TROOP 415

Saturday, Mar 1, 2025

In order for Scouts to undertake water based activities (summer camp & sailing) Scouts must have undertaken an annual swim test. Additionally, Scouts must complete some water based activities as part of their work towards 2nd class rank.

This event is being organised to not only undertake the annual swim test, but to also complete the 2nd class requirements and have some fun in the pool together. So even if swimming is not your strong suit, come along and have some fun and get some credit towards your 2nd class rank.

2nd Class rank requirements

It does not matter what rank you are currently, Scouts can work on Scout, Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, and 1st Class requirements concurrently.

• Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe swim.
• Demonstrate your ability to pass the BSA beginner test: Jump feetfirst into water over your head in depth, level off and swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming, then return to your starting place.
• Demonstrate water rescue methods by reaching with your arm or leg, by reaching with a suitable object, and by throwing lines and objects.
• Explain why swimming rescues should not be attempted when a reaching or throwing rescue is possible. Explain why and how a rescue swimmer should avoid contact with the victim.

Swim test requirements

SWIMMERS TEST:

• Jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off, and begin swimming.
• Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: side stroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy resting back stroke.
• The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.

BEGINNERS TEST:

• Jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off, swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming as before, and return to starting place. 

Anyone who has not completed the beginner or swimmer tests is classified as a non-swimmer.