UNIT LEADERS ATTENTION !!!!           

AQUATICS SUPERVISION TRAINING 

Day 1 - Swimming and Water Rescue and Day 2 - Paddle Craft Safety

For years, Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat training has introduced Scouts and Scouters to the BSA’s guidelines for aquatics safety. BSA now offers two new courses that will provide hands-on training in the personal skills needed for safe aquatics activities!  Attaining these certifications enables you to administer and sign off on swim tests and grants you access to the council's outfitted canoe trailers for your unit's outings.

Day 1

BSA Aquatics Supervision: Swimming & Water Rescue provides BSA leaders with information and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to swimming emergencies during unit swimming activities. It expands the awareness instruction provided by Safe Swim Defense training to include basic water rescue skills. The unit leader completing the training will also feel confident in his or her ability to conduct the standard BSA swim classification tests. Revised Safe Swim Defense guidelines recommend that at least one person with this training is present to assist with supervision whenever a unit swims at a location without lifeguards.

Day 2 

BSA Aquatics Supervision: Paddlecraft Safety: Float trips are popular Boy Scout and Venturing activities. This course expands on Safety Afloat training to teach basic skills and knowledge needed for a unit leader to assess his or her ability to supervise float trips using canoes or kayaks and lead a trip or seek additional help. Basic paddling and rescue techniques are covered. The material also reviews the additional training needed for river trips, how to gain that expertise, and when to utilize professional whitewater guides. Revised Safety Afloat Guidelines recommend that a person with this training is present to supervise unit boating activities.

These courses will be offered in two sessions described below. Sessions are limited, so sign up soon.

Why: Aquatics Supervision?  This course is designed to train to level of becoming the skill resource and planning resource for a unit to conduct outings involving aquatics (i.e. campouts including canoeing. kayaking), to qualify as a merit badge counselor for all aquatic related badges less Whitewater and SCUBA (those require specific certifications) and become certified to administer the Unit Swim Classification test.

In short, you will be the “go to” for all things aquatic in your unit.

Swimming and Water Rescue

Feb 28, 2026 
Brighton high School Pool
8th and Southern.  
8am - 5pm 

Paddle Craft Safety 

March 1, 2026
Brighton High school Pool
8th and southern
8:30am to 4pm 

Prerequisites:
Must have completed the following:

• Safe Swim Defense
• Safety Afloat
• Hazardous Weather
• Current Safeguarding Youth
• First Aid / CPR certs are strongly recommended

Come prepared to complete a blue swimmer test and be able to retrieve a 10lb brick from 8ft.

Please bring the following:

• BSA Health Form Parts A&B 
• Swim Suit,
• Towel
• Change of Clothes

Fee of $50 will be collected at the door and covers both days.

Lunch will be provided both days; approximately 12-1pm