National Capital Area Council > Aquatics Committee

Aquatics Committee

  • NCAC’s Aquatics Committee enhances local aquatics activities by being the center of effort for recreational and instructional programs in, on and under the water. The goal of the committee is to further the aims of scouting at the unit, district and council levels through safe, enjoyable aquatics programming.  

Aquatics Committee

Members meet periodically to discuss aquatic trends, programming, trainings, safety, advancement opportunities and development of aquatic leadership. We are currently looking for individuals with aquatics experience to serve as committee members, district trainers, lifeguards and/or merit badge counselors. 

Please contact us if you would like to receive additional information about any of our trainings & events, attending a meeting or becoming a member.

Committee Board Members:

Aquatics Training

Safety Afloat Training:  BSA groups shall use Safety Afloat for all boating activities. Adult leaders supervising activities afloat must have completed Safety Afloat training within the previous two years.  Safety Afloat Training can be taken online.

Safe Swim Defense Training:  BSA groups shall use Safe Swim Defense for all swimming activities. Adult leaders supervising a swimming activity must have completed Safe Swim Defense training within the previous two years. Safe Swim Defense standards apply at backyard, hotel, apartment, and public pools; at established waterfront swim areas such as beaches at state parks and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes; and at all temporary swimming areas such as a lake, river, or ocean. Safe Swim Defense training can be taken online.

BSA Lifeguard provides professional-level training for lifeguards at unit or summer camp swimming activities and is provided locally by qualified instructors who are authorized by the local council. BSA Lifeguard is typically offered at before the summer swim season (special event) and at summer camp.

BSA Paddle Craft Safety expands Safety Afloat training to include the skills and knowledge needed for a unit leader to confidently supervise canoeing or kayaking excursions on flat water.

Kayaking BSA provides an introduction to kayaking skills and safety procedures and serves as a program opportunity for troops, crews and ships.

Scuba BSA introduces qualified Scouts in troops, crews and ships, and registered adult participants to the special skills, equipment, and safety precautions associated with scuba diving.

Snorkeling Safety is the recommended procedure for conducting group snorkeling at a private or public pool, wilderness pond, stream, or wherever the water looks inviting enough to take a dip.

Swimming & Water Rescue training provides BSA leaders with information and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to swimming emergencies during unit swimming activities. It expands the awareness instruction provided by Safe Swim Defense training.

2023 Training Schedule 

  • Training for 2023 is concluded.  Stay tuned for our spring schedule.

 National Resources

NCAC Specific Resources

AWARDS