Qualified Supervision

Before the meeting:

1. Review Scouting America Safety Afloat guidelines.

During the meeting:

1. Explain to Cub Scouts that when boating, Cub Scouts follow Scouting America Safety Afloat guidelines.
2. Tell Cub Scouts the first Scouting America Safety Afloat guideline is “Qualified Supervision.”
3. Share with Cub Scouts the attributes of qualified adult supervision at a boating activity.
   Supervision by an adult, 21 or older, who is trained in Scouting America Safety Afloat. Leadership is provided in ratios of one trained adult per 5 Cub Scouts. At least one leader must be trained in first aid that includes CPR. Any swimming done in conjunction with the activity must be within Scouting America Safe Swim Defense standards.
4. Ask Cub Scouts questions to ensure they understand the meaning of “Qualified Supervision.” Example questions include:
   • What type of job would a person have to meet the guidelines? Aquatics Instructor, Scouting America; Scouting America Lifeguard; Scouting America Swimming & Water Rescue; or other lifeguard, swimming instructor
   • What are the responsibilities of the person performing qualified supervision? Watching Cub Scouts boating.
   • How old must someone be to be eligible? 21
   • How many Cub Scouts are assigned for each qualified supervisor? 5
   • Where would you find someone to supervise your paddle craft Adventure? Scout camp, Scouting America trained adult

Tip: It is strongly recommended that all units have at least one adult or older youth member currently trained in Scouting America Aquatics Supervision: Swimming and Water Rescue or Scouting America Lifeguard to assist in planning and conducting all swimming activities.