Swimming

It is very important if you are going to be involved in water activities to be confident in the water. If you cannot swim, it is never too late to learn, get someone to teach you.

You should practice swimming in normal boating gear, which includes wearing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid. You may be surprised at how difficult it is to swim with one on.

In Sea Scouting swimming is included as a basic safety factor, not just as a fun activity. You should be able to swim in the waters where your Troop normally does its activities. It does not matter which swimming stroke you use, so long as you can manage it sufficiently. Also, practice survival skills such as floating or treading water.

Do not swim for at least an hour after a meal Do not dive into unknown waters Do not swim in dangerous areas Do not swim where there are strong currents or tides Do not mess about in the water Do not swim out, always swim along the shore Do not use air beds or similar on the open sea

TIP

Being able to swim is fun but always try to improve your swimming ability

Swimming

Buddy System This is a method of ensuring no one goes missing while swimming in a group. Each person swimming has a partner and each looks out for the other.

At regular intervals the swimming Leader will give a signal to which, each pair will form up and raise their hands, to be counted.

Rescue If someone is in trouble, try to reach out with whatever is handy; use something to increase your reach (branch, fishing rod or oar), or throw something that will float (heaving line, throw bag, life buoy or lifejacket)

Do: • Learn to Swim • Use the “Buddy System”, never swim alone • Swim well within your capabilities • Obey any warning notices or danger flags • If the waters are unknown to you, ask someone who knows

Red & Yellow flag: - Lifeguard is on duty