference in unexpected situations.

Overall, the Arrow of Light Swimming Adventure offers a broad learning experience. Scouts come away with improved swimming skills, a better understanding of water safety, and a sense of accomplishment. This adventure is about developing respect for the water and building personal confidence and responsibility.

Requirements for the Arrow of Light Swimming Adventure

Swimming Adventure Requirements

Review the Safe Swim Defense.
Explain the meaning of “order of rescue” and demonstrate the reach and throw rescue techniques from land.

Attempt the BSA swimmer test.
Have 30 minutes, or more, of free swim time where you practice the Buddy System and stay within your ability group. The qualified adult supervision should do at least three buddy checks per half hour swimming.

Printable requirements for the Arrow of Light Swimming Adventure

Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den’s progress on the Arrow of Light Swimming Adventure

Arrow of Light Badge Checkoff Sheet

Resources for the Arrow of Light Swimming Adventure

Arrow of Light Swimming Requirement 1: Safe Swim Defense

Review Safe Swim Defense.

Safe Swim Defense is a set of guidelines that the Boy Scouts of America uses to keep swimming activities safe. When working on the Arrow of Light Swimming Adventure, AOL Scouts start by reviewing these rules.

Qualified Supervision: Always have a trained adult watching over swimming activities.
Physical Fitness: Check that everyone is fit and healthy enough to swim.

Safe Area: Make sure the swimming area is clean, safe, and suitable for the scouts’ skill levels.
Lifeguards on Duty: Have lifeguards or lookouts who can respond to emergencies.
Lookout: Assign someone to keep an eye on the water at all times.

Ability Groups: Sort swimmers by their skill levels: Non-swimmers, Beginners, and Swimmers.
Buddy System: Pair up so each Scout keeps an eye on another.
Discipline: Everyone must follow the rules and listen to the leaders.

Scout swimming activities must be supervised by an adult trained in Safe Swim Defense. Learn more.

Here is an option for fulfilling Arrow of Light Swimming Adventure requirement 1:

Swimming Do’s and Don’ts
- Cub Scouts play a game to learn Safe Swim Defense.
- Supplies: Do’s and Don’ts Game Card, Do’s and Don’ts Rules, Do’s and Don’ts Key, tape, scissors, AOL handbook
- indoor, very low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

Reviewing these points helps ensure that every swimming activity is conducted safely and everyone knows how to act in case of an emergency. It’s important for the safety of all Scouts and helps them have a fun and worry-free time in the water.

Arrow of Light Swimming Requirement 2: Order of Rescue

Explain the meaning of “order of rescue” and demonstrate the reach and throw rescue techniques from land.

The “order of rescue” teaches Scouts how to help someone who is struggling in the water without putting themselves in danger. It’s important for AOL Scouts to understand and practice these steps so they can respond safely in an emergency.

Here’s the order of rescue:

Reach: From the shore or the edge of the pool, reach out to the person with your hand, or use an object like a stick, towel, or pool noodle. The person in the water can grab onto it and be pulled to safety.
Throw: If you can’t reach the person, throw something that floats to them. This could be a life ring, a buoy, or even a floating toy. The person can then use this to stay afloat until help arrives.

Row: Use a boat to get to the person if one is available. This method keeps you safe in the boat while you approach the person to help them.
Go (and Tow): As a last resort, if you are trained and it’s safe, you can enter the water to perform a rescue. It’s crucial that this is done by someone with proper lifesaving skills and only when other, safer methods won’t work.

Cub Scouts should only attempt reach and throw rescues. Read more about water rescue techniques.

Here is an option for fulfilling Arrow of Light Swimming Adventure requirement 2:

Order of Rescue AOL
- Cub Scouts learn the order of rescue and practice reach and throw rescue techniques.
- Supplies: swimming area, qualified adult supervision, Activity Consent Form, BSA Health and Medical Form, whistles, buddy tags, buddy board, rescue pole, large beach towel, life ring
- requires travel, high energy, 1 to 3 days prep

By learning and practicing these rescue techniques from land, Scouts can help keep swimming activities safe. They learn how to act quickly and effectively to assist someone in trouble without risking their own safety.

Arrow of Light Swimming Requirement 3: BSA Swimmer Test

Attempt the BSA swimmer test.

The BSA swimmer test is designed to assess a Scout’s swimming ability and ensure they can handle themselves safely in the water. Here’s how the test works:

Jump into water over your head: The Scout starts by jumping into water that is deeper than they are tall. This tests their comfort in deep water.

Level off and swim 75 yards in a strong manner: After jumping in, the Scout must swim 75 yards using a front stroke (like freestyle or breaststroke). This part of the test shows their ability to swim a distance without stopping.
Swim 25 yards using a resting backstroke: The resting backstroke is easier and allows the Scout to catch their breath. This shows they can continue to move in the water even when tired.
Float motionless for one minute: The final part is to float on the back or keep the face in the water while staying still for one minute, demonstrating water comfort and the ability to rest without leaving the water.

Arrow of Light Swimming Requirement 4: Go Swimming

Have 30 minutes or more of free swim time during which you practice the buddy system and stay within your ability group. The qualified adult supervision should conduct at least three buddy checks per half hour of swimming.

Requirement 4 of the Arrow of Light Swimming Adventure focuses on practicing safe swimming during free swim time.

Stick with your buddy: Always know where your buddy is, and stay close to them.
Listen for signals: Pay attention to the signals for buddy checks and other instructions.
Swim safely: Enjoy swimming but remember to stay within the area that matches your swimming ability.

Have fun in the water! Here are some ideas for games the den can play.

Water Polo: A simplified version of water polo can be great for Scouts. Use a soft ball and have goals at each end of the pool. The game encourages swimming and teamwork.
Treasure Hunt: Scatter some sinking and floating objects (like dive rings and floating balls) in a safe, shallow part of the pool. Scouts can take turns finding and collecting items. This game is good for all swimming levels.

Marco Polo: This classic pool game doesn’t require strong swimming skills but keeps everyone active and involved. One Scout is “it” and must find the others by sound, calling out “Marco!” and the others reply “Polo!”
Relay Races: Create a relay race with different tasks like swimming with a kickboard, pulling a buoy, or even wearing a funny hat. This can be adjusted based on the water depth and swimming ability of each Scout.
Sharks and Minnows: In this game, one Scout is the shark and the others are minnows. The minnows must swim from one side of the pool to the other without being tagged by the shark. If tagged, they become sharks.

Here is an option for fulfilling Arrow of Light Swimmer Adventure requirement 4:

Go Swimming AOL
- Take your patrol 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, more than one week prep

This requirement helps Scouts practice being responsible for themselves and others in the water. It’s important for safety and helps everyone enjoy their time swimming.

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.

Every swimming activity must have an adult supervisor who is at least 21 years old. This person should understand and accept the responsibility for the safety of those they are watching. They must also be trained in the BSA Safe Swim Defense’s eight points.

Before starting:

Finish the 26-minute Safe Swim Defense training.
Make sure there are enough adult rescuers to have one rescuer for every 10 Cub Scouts.
Get buddy tags for everyone going into the water, both kids and adults.

During the Swimming Adventure:

Explain the Safe Swim Defense points before starting the activity.
Keep giving careful and constant adult supervision and maintain order.

If swimming outside, make sure all Cub Scouts put on sunscreen.

More information

Frequently Asked Questions for the Arrow of Light Swimming Adventure

What is the Arrow of Light Swimming Adventure?

The swimming adventure is a program where AOL Scouts learn about swimming safety, practice swimming skills, and have fun in the water.

Why do we review Safe Swim Defense in the swimming adventure?

We review Safe Swim Defense to make sure all Scouts know how to stay safe while swimming. It helps prevent accidents and ensures everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

Do I have to pass the BSA swimmer test to complete the swimming adventure?

No. The adventure does not require that you pass the test, just that you attempt it.

How does the buddy system work in the swimming adventure?

In the buddy system, each Scout pairs up with another Scout. They stay close together and keep an eye on each other during swimming to make sure both are safe.

What are buddy checks in the swimming adventure?

Buddy checks are when the adult in charge stops the swimming and checks that each Scout is with their buddy. This happens at least three times every half hour.

Can all Scouts participate in the swimming adventure, even if they are not strong swimmers?

Yes, all Scouts can join. They will swim in areas that match their swimming abilities. This keeps everyone safe while they have fun and learn.

Swim into Fun and Safety!

The Arrow of Light Swimming Adventure is designed for AOL Scouts to learn important swimming skills and understand water safety. This adventure starts with reviewing Safe Swim Defense, ensuring that all participants know how to keep swimming activities safe and enjoyable. Scouts then explore the meaning of “order of rescue” and practice rescue techniques from the shore, such as reaching and throwing aids to a swimmer in distress.

The next challenge is to attempt the BSA swimmer test, where Scouts demonstrate their swimming abilities by completing a series of tasks in the water. This test assesses their comfort and skill in deeper water, promoting confidence and physical fitness.

Lastly, Scouts enjoy free swim time, applying the buddy system and staying within their ability groups. Adult supervisors conduct frequent buddy checks to ensure safety. This part of the adventure allows Scouts to practice their new skills in a fun and controlled environment, strengthening friendships and teamwork.

The Arrow of Light Swimming Adventure teaches swimming and safety, and also encourages personal growth and team cooperation among Scouts.