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Cub Scout Adventures > 
Arrow of Light >
 Swimming AOL > 
Order of Rescue AOL
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Order of Rescue AOL

Arrow of Light – 5th Grade
Swimming AOL
Elective
2023_2024_loops_pins_Swimming
Requirement 2
Order of Rescue AOL
Arrow of Light – 5th Grade
Swimming AOL
Elective
2023_2024_loops_pins_Swimming
Requirement 2
Order of Rescue AOL

Snapshot of Activity

Cub Scouts learn order of rescue and reach and throw rescue techniques.

Travel
4
3
5
If you want to know more about The Adventure Activity Key click here.

Public pools often have rescue equipment, check with the pool to see if your den is able to use the equipment.

  • Swimming area: pool or other safe swimming area
  • Qualified adult supervision
  • Scouting America Annual Health and Medical Record on each participant (youth and adult)
  • Whistles for lifeguards and look-outs
  • Buddy tags
  • Buddy board found in Additional Resources
  • An adult who is familiar with and able to teach proper methods for reaching and throwing
  • A 10′ rescue pole
  • A large beach towel
  • A life ring attached to 10′ of rope

Before the meeting:

  1. Confirm the date, time, and location for use of a pool.
  2. Gather copies of the Scouting America Annual Health and Medical Record on each participant (youth and adult)
  3. Review Annual Health and Medical Records for any restrictions that may impact participation
  4. Review the Safe Swim Defense and secure the proper Qualified Adult Supervision for the activity.
    All swimming activity must be supervised by a mature and conscientious adult age 21 or older who understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the well-being and safety of those in their care, and who is trained in and committed to compliance with the eight points of Scouting America Safe Swim Defense. 
  5. If it is a public pool with safety equipment, ask if the den may use it to learn the reach and throw rescues.
  6. Review the ‘order of rescue” and reach and throw techniques.
  7. Fill out buddy tags and make sure to have everyone’s Scouting America Annual Medial and Health forms with you and Activity Consent Forms.
  8. Send a reminder to all Cub Scouts, parents, and legal guardians of the date, time, and location for the activity. Remind them to bring proper swimwear and towels.

During the meeting:

  1. Bring copies of the Scouting America Annual Health and Medical Record on each participant (youth and adult)
  2. Gather the Cub Scouts before entering the swim area and give them their buddy tags. Have them identify their buddy and once they have their buddy they may place their buddy tag together on the buddy board.
  3. If no one has attempted the Scouting America Swimmer or Beginner test they are considered non-swimmers and must stay in water that is no more than waist to chest deep.
  4. Explain to Cub Scouts the meaning of “order of rescue”. If a swimmer or boater gets in trouble, trained rescuers know how to perform a rescue. If you see someone in danger, first call for help from an adult. If no adult is present, you can try a reach or throw rescue.
  5. Reach for the victim with whatever is available-a hand or foot, a tree branch, a canoe paddle, or a towel. Pools and waterfront areas usually have reach poles at least 10 feet long.
  6. Throw or toss a line, buoy, or floating object (like a kickboard or even a drink cooler) to the victim to provide support. If the object is tied to a rope, the rescuer can pull the victim to safety. A trained rescuer can easily toss a ring buoy 25 feet or more.
  7. Demonstrate to Cub Scouts the reach and throw techniques.
    Reach rescues:
  8. Lie down on the shore or pier so you are more stable and are closer to the victim’s level.
  9. Be sure to anchor yourself so you don’t get pulled into the water. You could hold onto a ladder or post or have a friend stand behind you and hold onto you.
  10. If you are using a reach pole, sweep it under the victim’s arm from the side rather than poking at the victim straight on.
    Throw rescues:
  11. Don’t throw a ring buoy or float directly at the victim, you don’t want to bonk him or her on the head!
  12. If the object you’re throwing is attached to a rope, throw it past the victim so the line falls across his or her shoulder. You can then reel it in so it’s easy to grasp.
  13. If you are throwing a rope (whether or not it’s attached to an object), tie one end loosely around your wrist with a bowline so you won’t accidentally let it go.
  14. Have Cub Scouts take turns demonstrating the reach and throw techniques.

Other Activities Options

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Arrow of Light – 5th Grade

Pack Swimming Relay

Travel
5
5
5

Work as a pack to complete Swimming Adventure requirements across all ranks

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