Paddling Safely Rule Game

Before the meeting:

1. Review safety rules when using a paddle craft.
   Personal Health Review—Completing the Scouting America Annual Health and Medical Record will be needed. Are there any restrictions on the part of the participant?
   Swimming Ability—Complete an annual swim test. Do you know what that is?
   Life Jackets—Properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets are worn by everyone engaged in boating activities.
   Buddy System—Make sure each member is accounted for, especially when in the water.
   Skill Proficiency—Everyone in an activity afloat must have sufficient knowledge and skill to participate safely.
   Planning—Check for weather and contingencies as needed prior to your activity.
   Equipment—All craft must be suitable for the activity, be seaworthy, and be capable of floating if capsized.
   Discipline—Remember that rules are only effective when they are followed.
2. Print a single copy of the Paddling Safely Rules Game cards. Cut into 16 individual cards, 8 topic cards and 8 rule cards.
3. Mix up the topic cards and lay flat on a tabletop, print side down. Mix up the rule cards and lay flat on a tabletop in a separate layout.

During the meeting:

1. Explain to Cub Scouts the safety rules to follow when safely using a paddle craft.
2. Explain to Cub Scouts that they will be playing a matching type game. In turn, they will each select two cards. One from the topic pile and one from the rule pile. The object is to match the rule topic with the rule.
3. One Cub Scout will go first. They select one card from each pile. Ask them to read the rule aloud and decide if the rule matches the topic.
   • If the topic matches the rule, and they got the right answer, they are done, and it is the next Cub Scout’s turn.
   • If they are incorrect, they place they return the cards and try again.
   • If the topic does not match the rule and they got the right answer, they replace the cards and try again.