Boy Scout Troop 325
Scoutmaster Minute
Swimming
July 11, 2006
Larry Polyak, Scoutmaster

Tonight we spent some time classifying scouts as non-swimmers, beginners, and swimmers. Swimming is an important part of scouting. One reason is because it is fun! And knowing how to swim opens up a lot of other fun opportunities. The ability to swim is a requirement for the Canoeing, Motorboating, Rowing, Small Boat Sailing, and Water Skiing Merit Badges - all of which are lots of fun. Another reason that swimming is important is that it is another way to live up to the Scout Motto - "Be Prepared". Knowing how to swim can save a person's life or even your own. Remember though that the first two rules of rescue are "Reach" then "Throw" - not "Jump In". Being brave is not the same as being foolhardy.

Part of being prepared is to also know and understand the dangers of swimming. Now if you are a good swimmer you might that that you don't have to listen to this part. Not true. Every day, and especially in the summer months, people die from drowning. And most of those people were in the water in the first place becasue they were good swimmers. All is takes is some unexpecetd rough water, a bump on the head, or a bad cramp to turn a fun activity into a disaster.

Always remember the Buddy System. This isn't optional. At any Boy Scout swimming activity, the Buddy System is enforced. It works so well that we enforce it at others times too. It doesn't matter if you can't swim a stroke or if you are the best swimmer in the troop.

Next week Mr. Denise, our old Scoutmaster, will be giving us the Safe Swim Defense class. Even if you have heard it before, it's always good to refresh your memory. That's why the Boy Scouts insist that a certain number of leaders be trained in Safe Swim Defense every year or two. I think it'll be fun and hopefully you'll learn or re-learn some more swimming safety. See you next week.

Thanks for listening.