Lifeguard Training Revised

Learning how to save lives at BSA-operated facilities like summer camps just got a bit less complicated.

Over the past 25 years, the lifeguard program had grown to include many other specialized skills such as swimming, lifesaving, canoeing, rowing, first aid, and even spinal-injury management. It had become difficult for Scouting to meet the needs of both unit leaders and summer-camp lifeguards in a single course of doable length.

Now, though, the BSA Lifeguard program will focus solely on teaching the necessary requirements for professional lifeguards at BSA aquatic venues.

The basic skills presented closely match those of the revised training that the Red Cross introduced in 2007. However, the BSA’s program will feature operating procedures not offered in detail in the Red Cross course, including focus on specialized needs for waterfront facilities and clientele.

Approved by the National Health and Safety Committee and the National Program Committee, the BSA Lifeguard program is recommended for youth seeking positions on camp aquatic staffs and for unit leaders who want to expand their water-safety skills.

For unit leaders, two new Aquatics Supervision Programs, ”Swimming & Water Rescue” and “Paddle Craft Safety,” will provide the information and skills to support unit aquatics activities. A new “Aquatics Supervision” manual has been designed as the primary resource guide for unit aquatic activities.

Information about the prerequisites, requirements for training and course completion, and training and resource materials were scheduled to be posted on www.scouting.org in mid-April.