Fibula, Melanie -

Besides being a Red Cross certified Water Safety Instructor and Lifeguard Training Instructor, I also am the advisor for a Venture Crew that specializes in Swimming Instruction. We teach between 3-400 students (Scouts and siblings) each winter, all volunteer.

Anyway, regarding Boy Scout training - with regards to Aquatic training, it is a REQUIREMENT that each Unit planning any activity on or near the water train in and practice the "Eight Point Safe-Swim Defense Plan". This requires an adult leader of 21 or over be present for every 10 youth, a Lifeguard certified with either BSA Lifeguard or Red Cross Lifeguard, a Lookout (in a high place that can see the entire swimming area), Scouts swimming in "Buddy" pairs, a MARKED swimming area with clearly-defined ability areas, etc.

Any unit going on a "Float" trip (canoeing, sailing, etc.) requires that at least one of the adult leaders going on the trip be trained in "Safety Afloat", a program with boating rules similar to the Eight-Point defense plan above.

ALL Boy Scout trips require the filing of a Trip Plan with the local council, with EACH parent of the kids going on the trip getting a copy, as well as any Ranger station through which the unit will be passing. All BSA trips also require a physical exam for every participant, youth and adult alike, once every 3 years for anyone under 40, and annually for anyone over 40.

These are some of the OFFICIAL safety rules of the Boy Scouts. If a unit ignores them, or if they have not been made aware of them, then they are in violation of the BSA rules. There are many other Official Rules of the BSA, but I am most familiar with the aquatics-based ones.

With regard to Melani's quote... "...That's just what happens when you put a bunch of teenage boys in a sailboat..., that smacks vaguely of sexism in this extremely Politically Correct thread... but is probably true... LOL!

- Al