The Aquatics Committee of the Council organizes and directs many activities, trainings, and other events throughout the year.
Aquatics Special Awards, Courses, and Certifications
The Boy Scouts of America offers many smaller training certifications and awards for adults and older Scouts that are interested in learning more about aquatics and participating in more activities.
Kayaking BSA provides an introduction to kayaking skills and safety procedures and serves as a program opportunity for Scouts BSA and Venturing units in camp or out.
Safety Afloat has been developed to promote boating and boating safety and to set standards for safe unit activity afloat. (Take the course; link below.)
Safe Swim Defense is a plan for conducting swimming activities in a safe manner. (Take the course; link below.)
Scuba BSA introduces qualified Scouts BSA, Venturing, and registered adult participants to the special skills, equipment, and safety precautions associated with scuba diving.
Snorkeling Safety is the recommended procedure for conducting group snorkeling at a private or public pool, wilderness pond, stream, or wherever the water looks inviting enough to take a dip.
Boardsailing BSA is an additional aquatics award that Scouts are able to earn as a part of their advancement.
National Aquatics Workshops
Here are some of the presentations from the 2016 and 2018 aquatics workshops at the Florida Sea Base.
The workshops included great discussions about current aquatics areas of focus and a sharing of ideas. Many of the presentations made during the workshops are listed in the resource section below.
1. New and Creative Aquatics Programs and Best Practices From Councils
2. New Cub Scout Aquatics Program and Requirements
3. Important American Red Cross/BSA Agreements and Programs
4. Health and Safety Moments and Incident Reporting
5. A Great Eagle Scout “Loaner Lifejacket” Project
6. List of Aquatics Merit Badge Review Dates and Lead Subject Matter Experts
1. PowerPoint update of Aquatics Activity Awards and Aquatics Supervision
2. North Florida Council Aquatics Camp
4. National Capital Area Council Aquatics Programs flyer
5. Sea Scouts Today presentation
6 24th World Scout Jamboree Aquatics Update
7. American Canoe Association Paddlesports Statistics and Updates
Additional Resources
Below are various recourses that Scouts can view to learn more about aquatics activities here in Southern Arizona.
Learn about the duties outlined for a Local Council Aquatics Committee and how to integrate their efforts in your local council structure to support all aquatics activities.
Aquatics Staff Guide. This guide was put together by the National Aquatics Task Force to help you, a member of your camp’s aquatics staff, do your job better. You should work with your aquatics director and camp management to use this document as a guide to your development as a staff member.
Aquatics Supervision Guide. Aquatics Supervision: A leader’s guide to youth swimming and boating activities, formerly only available for purchase from online or storefront Scout Shops, is now available for free digital download and may be printed locally. The guide supports the BSA Aquatics Supervision Swimming & Water Rescue and Paddle Craft Safety programs and serves as a resource for the aquatics special awards.
Answers to questions about the new aquatics courses.
Aquatics Supervision: Swimming & Water Rescue and Paddle Craft Safety Frequently Asked Questions.