Awards

Boating

Before a Scouting America group may engage in any watercraft activity, adult leaders for such activity must complete Safety Afloat training , have a commitment card, and be dedicated to full compliance with all nine points of Safety Afloat. (Through enforcement of these nine measures, most watercraft accidents can be prevented.) At least one of the adult leaders must be trained in CPR. Safety Afloat training may be obtained from my.scouting.org , at council summer camps, and at other council and district training events.

The following information is specific to Cub Scout boating activities:

• Supervision—the ratio of adult supervisors to participants is one to five.

• Skill Proficiency—Canoeing, rowboating, and rafting for Cub Scouts (including Webelos Scouts) is limited to council/district events on flat-water ponds or controlled lake areas free of powerboats and sailboats. Prior to recreational canoeing, Cub Scouts are to be instructed in basic handling skills and practices.

• Planning—Canoeing, rowboating, and rafting do not include “trips” or “expeditions” and are not to be conducted on running water (i.e., rivers or streams); therefore, some procedures are inapplicable. Suitable weather requires clear skies, no appreciable wind, and warm air and water.

• Life jackets—All persons engaged in activity on the open water must wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.

• Scuba—Youth members in Cub Scouting are not authorized to use scuba in any activity.