BSA Safety Afloat Policy

The Boy Scouts of America provides strict policies about boating with Scouts.

One of the main concerns of the Boy Scouts of America is keeping the boys safe in all activities that they engage in. Boating and spending time on the water is no different. The Safety Afloat program provides nine policies regarding taking Scouts of any age out in a motorized boat. No boating activity may be engaged in as a pack or troop without having at least one adult leader who has completed this training.

Qualified Supervision and Health Reviews

Even rowboats, canoes and kayaks are subject to Safety Afloat guidelines.

All Boy Scout boating activities must be done under the direct supervision of an adult leader, 21 or older, who has completed Safety Afloat training within the past 24 months and is trained and competent in the operation of whatever watercraft is being used. If there is no one available who meets both of those criteria, then this requirement may be met by having one person with the Safety Afloat designation and one person who is skilled in operating the vessel.

Before any Scout may participate in a boating activity, he must provide a health form, signed by his parent or guardian, stating that he is in adequate physical health to participate in the activity.

Swimming Proficiency and the Buddy System

In order for any Scout to operate or be aboard any watercraft, he must have taken the BSA swim test and be classified as a swimmer. Any Scout who is classified as either a non-swimmer or a beginner may only attend boating activities that are in multi-person crafts on calm, still water, with little chance of the boat capsizing.

At all times during a boating activity, each Scout must have a buddy. Scouts are responsible for being constantly aware of their buddy's situation and able to quickly alert others of any danger.

Skill Proficiency

Each participant in a boating activity must have sufficient knowledge and skill to participate safely. Boat operators must meet any government guidelines and understand how to handle their craft.

Proper training must be provided to all participants, prior to the boating activity. The training should be appropriate to the age and skill level of the participants and should be relevant to the activity that is planned. Basic skills on calm water should be covered before attempting more advanced skills, and all training should be delivered by instructors who are proficient in the activity.

There must be at least one person who is proficient in the activity aboard any vessel that is to be used in any boating activity. For example, if a Scout is using a sailboat, there must be at least one person aboard the vessel who knows how to tack, reach and run.

Boating excursions on large craft for long periods of time must be done with a professional captain aboard or another adult with similar qualifications.

Personal Floatation Devices

Life jackets are a big component of Safety Afloat.

All participants in a boating activity must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times when aboard any vessel that is smaller than 20 feet long. When aboard a larger vessel, Scouts may remove their life jackets when they are below deck or on deck when the boat is not under way. If the qualified adult supervision deems that it is appropriate to follow less restrictive state or federal guidelines for the use of PFDs while under way on a vessel of more than 20 feet long, then that policy may be followed.

Proper Planning & Behavior

All boating activities require proper prior planning, including preparing a scheduled itinerary, a plan for notification of appropriate parties, communication arrangements, foul weather contingencies and emergency response plans.

Ahead of the trip, all appropriate equipment must be collected and its condition inspected. Any necessary permissions must be gained. Plans regarding the course, where the boat will be dropped into the water and places where the craft can be pulled out if needed should be made. All details of these plans must be filed in a float plan, which is then shared with all parents. This plan should include information about contingency plans in the case of bad weather and other emergencies that could potentially arise.

Before setting out on the excursion, all behavior and discipline expectations must be explained to the Scouts in detail.

References

• Boy Scouts of America: Aquatics Safety