NFC Aquatics Committee

Welcome to the North Florida Council Aquatics Committee

We are your local resource for safe, fun, and skill-building water activities for Scouts and their families. The Aquatics Committee supports, plans, and oversees council-level aquatics programs so that Scout units can offer swimming, boating, and waterfront adventures in accordance with BSA safety policies and best practices.

What We Do

  • Provide guidance and oversight for council aquatics events, camp waterfronts, and unit-level water activities

  • Ensure compliance with Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, and other Scouting aquatics standards

  • Coordinate certified lifeguards, aquatics instructors, and CPR/First Aid training opportunities

  • Offer swim tests, aquatic merit badge support (example: Swimming, Lifesaving, Canoeing, Kayaking, Small Boat Sailing, Rowing, etc.), and unit advancement assistance

  • Maintain and share resources for equipment, facilities, risk management, and program planning

Safety & Training

Safety is our top priority. We ensure that every aquatics program is staffed with trained personnel, follows current safety procedures, and uses approved facilities and equipment. We offer and promote BSA-aligned training and certifications, including:

These programs help ensure that every unit has access to qualified and confident aquatics leaders.

Swim Tests & What to Expect

SWIMMER’S TEST:
Jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off, and begin swimming. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: side stroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy resting back stroke. The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.


BEGINNER’S TEST:
Jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off, swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming as before, and return to starting place.

Anyone who has not completed the beginner or swimmer tests is classified as a nonswimmer.

REGARDLESS OF WHERE OR WHEN THE SWIM TEST IS GIVEN THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES APPLY:

  • The test is given one-on-one. The test administrator and the swimmer are buddies during the administration of the test.
  • Each component of the test is important. The test must not be changed either to assist the Scout or to expedite the process.
  • The test must be completed without aid or support. Aid includes lifejackets, wetsuits, fins, etc. Swim goggles may be used to avoid eye irritation.
  • Swim tests must be renewed annually, preferably at the beginning of the outdoor season.

BUDDY CHECK:

Every participant is paired with another. Buddies stay together, monitor each other, and alert the safety team if either needs assistance or is missing. Buddies check into and out of the area together. Buddies are normally in the same ability group and remain in their assigned area. If they are not of the same ability group, then they swim in the area assigned to the buddy with the lesser ability.

A buddy check reminds participants of their obligation to monitor their buddies and indicates how closely the buddies are keeping track of each other. Roughly every 10 minutes, or as needed to keep the buddies together, the lookout, or other person designated by the supervisor, gives an audible signal, such as a single whistle blast, and a call for “Buddies.” Buddies are expected to raise each other’s hand before completion of a slow, audible count to 10. Buddies who take longer to find each other should be reminded of their responsibility for the other’s safety.

How Parents and Volunteers Can Get Involved

  • Enroll in council-offered aquatics training and certification programs

  • Volunteer as a certified lifeguard, safety officer, or event support staff

  • Become a merit badge counselor for an aquatics-related badge. Click the link for in depth information on how to become a Merit Badge Counselor.

  • Submit your Merit Badge Counselor Application to North Florida Council.

Resources 

1. Aqautics Supervision Manual 2025

FAQs

PANEL CONTENT HERE

File Name Description
Swim Classification List Download