• 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 the 3rd Thursday of every month 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:

• Chair – Charles Hochstein
• Staff Advisor – Eric Smith

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 

• Pre-Camp Swim Tests – June 3 & June 4, Camp Snyder, Haymarket, VA
• Lifeguard Training (through Campaign Pay It Forward – Select BSA Lifeguarding from menu)
  • Session 1:  May 13 & 14 – Brookfield Swim Club, Chantilly, VA
  • Session 2:  May 20 & 21 – Brookfield Swim Club, Chantilly, VA
    
• Paddle Craft Safety 
  • May 20 – Still Water Safety – Class Size 12
  • May 21 – Moving Water Safety – Class Size 12
  • Aug 26 – Still Water Safety – Class Size 12 (Note the date changed)
  • Aug 27 – Moving Water Safety – Class Size 12 (Note the date changed)
• Scuba (must take Online classes, Pool Sessions and Open Water Sessions to become Open Water certified and earn the Scuba MB)
  • TBD
• Aquatics MB Completion (only for those that are missing a few requirements from camp) – TBD (likely early Oct)

• BSA Aquatics Programs
• BSA Aquatics Safety
• BSA Aquatics Resources Site
• Unit Swim Classification Record

NCAC Specific Resources

Awards