Guide to Safe Scouting
For Unit Activities
Henry Nichol
http://www.scouting.org/pubs/gss/gssay.html
Goal Setting
• Why are you here?
• What do you hope to learn?
Purpose
• To prepare Adult Leaders to Conduct Scouting Activities in a
safe and prudent matter.
• Established because of need to protect members from known
hazards
• Polices and guidelines are really there for safe and enjoyable
adventures.
• Unit leaders must be aware of state and local government
regulations that supersede BSA policies
How BSA and YOU going to do it?
Agenda
I. Youth Protection and Adult Leadership
II. Aquatics Safety
III. Camping
IV. Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use and Abuse
V. Emergency Preparedness
VI. First Aid
VII. Fuels and Fire Prevention
VIII. Guns and Firearms
IX. Sports Activities
X. Inspections
XI. Medical Information
XII. Transportation
XIII. Winter Activities
Youth Protection and
Adult Leadership
• Question - How Does BSA prevent child Abuse?
• Answer - Policies that focus on leadership selection and
placing barriers to abuse.
• Question – How does BSA attract and train fabulous leaders
• Answer - BSA works with Charter Organization to attract
leaders and review applications
BSA Barriers to Abuse Within Scouting
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Two deep Leadership
No-one-on-one Contact
Respect of Privacy
Separate accommodations
Proper preparation for high-adventure activities
No secret organizations
Appropriate attire
Constructive Discipline
Hazing Prohibited
Youth leader training and supervision
Parents Barriers to Abuse Within
Scouting
• If parents notice any deviations from BSA’s approved
program, they should call these to the attention of the charter
organization or unit committee
• Parents should also read and review the booklet “How to
Protect Your Children from Child Abuse and Drug Abuse:
Parents Guide
Other points
• What do most child victims of sexual abuse keep the abuse secret?
• What should I do if a child tells me that he has been sexually abused?
• How do I know what my reporting responsibility are?
• What youth protection education materials does the BSA have for youth
members
• How can scout leader who are not social workers teach children about
youth protection
• What are the “three R’s” of Youth Protection (recognize, resist, report)
Three ‘R’s
• What are the “three R’s” of Youth Protection
(recognize, resist, report)
Youth Member Behavior Guidelines
• Follow the Scout Law and Oath.
• Not acceptable – physical violence, hazing, bulling, theft,
drugs and alcohol, corporal discipline.
Leadership Requirements for Trips
and Outings
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Two Deep Leadership
Plan transportation
Safety rule of four
Male and female leaders separate sleeping
Male and female participants separate sleeping
Single room or dormitory-type accommodations for scouting
units.
7) When stay in tent no youth will stay in tend of an adult other
than his parent
8) Separate shower and latrine for gender and adult/scout
9) Two deep adult leadership is required for flying activities
Not for display
• Show yellow sheet in safe guide book and Age
appropriate guidelines for scouting activities. If
it is not listed do not do it till you consult with
council
Common Themes In Guide for Each
Activity
•
•
•
•
•
Qualified Supervision
Physical Fitness
Safe area and equipment
Buddy System
Discipline
What do scouts like to do?
•
•
•
•
•
Camp
Hike
Swim
Fire
Shoot
• Lets talk about Swim next
II. Aquatics Safety
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Instructors for Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat Training
Safe Swim Defense
Classification of Swimming Ability
Pool and Surf Swimming
Safety Afloat
Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs)
Water Clarity
BSA Lifeguard
Swimming Area
Diving and Elevated Entry
Scuba Policy
Snorkeling
Kayaking
Waterskiing
Boardsailing
American Whitewater Safety Guidelines
Instructors
• Training is given by an approved individual by
the council for the council
– Safe Swim Defense
– Safety Afloat
Safe Swim Defense
• Qualified Supervision – Trained in 8 points of BSA
safe Swim Defense
• Physical Fitness – Health History
• Safe Area
– Three groups (Annually verify level of swimmers)
• Non swimmer - 3 ½ deepest
• Beginners - just over head
• Swimmers - not over 12 feet
– Swimming is not permitted in water more than 12 feet
deep.
Safe Swim Defense
(cont)
• Lifeguards on Duty
– Swim only where they are on duty.
– If in unit swim area, where lifeguards are not provided, the supervisor
should designate two capable swimmers as lifeguards.
– Provide one lifeguard for every 10 people in water
• Establish a look out on shore that can see all. It can be the
adult in charge of the swim
• Buddy System – Pair youth with one of same ability
• Discipline – Each swimmer must know the Safe Swim
Defense - Be strict and fair about these guidelines showing
no favoritism.
Classification of Swimming Ability
• Swimmers test
• Beginner test
Pool and Surf Swimming
•
•
•
•
Safe Swim Defense
Public facility has a life guard, no need to post one.
Buddy System is still important.
Pool
–
•
Adult supervision is still required to monitor and set
guidelines
Surf
–
–
–
Swimmers physical condition must be higher. Swimmer
must be able to swim 5 minutes piously
Area marked with flags easily seen
Lifeguard to swimmer is no larger than 1-10
Safety Afloat
• Adult leader must have completed the Safety Afloat Training
no 34159C, have a card no 34242A with them and is
dedicated to full compliance with all nine points of Safety
Afloat.
• What are the nine points?
Nine Points
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Qualified Supervision
Physical Fitness
Swimming Ability
Personal Floatation Equipment
Buddy System
Skill Proficiency
Planning
Equipment
Discipline
• Personal Floatation Devices (PFD’s)
– US Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device
(PFD) must be worn at all times
• Water Clarity
– Turbid water should be limited to surface swimming
– Snorkeling and scuba skills only practiced in clear water
• BSA Lifeguard
– 14 years of age or 8th grade
– Completed the BSA Lifeguard course
• Swimming Area
– Minimum of 40 square feet per swimmer
– Areas as stated before
Diving and Elevated Entry
•
•
•
•
Most dangerous
No entry at a depth greater than 12 feet
Feet first if dept is less than 7 feet
Diving must be in 7 feet clear water but entry must be no
higher than 18 inches from water
• Diving must be in 9 feet clear water but entry no higher than
40 inches from water
• Board diving must be mounted on a fixed platform no higher
than 40 inches from water, no activity on at least 15 feet either
side of board.
Scuba Policy
• Must be certified by or trained by
– National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUIO)
– Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)
– Scuba Schools International (SSI)
– Or Council approved organization
• Cub Scouts not authorized
• Other Scouts must be 14 years of age
Snorkeling
•
Safe Swim Defense guidelines
•
Instructors
–
–
•
National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUIO)
Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)
Snorkeling Safety
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Qualified Supervision
Physical Fitness
Safe Area
Proper Equipment
Lifeguards/lookouts
Ability
Buddy System
Discipline
Kayaking
•
•
Limited to Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Ventures
Kayaking Safety
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Qualified Supervision
Physical Fitness
Swimming Ability
Personal floatation equipment
Buddy System
Skill Proficiency
Planning
Equipment
Discipline
Water Skiing
•
•
•
•
Safe equipment, competent instruction
Efficient and careful tow boat operator and observer
Follow Water Sports Safety Code
Limited to Boys Scouts, Varsity and Venture
Board Sailing
• See Boardsailing BSA Award Application no 19-1935
American Whitewater Safety Guidelines
•
Be a competent Swimmer
•
Wear a Personal Floatation Device
•
Wear a Solid, Correctly Fitted Helmet
•
Keep Your Boat under Control
•
Be Aware of River Hazards
III. Camping
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Age Guidelines
Family Camping
Cub Scout Overnight Opportunities
Trail Safety
Beware of Lightning
Treated Drinking Water
BSA Property Smart
Hantavirus
Rabies Prevention
Age Guidelines
• Tiger, Wolf and Bear den not approved by BSA for Den Overnights
• Tiger may participate in boy-parent excisions (family camping)
• Wolf Bear and Webolus may participate in resident overnight camping
program
• Webolus may camp with troop. Den leader, pack leaders and parents are
expected to join scout on trip.
• Boy Scouts and varsity Scouts 12-17 are eligible to participate in national
jamborees.
• Boy Scouts and varsity Scours 13-17 are eligible to participate in world
jamborees.
Family Camping vs. Recreation Family
Camping
• Family Camping is an outdoor camping experience, other
than resident camping, that involves Scouting program
elements in overnight setting with two or more family
members, including at least one BSA member of that family.
Parent are responsible for supervision of their children and
Youth Protection guidelines apply
• Recreation Family Camping is when Scouting families camp
as a family unit outside of an organized program. It is non
structured camping experience, but is conducted within a
Scouting framework on local council-owned or managed
property
Cub Scout Overnight Opportunities
• Council Organized Family Camp
– Overnight events involving more than one pack but
sponsored by council
– Overnight events involving more than one pack must be
approved by the council
• Pack Overnighters
– Overnight events involving more than one family from a
single pack focus on Cubs Scout appropriate activities.
– At lease one Adult on a pack overnight must have
completed BALOO training.
Trail Safety
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Qualified Supervision
Keep Fit
Plan Ahead
Gear Up
Communicate Clearly and Completely
Monitor Conditions
Discipline
Beware of Lightning
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Stay away of from open doors/windows, fireplaces, metal stuff
Do not use hair dryers, electric toothbrush/razor, phones
Do not take clothes down
Do not work outside
Do not handle flammable material
Do not play golf, fish
Avoid high ground
Avoid isolated trees.
Treated Drinking Water
•
•
•
•
A large supply is necessary
If not sure, do not take a chance
Treat Questionable water
Filter Water
–
–
–
–
Boil water for a minute
Add 8 drops of liquid Chlorine Bleach
Let stand 30 minutes
If smell like Chlorine it is ok, else do it again, if still bad
discard
Note: you can do cold water, but it takes 4 times as long
Miscellaneous
• BSA Property Smart – Every one has the
responsibility / obligation to do his or her best to care
for and protect every property that he or she visits.
• Hantavirus – identified in 30 states. Spread through
the urine and feces of infected rodents. An airborne
virus
• Rabies Prevention – 7,000 animals a year, over
22,000 exposed or infected people
IV. Drug, Alcohol & Tobacco Use & Abuse
V. Emergency Preparedness
• Emergency Preparedness PLAN
• Emergency Preparedness KIT
Emergency Preparedness PLAN
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Plan ahead
Recognize Alarm sound
Agree on outdoor meeting place
Everyone can call 911 and post other emergency numbers.
Post address near phones
Plan out of town routes
Practice evacuating twice a year
Practice natural disaster
In emergency keep calm, stay together and explain to
younger members what might happen next.
Emergency Preparedness KIT
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Water – 1 gallon per person per day
Food – non perishable.
Flashlight (extra batteries
First aid kit
Medications
Battery operated Radio
Tools
Clothing
Personal items
Sanitary supplies
Money
Contact information
Pet supplies
Map
Note in BSA Guide page 27 is a Emergency Contact list
VI. First Aid
•
It is important at least one person trained in first aid
•
First Aid kits (stocked and easy to get too)
•
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation can be taught to Boy Scout and Venture
Scout (Not recommend to Cub Scout) by American Heart Association.
Preliminary skills related CPOR are found in Scout Handbook and the
First Aid Merit badge.
•
Protection Considerations for Blood borne Pathogens – treat all
individuals as though the blood is contaminated.
•
Near-Drowning – after a victim has recovered at the scene, take to
hospital. Reactions can happen latter due to the recovery process, (lung
rupture, pneumonia, and hypothermia)
VII. Fuels and Fire Prevention
•
Chemical Fuels – use of liquid fuels is prohibited.
•
Guidelines for Safely Using Chemical Stoves and lanterns
•
Flammability Warning
•
Extinguishers
– Class A - wood, fabric, etc.
– Class B – Gasoline, oil, etc.
– Class C – electrical
•
Fireworks – prohibited unless a licensed Fireworks Specialist manages
the function
VIII. Guns and Firearms
•
BSA adheres to policy of teaching safe, responsible , intelligent handling,
care and use of fire arms.
•
Cub Scouting Standards - is only allowed Archery and BB gun shooting
restricted to day camps, Cub Scout/Webelos Scout resident camps, and
Council/managed activities.
•
Boys Scouting Standards – may participate in Shotgun, Muzzle Loaders,
Rifles with the appropriate safety measures taken, Including an NRA
Instructor.
•
Venture Standards – May shoot a hand gun with appropriate safety
measures and an NRA Instructor.
•
Cannons and Large-bore artillery – not allowed
IX. Sports Activities
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sweet 16 of BSA Safety
Caving
Judo, Tai Chi and Aikido
Climbing and Rappelling
Project COPE Activities
Unauthorized and Restricted Activities
Carbon Tetrachloride
Knives
Rope Monkey Bridges
Parade Floats and Hayrides
Unit Fund-raisers
Tractor Safety
Bike Safety
Skating Guidelines
Horsemanship Activities
Note - Lets just review Sweet 16
Sweet 16 of BSA Safety
These 16 points embody good judgment and common sense and apply to all activities.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Qualified Supervision
Physical Fitness
Buddy System
Safe area or Course
Equipment Selection and Maintenance
Personal Safety Equipment
Safety Procedures and Policies
Skill Level Limits
Weather Check
Planning
Communications
Permits and Notices
First Aid Resources
Applicable laws
CPR resources
Discipline
X. Inspections
•
Meeting rooms inspect for health and safety
•
Motor vehicles
•
Unit Camping - Before set up, after take down and in
between
•
Boats – U.S. Coast Guard can do upon request a marine
examination of any craft.
XI. Medical Information
•
Class 1 – event not exceed 72 hours
•
Class 2 – event exceeds 72 hours
•
Class 3 – Any event involving strenuous activity also if an
adult is age 40+
•
High Adventure Medical forms – Phillmont Scout Ranch and
Florida Sea base require a special form for youth and adults
•
Immunization
•
Life-Threatening Communicable Diseases – a scout can
continue in a Lone Scout Program
•
•
Sun Safety
Religious Beliefs and Medical Care
– is required for all camp attendance except if it is
waived due to religious beliefs
– All must learn first aid to service others
– Requirements 1-5 of Personal Fitness merit
badge may be waived with proper church wavier
• Prescriptions
– Responsible of individual unless agreed to by
Scout leader or guardian
XII. Transportation
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Automobiles
Campers, Trailers and Trucks
Buses
Trains
Boats
Aircraft
Tour Permits
•
•
•
Local
National
Commercial Driver’s License Compliance
XIII. Winter Activities
• Leadership
• Equipment
• Physical Conditions
Conclusion
• Have fun safely Scouting
• Thanks for allowing me this time to share.
• hnichol@kw.com
972-365-6731