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BSA Swim testing

Swim Testing

The BSA swim test is used to determine ability levels so that participants can swim in an area which is appropriate for them. Scouts and adults must have a swimming classification to participate in most aquatics activities.  There are three levels of classification you can receive. The three categories you can be grouped in are Swimmer, Beginner, or Non-Swimmer (also called a Learner). Classification is good for 1 year only.

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NOTE: THE BSA Swim Test is harder than you think.

 

You will become a Swimmer by passing the swimmer’s test, and a Beginner by passing the beginner’s test. If you are unable to pass your selected test, or chose not to take the test, you will be considered a Non-Swimmer (Learner).  At day camp, there is always a buddy board where you check in according to your ability level.

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Taking the swim test is not REQUIRED. 

Scouts not taking the swim test will automatically be classified as a non-swimmer (Learners)  even if the can swim.  Non-Swimmers (Learners) will still get into the pool but are required to stay in the 3ft depth.

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Day Camp offers opportunities to swim test before the start of camp for those scouts who wish to try for something other than non-swimmer.  Every year,  scouts are heartbroken because they were not prepared by their parent for this test ahead of time and could not meet the minimum requirements for a classification they thought they deserved. Unfortunately, there is no time during camp to take the lifeguards away from their duties and test individual scouts for re-classification.  

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REMEMBER: Just because your scout can swim - it DOES NOT mean they will be classified as a swimmer. 

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85% of scouts attending Day Camp do not qualify as a Beginner or Swimmer in the BSA Swim Test.

So few scouts pass the swim test, that most prefer stay with their friends in the shallow end of the pool anyway. Your scout may be an excellent swimmer in your neighborhood pool but still might struggle with a BSA Swim test. Plan to discuss this before camp to avoid any misunderstandings.   

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WATERFRONT

Waterfront is the lakeside area scouts use to learn boating skills.  Lifeguards maintain a "Buddy Board"  and instruct all campers on water and boating safety.  Day Camp offer twos types of boating options.  For those with a Non- Swimmer/Beginner Ability Classification they are able to use a flat-bottomed rowboat. Those scouts with a Swimmer Ability Classification can choose either the rowboat or a canoe.

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Swim Testing

Requirements of The BSA Swim Test

NOTE: The test is taken without breaks between the requirements.


To complete the Swimmer test, you must demonstrate the following:
Jump feet-first into water deeper than your head, 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 (no dog-paddle)
Swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke.
After completing the swim, rest by floating for one minute.
(The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and include at least one sharp turn.)

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To complete the Beginner test, you must demonstrate the following:
Jump feet-first into water deeper than one’s head, level off, then swim 25 feet on the surface.
Turn sharply, resume swimming as before, and return to the starting place.
(Therefore, a beginner will need to swim 25 feet in each direction for a total of 50 feet.)

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