{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"Lauren Woodley, Creative Copywriter","standfirst":"","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"fullWidth","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003ELots of us enjoy making a splash in the summer months, whether taking part or cheering on from the side.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhether it\u2019s for your\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/staged-badges/swimmer/swimmer-stage-1/\u0022\u003ESwimmer\u003C/a\u003E badge, a pool party or for a weekend swimming session, we\u2019ve got lots of activities for you to dive right in.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EUse our \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/\u0022 title=\u0022General Activity Guidance\u0022\u003Esafety guidance\u003C/a\u003E to\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E \u003C/span\u003Estay safe while having lots of fun in or on the water.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/21363/a-scout-on-a-water-obstacle-course-wearing-a-helmet.jpg","width":2250,"height":1500,"altText":"A Scout in a life jacket and helmet smiles as they run on a water obstacle course.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3 class=\u0022p3\u0022\u003EWarming up and getting ready to swim\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p3\u0022\u003EIt\u0027s important to make sure everyone knows how to keep safe around water and \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/warm-muscles/\u0022\u003Ewarms up\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0their muscles\u00A0gradually to avoid injury. At the end of the session, make sure to warm down by slowing down and stretching again soon after getting out of the water.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p3\u0022\u003EBe careful when warming up beside water, such as on the side of a swimming pool. Make sure it\u2019s a dry, safe surface to stand on to avoid any slips or trips. You could choose a separate area to warm up in.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p3\u0022\u003EWhen\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/swimming/\u0022 title=\u0022Swimming\u0022\u003Eswimming\u003C/a\u003E, make sure everyone knows how to keep safe around water. You can try our\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/?name=water%20safety\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022?name=water%20safety\u0022\u003Ewater safety activities\u003C/a\u003E.\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/think-or-sink/\u0022 title=\u0022Think or sink\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p2\u0022\u003ERemind everyone to walk around the pool and follow the safety rules of the venue you\u2019re using.\u00A0People can also help run the game from the side if they want to. Always take their time to get confident being in the water.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3 class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EGames to play in the water\u003C/h3\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003ETo play \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/sea-stacks/\u0022 title=\u0022Sea stacks\u0022\u003ESea stacks\u003C/a\u003E, everyone should get into small teams. The teams should be in the water on one side of the pool.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EOn the opposite side of the pool to the teams, place some pool floats and set a timer for five minutes.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EThe first person from every team should swim on their front from one side of the water to the other. When they reach the floats, they should take one and place it in the water to begin a stack. They then swim back to their own team.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EWhen they\u2019ve returned, the next member of each team can then swim to the other side, pick up a float and add it to their teammate\u2019s first one, being careful to balance it on the stack.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EIf the stack falls, the team must start again.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EEveryone should keep going until time is up. The team with the tallest stack wins.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-tab-span\u0022\u003E \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Sea stacks"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EGather a selection of objects, such as hoops, floats, wellies, rubber ducks, ping pong balls, pool bricks and batons.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EUse a pen to mark the bottom of the objects with a score, such as 5, 10, 20, 50 or 100. You could also have a scoring system where each of the same item has the same worth, such as ping pong balls being worth two points and rubber ducks being three points.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EThrow the objects into the water. Place some items in the shallower part of the pool and some in the deeper end.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EEveryone should get into small teams and line up in the water. Each team needs an assigned area, such as a bucket, hoop, cone or space, at the side of the pool.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003ESet a timer for five minutes. One person from each team should dive under the surface to retrieve an object of treasure. When they come back up, they swim to their side and put the treasure in to their team\u2019s area. They then tag their next teammate, who\u2019ll dive in and bring back another piece of treasure.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EWhen time is up, each team counts up the scores on the treasure they collected. The team with the most points is the winner.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Sunken treasure scavenger hunt"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003ETo play \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/easy-water-polo/\u0022 title=\u0022Easy water polo\u0022\u003EEasy water polo\u003C/a\u003E, place a pair of goal markers on either side of the water. If you don\u2019t have posts, you could use cones on the side.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EYou may want to play this game in shallow water, so everyone can stand in the water and touch the bottom. You could play this game width ways.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EDivide the group into two teams. One player in each team will be the goalkeeper, while the rest will be outfield players.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EThe teams are aiming to get the ball into the opposing team\u2019s goal area. The winning team is the one with the most goals at the end.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003ETo start the game, the ball is thrown from the side into the middle of the water. Possession goes to the player that reaches it first.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EAny player holding the ball is not allowed to move, either standing still or treading water. They must throw the ball within 30 seconds of receiving it.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EA game is split into four quarters and each quarter is four minutes in length. The teams should change ends at each break and consider swapping their goalkeeper.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Easy water polo"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EYou may want to play this game in shallow water, so everyone can stand in the water and touch the bottom. You could play this game width ways.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EOne person is the \u2018Octopus\u2019.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EIn Octopus tag, all the players have to stay in the pool. The \u2018Octopus\u2019 shouts out \u20181, 2, 3, go!\u2019 and everyone needs to swim away.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EEveryone should move around and try to avoid being tagged by the \u2018Octopus\u2019.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EIf a player is tagged, they join hands with the \u2018Octopus\u2019 and can help to tag other players.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EEach player tagged holds hands with the players attached to \u2018Octopus\u2019, until eventually you have a long line.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EThe last player left in the game wins and becomes the next \u2018Octopus\u2019.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Octopus tag"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EFill a clear, empty two-litre bottle with pool water, then close it tightly.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EDivide players into two teams and have the teams move to opposite ends of the water, facing away from the centre of the pool. Ask everyone to close their eyes.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EWithout anyone looking, throw the bottle into the water. The clear bottle will blend in and become almost invisible at the bottom of the pool.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EWhen you say \u2018go\u2019, the teams can turn around and try to find the bottle. The first team to find it wins.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EYou could use ten smaller bottles of water and ask teams to find them. The team who finds the highest number of bottles wins.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Invisi-bottle"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EMarco Polo is a simple game that can be played with two or more players.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003ETo play, choose one player to be \u2018it\u2019. That person closes their eyes, or is blindfolded, and counts to sixty. All players must stay within the water at all times during the game.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EWhile \u2018it\u2019 counts, the other players move around in the water. The other players can move around the pool, though no-one should leave the water or get out of the pool.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EWhen \u2018it\u2019 has counted to 60, \u2018it\u2019 needs to keep their eyes closed. They try to tag the other players, using only the sound of their voices to find them.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003ETo help find the other players, \u2019it\u2019 calls out \u2018marco\u2019. In response, the other players call out \u2018polo\u2019, no matter where they are at that time.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EWhen a player gets tagged by \u2018it\u0027 they then become \u2018it\u2019 and the game starts over again.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Marco Polo"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EPick one player to be the \u2018shark\u2019. The rest of the players will be \u2018minnows\u2019.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EThe shark should go to the middle of the water. The minnows gather in the water at one end of the pool.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EWhen the shark yells \u2018GO!\u2019 the minnows have to swim to the other end of the water, without getting tagged by the shark.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EIf a minnow is tagged, the minnow becomes a shark.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EAs you play, the group of sharks will grow and the group of minnows will shrink. The last minnow to survive without getting tagged wins the game.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Sharks and minnows"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EEveryone should get into pairs in the shallow end of the water. People may want to wear goggles for this game. If anyone doesn\u2019t want to go underwater, they could help people to think of the message.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EOne person in each pair will be the messenger. They need to think of a message, usually one or two words. The other person will be the guesser. The pair should go underwater at the same time.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EThe messenger should shout their message loudly underwater. The pair then come back up and the guesser has to say what they think the message was.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EYou could consider giving the messengers a theme, such as animals or fruits, to make it a little easier to guess the word.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EPeople could swap playing guesser and messenger. You could try playing Broken Telephone in this way and pass a message down the line, with people going underwater to receive the message.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Underwater secret messages"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003ETry putting together a water obstacle course for players to go round and complete. You could also let people work in pairs. People may want to wear goggles for this activity.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EYou may want to time each person and see who completes the course the quickest. While people are waiting to go, they should sit at the side of the pool.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EYou can make the course as simple or as complicated as you like, depending on who is playing.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003ESome options might be:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul class=\u0022ul1\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s1\u0022\u003E\u003C/span\u003EJump in the deep end.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s1\u0022\u003E\u003C/span\u003ESwim through a hula hoop.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s1\u0022\u003E\u003C/span\u003ESwim across the pool and touch the side of the pool with your big toe.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s1\u0022\u003E\u003C/span\u003EFloat on your back for five seconds.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s1\u0022\u003E\u003C/span\u003ETry to do a handstand.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s1\u0022\u003E\u003C/span\u003ECollect a toy from the pool floor.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s1\u0022\u003E\u003C/span\u003EDive and snatch a ring from the bottom of the pool then swim with it on your foot.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s1\u0022\u003E\u003C/span\u003EPick up a floating ball and throw it into a bucket on the pool side or floating basketball net in the pool.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003ERemember, you can customise a water-based obstacle course to meet the abilities of the players. If anyone doesn\u2019t want to take part, they could time the other players.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Obstacle olympics"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EEveryone should gather in the shallow end of the water, either in a circle or in two groups facing each other.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003ETwo players are chosen to be the \u2018fishes\u2019. They should stand in the middle.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EThe players on the outside throw the ball back and forth and try to keep it away from the fishes in the middle.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EWhen a fish does finally catch the ball, the player who was responsible for them being able to get it goes in the middle and becomes the next fishy.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EPeople can swim after the ball and possession goes to the player that reaches it first.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Fishy in the middle"}]},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s important to be able to stop the game or communicate any safety issues as needed.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EYou need to have a clear plan to pause the game and get everyone\u2019s attention quickly and urgently. For example, you could use a bell or a whistle.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EAlternatively, you could have an emergency stop or freeze word that alerts everyone to stop. For example, if you shout \u2018Bananas\u2019 everyone should know to stop what they\u2019re doing and stay still.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Find a way to emergency stop","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/21365/dsc_5671.jpg","width":0,"height":0,"altText":"","caption":"","link":null},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EAll activities must be safely managed. Use the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/staying-safe-safety-checklist/staying-safe-leaders/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s1\u0022\u003Esafety checklist\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;to help you plan and risk assess your activity.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EBe careful when doing activities with, in, or near water.\u0026nbsp;Everyone should be able to\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9-activities/rule-9131-all-water-activities/\u0022\u003Eswim 50m wearing the clothing or equipment for the activity\u003C/a\u003E. Non-swimmers will need\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9-activities/rule-913-water-based-activities/\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9.13 Water based activities\u0022\u003Eadditional support\u003C/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EFor games and activities, it\u2019s best to survey the area beforehand so you can set appropriate boundaries. Check for additional hazards, such as pool ladders, risks of slips and trips or diving board access. Use our\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022#\u0022 title=\u0022Running active games safely\u0022\u003Eguidance on active games\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EMake sure to check surfaces and reduce the risk of slipping, where possible. Remember to remind everyone to walk around the pool and follow the safety rules of the venue you\u2019re using.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EHave a responsible adult not directly involved to be a spotter and watch out for hazards or incidents.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EYou must always:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li2\u0022\u003ECheck the\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Egeneral activity guidance\u003Cspan\u003E for your chosen activity\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li2\u0022\u003EComplete a\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/a\u003E and take appropriate steps to reduce risk.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li3\u0022\u003EHave the right\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/adult-to-young-people-ratios/\u0022\u003Eratios\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;of number of adults to supervise\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li3\u0022\u003ESet up an\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/intouch/\u0022\u003EInTouch\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;plan\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li2\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safe-scouting-and-emergency-procedures/\u0022\u003EKnow what to do in an emergency\u003C/a\u003E and have an emergency stop plan in place.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li3\u0022\u003EShare information with parents and carers\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/activity-information-form/\u0022\u003Eusing the activity information form\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li3\u0022\u003EGet\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance/approving-activities-guidance-for-commissioners/\u0022 title=\u0022Approving Activities - Guidance for Commissioners\u0022\u003Eapproval from your commissioner\u0026nbsp;\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMake sure all young people and adults involved in the activity know how to take part safely.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003ECheck the weather forecast before doing the activity outside and continue to monitor the weather throughout.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EMake sure you have all the safety equipment you need and \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/motorised-water-activities/safety-boat-guidance/\u0022 title=\u0022Safety Boat Guidance\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s1\u0022\u003Echeck it\u0027s in good condition\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECheck\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/water-safety-waterborne-diseases-and-immersion/\u0022 title=\u0022Water safety (waterborne diseases and immersion)\u0022\u003Ewater safety for waterborne diseases\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E and\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/water-safety-buoyancy-aids-and-lifejackets/\u0022 title=\u0022Water safety (buoyancy aids and lifejackets)\u0022\u003Ewater safety (buoyancy aids and lifejackets)\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003ECheck \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9-activities/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s1\u0022\u003EPOR 9.13\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E for water based activities, including supporting non-swimmers.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9-activities/rule-9137-activities-near-the-water/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s3\u0022\u003EBe sure to manage the group when near water\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s2\u0022\u003E, keeping everyone safe, including\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.rospa.com/RoSPAWeb/docs/advice-services/Leisure-Safety/groupsafety-watermargins.pdf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s1\u0022\u003Estaying safe at water margins and on the water\u2019s edge\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9-activities/rule-9133-classification-of-waters/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s3\u0022\u003EFind out about the classification of waters and checked\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s2\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;the category of water, as this depends on how safe the water is.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/waterways/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s1\u0022\u003EUse our waterways directory to check.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003ELearn about \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/class-c-waters/\u0022 title=\u0022Class C Waters\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s1\u0022\u003Etaking part in an activity in Class C waters\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E, such as a swimming pool.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Staying safe on the water","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHere are some handy links to our watersport activity guidance:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul class=\u0022ul1\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li2\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/general-water-activities/\u0022\u003EGeneral Water Activities | Scouts\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li2\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/swimming/\u0022\u003ESwimming activity guidance\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li2\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/canoeing/\u0022 title=\u0022Canoeing\u0022\u003ECanoeing activity guidance\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li2\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/kayaking/\u0022 title=\u0022Kayaking\u0022\u003EKayaking activity guidance\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li2\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/traditional-rafting/\u0022 title=\u0022Traditional rafting\u0022\u003ERafting activity guidance\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li2\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/stand-up-paddleboarding/\u0022 title=\u0022Stand-up paddleboarding\u0022\u003EStand-up paddle boarding activity guidance\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHere are some handy links to our water safety guidance:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul class=\u0022ul1\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li2\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/general-water-activities/water-safety-waterborne-diseases-and-immersion/\u0022 title=\u0022Water safety (waterborne diseases and immersion)\u0022\u003EWater safety (waterborne diseases)\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li2\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/general-water-activities/water-safety-buoyancy-aids-and-lifejackets/\u0022 title=\u0022Water safety (buoyancy aids and life jackets)\u0022\u003EWater safety (buoyancy aids and life-jackets)\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li2\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/motorised-water-activities/safety-boat-guidance/\u0022 title=\u0022Safety Boat Guidance\u0022\u003ESafety Boat Guidance\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li2\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/\u0022\u003EWater sport activity guidance\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li2\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9-activities/rule-9133-classification-of-waters/\u0022\u003EClassification of waters\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li3\u0022\u003ETaking part in an\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/general-water-activities/class-c-waters/\u0022 title=\u0022Class C Waters\u0022\u003Eactivity in Class C waters\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E, such as a swimming pool, man-made bodies of water and small lakes\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li2\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.rospa.com/RoSPAWeb/docs/advice-services/Leisure-Safety/groupsafety-watermargins.pdf\u0022\u003EStaying safe at water margins and on the water\u2019s edge\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#ffb4e5","title":"Water safety for every activity","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"27 July 2023","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[{"caption":"","title":"General Activity Guidance","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Activities on the water","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/?setting=On%20water","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Activities in the water","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/?setting=In%20water","newWindow":true}],"relatedLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"Swimmer Staged Activity Badge","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/staged-badges/swimmer/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Find out more about the Activity Permit","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/activity-permit-scheme/","newWindow":true}],"id":76169,"nodeName":"10 exciting water activities for in the swimming pool","title":"10 exciting water activities for in the swimming pool","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/21366/scouts-kayaking-in-a-swimming-pool.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dae4b76d810110","caption":"Scouts kayaking in a swimming pool","type":"jpg","size":2949472,"width":2248,"height":1500,"altText":"A group of Scouts in yellow, blue and red kayaks paddle in a swimming pool."},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"10 exciting water activities for in the swimming pool","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"Take a look at our games for in the swimming pool, then grab your goggles and dive right in to start having fun this summer.","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC83NjE2OSJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2023/july/10-exciting-water-activities-for-in-the-swimming-pool/"}