Aquatics Training

Aquatic activities can be fun and exciting. But, inadequately supervised, they can also be dangerous. BE PREPARED AND BE TRAINED!!! To assist with your aquatic safety, the Gulf Ridge Council will be offering the following programs:

  • Paddle Craft Safety Certification (March 30 and 31)
  • Kayaking BSA (March 31)
  • Canoeing Merit Badge Counselor Workshop (April 1)
  • BSA Swimming and Water Rescue Certification (April 20 and 21)
  • Canoeing Practice (April 21 - cannot be taken if Swimming & Water Rescue or BSA Lifeguard are selected)
  • Advanced Kayaking (April 21 - cannot be taken if Swimming & Water Rescue or BSA Lifeguard are selected)
  • BSA Lifeguard (March 30 - April 1 or April 20-22 - cannot be done at the same time as other courses)

When: March 30- April 1 and April 20-22, 2012 at Flaming Arrow Scout Reservation

Cost: Dependent on course taken. Please see flyer for specific cost for each training held.

Registration and Information Flyer

Training Offered


Swimming and Water Rescues and Paddle Craft Safety


STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for swimming and boating activities under the new Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat. REQUIRED for a unit to swim without a lifeguard on Council properties or to boat on Council properties or with Council equipment. The courses take approximately 8 hours each (with the kayak add-on an additional 4 hours), and certifications last for 3 years. Paddle Craft Safety will offer both canoeing and kayaking. Certification patches and cards and safe swim defense/safety afloat cards, as applicable, will be awarded. Optional KAYAKING BSA certification can be earned by participants in the kayaking portion of Paddle Craft Safety. Optional SNORKELING BSA certification can be earned by participants in Swimming & Water Rescue.

Kayaking BSA


This certification can be earned by participants in the kayaking portion of Paddle Craft Safety. A card and patch will be awarded.

Canoeing Merit Badge Counselor Workshop


According to the merit badge pamphlet, all canoeing merit badge counselors should have had formal training in canoeing and instruction offered by approved types of instructors. This workshop will provide that training. Be prepared to teach others in the class.

Canoeing Practice


Saturday morning April 21 will be reserved for those Scouters who want to come out and further develop their canoeing skills before going out with their units (or even afterwards). Both solo and tandem canoes will be available and we will provide qualified instructors to guide the class. Games will be a part of the class.

Advanced Kayaking


Spend Saturday afternoon April 21 polishing your kayaking skills. You will wear a spray skirt (also called a spray deck) and will practice more advanced skills, such as sculling and bracing, towing, bow rudders, and eskimo boat rescues, or whatever the class wants.

BSA Lifeguard


BSA Lifeguard has been upgraded, with its new focus being professional lifeguarding. This intensive course is directed primarily at summer camp staff, but is available for Scouters as well. Scouters who wish to supervise swimming with their units can now take Swimming & Water Rescue instead.

Additional Information

Requirements for participation and information on check in varies by course. Please check the flyer for instructions.

Additional Information


Age Appropriate Guidelines for Water Activities
Campmaster Aquatics Policies and Procedures
Risk Zone - Aquatics