BSA’s Guide to Safe Scouting requires any BSA aquatic activity to be supervised by an adult who has completed Safe Swim Defense (for swimming activities) and Safety Afloat (for boating activities). Each of these training courses takes about 45 minutes to complete and are available online at my.scouting.org. These courses are also available in-person at the 2019 NCAC University of Scouting on February 23. The in-person version of the training allows you to ask questions of the experienced trainer. Sign up for these sessions today so you can be prepared to support safe and fun aquatics activities this year.
Articles
CPR/AED/First Aid Training
Are you planning on earning the prestigious BSA Lifeguard certification at summer camp this year? If so, please be aware that professional level CPR/AED and First Aid training is a course requirement but not usually done as part of the BSA Lifeguard course at camp. You can complete that requirement ahead of time by enrolling in our American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid courses to be held on April 13 at Fairfax Presbyterian Church. The courses use the blended learning method where you complete knowledge development at your own pace online before the classroom session where you practice the hands-on skills. Minimum age is 15 years old. Register for the course at ncacbsa.org/aquatics.
Know Before You Go: National Park Use and the Partial Government Shutdown
While national park entrances remain open during the partial government shutdown, be reminded that these sites are not fully staffed. That means less rangers and staff to respond to emergencies. It also means critical service outages in areas such as trash collection and sanitation. These things can mean greater risks to you and your unit if you choose to visit a national park during this period, no matter how prepared you are. As well, the lack of regular maintenance, patrols, and custodial and sewage services continues to damage the parks in numerous ways, some of which may take years to recover from.
If you can avoid further stressing these invaluable public resources during this shutdown, we’d encourage you to do so. Be aware that other options exist. Numerous parks and forests, notably those managed by States in our region, are still open and running under current, standard operating conditions. We encourage you to explore them, as well as other non-federal sites, now or at any time of the year. Our region also has a wealth of privately owned recreational opportunities, some that may even offer discounts or special events for Scouters.
If you must still go to one of these national parks for any reason, please be mindful of the present circumstances and prepare accordingly. Only essential personnel are on hand, meaning that you could experience longer than normal wait times for emergencies. Reevaluate your safety and emergency plan accordingly. You’ll also want to be extra mindful of your outdoor ethics training, especially LNT principles. Pack everything out that you packed in. EVERYTHING. Remember. there’re no trash or toilet services, so what you leave will only add to what’s already there and lengthen recovery time. Avoid closed areas or campgrounds. Some have been shuttered specifically due to safety issues, particularly when it comes to sanitation.
Volunteers who are helping to supplement some services should be extra aware in their service and take any and all proper safety precautions. Unattended trash can attract and condition wildlife to its availability, creating dangers for both you and them. Sewage overflows can spread a variety of diseases and parasites. Snow removal, road hazards, and weather or natural events can also add to this list of hazards. Exercise caution and know when to exit a situation to preserve your health and safety.
Scouting treasures US national parks. Many of us recall them as the setting for our greatest adventures and memories of fun with friends. While we don’t relish the thought of staying away from them for any length of time, the safety of our Scouters and our respect for all that these natural gems have provided to multiple generations comes before all else. Be informed. Be prepared.
NCAC PADI Scuba Course
In August, 16 Scouts and Leaders enrolled in the annual Camp William B. Snyder Open Water Diver scuba certification course. They spent two days at Camp Snyder learning safety information in the classroom and basic scuba skills in the pool. The following weekend they completed their certification at a local quarry where they demonstrated the skills they learned in the pool. Many of these Scouts are headed to the Florida Sea Base this summer for a Scuba Adventure program. Online registration for the NCAC 2019 August scuba course is available at ncacbsa.org/aquatics. Leaders can find out how to incorporate scuba into their annual program at the University of Scouting on February 23.
Whitewater Rafting BSA Award
The Whitewater Rafting BSA Award was launched last summer to assist the many Scouting units that participate in rafting trips conducted by outfitters. The Whitewater Rafting BSA Award recognizes the challenge and adventure of such activities.
The award is available to BSA youth and adults who are members of Scouts BSA, Venturing, or Sea Scout units.
Requirements for the award focus on safety and basic paddling skills on whitewater up to Class III. All instruction and skill completions are directly supervised by a professionally trained or licensed rafting guide. A qualified raft captain must be in each raft during the required trip. Participants must help power and control the raft with paddles.
A new resource brochure is now available on the aquatics page of scouting.org at https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/WW-Rafting-brochure-6-28-18.pdf to support units and outfitters in completing the Award. Check it out while you are planning your next whitewater rafting trip.
Lifeguard Training
Would you like a job as a lifeguard at your local pool or Scout camp this summer? If so, you will need lifeguard certification. This year NCAC will offer both BSA Lifeguard and American Red Cross pool and waterfront lifeguard training at Camp Snyder. Minimum age is 15. The mandatory pre-course swim test will be on April 28. Once you pass the swim test you will have 2 weeks to complete the online portion of the Red Cross Lifeguard course. The in-pool course dates are May 18, 19, and 25. Attendance at all sessions is required to pass the course. More information and registration can be found at ncacbsa.org/aquatics.
