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Units
may elect to take swim tests before arrival at camp. The following
are the requirements for pre-camp swim tests:
1. Tests must be performed in accordance with BSA Swimming test standards.
2. Tests must be performed by a certified Lifeguard.
How to Certify Pre-camp Swim Tests
Please bring the following paperwork to certify your unit's pre-camp
swim tests:
1. A list of youth and adults who took the test showing the skill
level they earned in the test: Swimmer, Beginner, or Non-Swimmer.
The list must be be signed by the unit leader and the certifying lifeguard
and include a note attesting that the swim test was conducted according
to BSA requirements.
2. A photocopy of the certification card of the lifeguard who performed
the test.
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Classification
of Swimming Ability
The Swimmer Test
The swimmer test demonstrates the minimum level of swimming ability
required for safe deep-water swimming. The various components of the
test evaluate the several skills essential to this minimum level of
swimming ability: Jump feetfirst 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: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen,
or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke. The
100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include
at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.
The test administrator must objectively evaluate the individual performance
of the test, and in so doing should keep in mind the purpose of each
test element.
"Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth, level off,
and begin swimming. . . ."
The swimmer must be able to make an abrupt entry into deep water and
begin swimming without any aids. Walking in from shallow water, easing
in from the edge or down a ladder, pushing off from side or bottom,
or gaining forward momentum by diving do not satisfy this requirement.
". . . Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of
the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl;
. . ."
The swimmer must be able to cover distance with a strong, confident
stroke. The 75 yards must not be the outer limit of the swimmer's
ability; completion of the distance should give evidence of sufficient
stamina to avoid undue risks. Dog-paddling and strokes repeatedly
interrupted and restarted are not sufficient; underwater swimming
is not permitted. The itemized strokes are inclusive. Any strong side
or breaststroke or any strong overarm stroke (including the back crawl)
is acceptable.
". . . swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke . . ."
The swimmer must indicate the ability to execute a restful, free-breathing
backstroke that can be used to avoid exhaustion during swimming activity.
This element of the test necessarily follows the more strenuous swimming
activity to show that the swimmer is, in fact, able to use the backstroke
as a relief from exertion. The change of stroke must be accomplished
in deep water without any push-off or other aid. Any variation of
the elementary may suffice if it clearly provides opportunity for
the swimmer to rest and regain wind.
". . . The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at
least one sharp turn. . . ."
The total distance is to be covered without rest stops. The sharp
turn simply demonstrates the swimmer's ability to reverse direction
in deep water without assistance or push-off from side or bottom.
". . . After completing the swim, rest by floating."
This critically important component of the test evaluates the swimmer's
ability to maintain in the water indefinitely even though exhausted
or otherwise unable to continue swimming. Treading water or swimming
in place will further tire the swimmer and are therefore unacceptable.
The duration of the float test is not significant, except that it
must be long enough for the test administrator to determine that the
swimmer is, in fact, resting and could likely continue to do so for
a prolonged time. The drownproofing technique may be sufficient if
clearly restful, but it is not preferred. If the test is completed
except for the floating requirement, the swimmer may be retested on
the floating only (after instruction) provided that the test administrator
is confident that the swimmer can initiate the float when exhausted.
Reference: Swimming and Lifesaving merit badge pamphlets
Beginner Test
Jump feetfirst 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.The entry and turn serve the same purpose
as in the swimmer test. The swimming can be done with any stroke,
but no underwater swimming is permitted. The stop assures that the
swimmer can regain a stroke if it is interrupted. The test demonstrates
that the beginning swimmer is ready to learn deepwater skills and
has the minimum ability required for safe swimming in a confined area
in which shallow water, sides, or other support is less than 25 feet
from any point in the water. |
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