Title: Guide to Safe Scouting For Unit Activities
1Guide to Safe ScoutingFor Unit Activities
http//www.scouting.org/pubs/gss/gssay.html
2Goal Setting
- Why are you here?
- What do you hope to learn?
3Purpose
- 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
4- How BSA and YOU going to do it?
5Agenda
- Youth Protection and Adult Leadership
- Aquatics Safety
- Camping
- Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use and Abuse
- Emergency Preparedness
- First Aid
- Fuels and Fire Prevention
- Guns and Firearms
- Sports Activities
- Inspections
- Medical Information
- Transportation
- Winter Activities
6Youth 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
7BSA 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
8Parents Barriers to Abuse Within Scouting
- If parents notice any deviations from BSAs
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
9Other 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 Rs of Youth Protection
(recognize, resist, report)
10Three Rs
- What are the three Rs of Youth Protection
(recognize, resist, report)
11Youth Member Behavior Guidelines
- Follow the Scout Law and Oath.
- Not acceptable physical violence, hazing,
bulling, theft, drugs and alcohol, corporal
discipline.
12Leadership Requirements for Trips and Outings
- 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. - When stay in tent no youth will stay in tend of
an adult other than his parent - Separate shower and latrine for gender and
adult/scout - Two deep adult leadership is required for flying
activities
13Not 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
14Common Themes In Guide for Each Activity
- Qualified Supervision
- Physical Fitness
- Safe area and equipment
- Buddy System
- Discipline
15What do scouts like to do?
- Camp
- Hike
- Swim
- Fire
- Shoot
- Lets talk about Swim next
-
16II. 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
17Instructors
- Training is given by an approved individual by
the council for the council - Safe Swim Defense
- Safety Afloat
18Safe 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.
19Safe 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.
20Classification of Swimming Ability
- Swimmers test
- Beginner test
21Pool 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
22Safety 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?
23Nine Points
- Qualified Supervision
- Physical Fitness
- Swimming Ability
- Personal Floatation Equipment
- Buddy System
- Skill Proficiency
- Planning
- Equipment
- Discipline
24- Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs)
- 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
25Diving 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. -
26Scuba 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
27Snorkeling
- Safe Swim Defense guidelines
- Instructors
- National Association of Underwater Instructors
(NAUIO) - Professional Association of Diving Instructors
(PADI) - Snorkeling Safety
- Qualified Supervision
- Physical Fitness
- Safe Area
- Proper Equipment
- Lifeguards/lookouts
- Ability
- Buddy System
- Discipline
28Kayaking
- Limited to Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Ventures
- Kayaking Safety
- Qualified Supervision
- Physical Fitness
- Swimming Ability
- Personal floatation equipment
- Buddy System
- Skill Proficiency
- Planning
- Equipment
- Discipline
29- 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
30American 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
31III. Camping
- Age Guidelines
- Family Camping
- Cub Scout Overnight Opportunities
- Trail Safety
- Beware of Lightning
- Treated Drinking Water
- BSA Property Smart
- Hantavirus
- Rabies Prevention
32Age 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.
33Family 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
34Cub 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.
35Trail Safety
- Qualified Supervision
- Keep Fit
- Plan Ahead
- Gear Up
- Communicate Clearly and Completely
- Monitor Conditions
- Discipline
36Beware 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.
37Treated 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
38Miscellaneous
- 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
39IV. Drug, Alcohol Tobacco Use Abuse
40V. Emergency Preparedness
- Emergency Preparedness PLAN
- Emergency Preparedness KIT
41Emergency 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.
42Emergency 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
43VI. 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)
44VII. 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
45VIII. 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
46IX. 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
47Sweet 16 of BSA Safety
- These 16 points embody good judgment and common
sense and apply to all activities. - 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
48X. 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.
49XI. 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
50- 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
51XII. Transportation
- Automobiles
- Campers, Trailers and Trucks
- Buses
- Trains
- Boats
- Aircraft
- Tour Permits
- Local
- National
- Commercial Drivers License Compliance
52XIII. Winter Activities
- Leadership
- Equipment
- Physical Conditions
53Conclusion
- Have fun safely Scouting
- Thanks for allowing me this time to share.
- hnichol_at_kw.com 972-365-6731