ATTENTION ALL CENTRAL FLORIDA SCOUTERS… Please pass this information along to all Leaders and Scouts over 15 years of age in all Districts & Units!!!! Have you signed up for the Central Florida Council Safety Weekend Lifeguard Training yet? Arguably the most popular trek at Safety Weekend over the past 10 years has been the BSA Lifeguard course. Normally offered only at summer camp, the Safety Weekend course offers the participants the opportunity to earn their BSA Lifeguard Certification by attending a one day “prerequisite” class and a three day Aquatics Safety Weekend.
The prerequisite class is being held on Saturday, March 20, 2010 between 8:00am and 5:00 pm at Camp La-No-Che…and that is not too far away! Time is of the essence! We are only taking a maximum of 30 participants this year and the class is filling up fast. Once you have passed the prerequisites, you will need to attend and pass the Aquatic Safety Weekend on April 16 – 18, 2010 at La-No-Che to complete the course.
(Note that this is one week prior to the Central Florida Council Safety Weekend in order to give those Scouts attending the JAMBOREE shakedown the opportunity to earn their Lifeguard Certification.
What is “Prerequisite” Day?
Prerequisite day was added a few years ago to allow participants the opportunity to see if the Lifeguard program is for them. We cover all of the BSA Lifeguard pre-requisites; a 550 yard swim, a speed swim, object retrieval from the bottom of the pool as well as Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat training. We may even throw in some snorkeling! We will go over reach and throw rescues as well as the “line and tender” rescue methods. We reserve the Safety Weekend training in April for the “row and “go” rescue methods and the written test. Prerequisite day gives the participant time to study the material, rest up and practice the basics.
Why become a BSA Lifeguard?
Let’s face it, we live in Florida and we are inundated with water and water related activities. Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing…even fishing are all water related activities that offer great fun for Scouts and their families. However, they can also be dangerous activities and as such the BSA has addressed the safety of these events thru the Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat and Lifeguard programs. In the interest of the youth we serve, having a Lifeguard on hand just makes sense. This is a BSA certification and not a merit badge course. Proficiency must be shown in all the skills in order to be certified. There is pass/fail criteria so every participant is encouraged to do their best!
What do I need to do next?
Simply ask yourself a couple of questions:
· Am I in good physical health?
· Am I a good swimmer?
· Do you want to assist your unit, your District and/or your Council in the various aquatic events they undertake?
· Are you interested in preventing aquatics accidents?
· Am I 15 years of age or older?
· Are you looking for a Challenge?
If you answer to these is “YES”, please sign up for pre-requisite day with Paul Schneider by sending an e-mail to paul.schneider@
What do I need to bring with me to camp on Saturday March 20, 2010?
Well, here is the quick list: a modest bathing suit, plenty of towels, a sack lunch, energy snacks, drinking water and/or sports drinks, sunscreen, closed toe pool shoes, sweat pants/sweat shirt, writing utensils & paper and lots and lots of enthusiasm! If you have snorkeling equipment, please bring it. We will have equipment for everyone that does not have it. Please do not bring pool toys, swimming goggles or electronics.
What if I am looking to re-certify?
Please contact Paul and we will be able to re-cert anyone with a current BSA Lifeguard Card at one of the events above.
What if I want to help?
We are always looking for “victims” so if you are a current BSA lifeguard and you would like to help out, please contact Paul.
SO SIGN UP AND COME ON OUT FOR A SWIM!
