Swimming FAQ's
Anyone unable to demonstrate to a suitable person their ability to swim 50 metres in clothing and equipment appropriate to the activity (where a buoyancy aid or life jacket is worn for the activity this may be used for the demonstration) and keep afloat for five minutes would be classified as a non-swimmer and must follow rule rule 9.13.1.
Yes but you must be following the swimming rules for the classification of water you are in.
The Paddle UK awards are not a suitable to lead a swimming session in a pool.
The syllabuses of the RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification and Paddle UK awards do not align. The training and assessment a Paddle UK award holder will have undergone is specifically for a paddlesports session rather than for general swimming cover.
Yes, you can run a swimming session within the remit of your kayaking permit. You would have to replicate the conditions you operate within for your kayaking permit (i.e. class of waters, group size, use of buoyancy aids etc.).
This is true for any water-based activity permit.
This depends on whether the waters already have operating procedure.
If these already exist, then they must be followed.
If the waters do not have operating guidelines, then you must meet the requirements listed in Swimming (FS120620) regarding risk assessment, environmental factors, swimming ability, rescues, equipment, swimming area, communication, access, group management and ratios.
POR rule 9.13.1 should be taken into account when planning, as due to the young age of the group most of the Squirrels are likely to be non-swimmers.
Parents/carers should be aware of all activities in advance.
There is nothing specific that is needed for swimming activities; however, it would be beneficial to gain knowledge of any member's water confidence before the activity to help with planning.
Please refer to Activity information form for further guidance and templates.
Jelly and Weaver Fish – Especially when swimming in coastal waters. Jellyfish can end up on the beach if the current comes to shore, or if there is stormy weather and strong winds. Local knowledge will support in identifying the likelihood of jelly and weaver fish in any area.
Please see Encountering Jellyfish at the Beach | RNLI for more information.
Water Quality – Whether in a chlorinated swimming pool (how well managed is this), the sea, or river consider the water quality as well as any potential pollution. Poor-quality water can lead to illness or infections.
It is posible that Scout Guidance and POR is not in line with venues rules. Where this is the case, Scout POR provides a minimum expectation and any venue rules above and beyond this must also be followed.
For example, some venues will define anyone under 8 needing direct supervision. In this case all swimmers under 8 must be directly supervised as well as anyone over 8 who scouts would deem as a non-swimmer.