Swimming
What to expect
Swimming is where a person uses their limbs to propel themselves through the water for the purposes of sport, fitness or recreation. It is done by moving your arms and legs together to push the water past your body and move you forwards or backwards. Swimming can be done in different bodies of water, but is most commonly done in indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
What you’ll learn
Swimming teaches you coordination and helps you keep fit. Different swimming strokes use different parts of your body, so it’s a great all-round workout, and keeping yourself afloat strengthens your core muscles too.
It can take time to learn to swim, so don’t worry if it doesn’t work out on your first go. Just take your time, practice and it’ll get easier. If you’re finding one type of stroke hard, that’s normal; keep at it, or try another.
Swimming can be lots of fun and is something that you can do almost anywhere in the world with friends and family. It’s also an important skill for keen adventurers. Many water sports and other activities rely on those taking part being strong swimmers, and swimming can also help you if you’re ever in a situation where you’re stranded in a body of water and must stay afloat or get to land.
Fun facts
Swimming has been a sport and competition in the modern Olympics since it began in 1896, but the first women’s race wasn’t until 1912. Scouts ambassador Ellie Symonds is a world-famous para-swimmer, who won two gold medals in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics at the age of 13.
Handy hints
- Extra equipment. Swimming can involve going underwater. Have a chat with everyone about extra equipment they can bring with them, such as goggles, ear plugs and nose clips, which will help them if they need it.
- Something to drink. All that swimming can be tiring work, so encourage everyone to bring a drink along with them, and take some spares in case anyone forgets.
- Bring some hair bobbles. Swimming doesn’t need everyone to tie back their hair but it can sometimes be helpful to stop hair from getting in people’s eyes, bring some spares along just in case.
- Plastic bags. Bring some spares for people to put their wet gear in after the session.
Safety
You must always:
- Complete a risk assessment
- Have the right ratios of number of adults to provide suitable supervision
- Set up an InTouch process
- Know what to do in an emergency
- Share information with parents and carers with an activity information form
- Get approval from your commissioner
Be safe outdoors:
- Check the weather forecast
Be safe in water:
Everyone should be able to swim 50 m wearing the clothing or equipment for the activity. Non-swimmers will need additional support.
Water can be dangerous - be aware of the risks.
The category of water depends on how safe the water is. Use our waterways directory to check.
Be sure to manage the group when near water, keeping everyone safe.
Swimming:
- If paddling do a risk assessment, make sure you have appropriate safety cover in place and that everyone is visible above water at all times.
- Swimming is defined in POR 9.13.9
- Manage your swimming activity in line with the swimming rules and guidance.
- Manage a Scout owned swimming pool in line with HSE 179 Managing Health and Safety in Swimming pools
Joint activities with other organisations:
- This activity can be run jointly with Girlguiding.
- This activity can be run with other organisations.
This activity can be led by you or someone else in Scouts:
- Acceptable instructor qualifications
- Swimming - Hold a permit or qualification as outlined in POR 9.13.9 Swimming
You can go to a centre or use an activity leader who is not part of Scouting:
You must find a suitable provider who meets the following requirements:- The centre/instructor should hold one of these:
- Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) - Swimming Pool: RLSS National Pool Lifeguard or for Open Water: RLSS National Beach Lifeguard
The provider must have public liability insurance.
Guidance
Reflection
Swimming is a great opportunity for you to learn new skills, develop old ones and have fun. It improves coordination, core strength, balance and fitness, as well as practical swimming technique to help propel you through the water to the other side. Was it your first time in the pool? What did you enjoy the most?
Holding one’s breath or swimming underwater isn’t strictly necessary, and the focus should be on improving technique, gaining confidence in the water and keeping everyone safe. Did anyone learn a new swimming stroke? Which ones can they do now, and which ones do they still need more time to master? Remember that practising techniques will make them easier and easier.
- Swimming can often be adapted so more people can give it a go. Many centres have facilities that cater for people with additional needs and experienced instructors to help everyone achieve their goals. Get in touch with your local provider to chat through the needs of people in your group - make sure you give them plenty of notice.
- Have a look on the Swim England website for more information about swimming for people with disabilities.
All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.
Stronger swimmers who enjoyed this adventure might enjoy snorkelling or scuba diving.