{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EAnyone unable to demonstrate to a suitable person their ability to swim 50 metres in clothing and equipment appropriate to the activity (where a buoyancy aid or life jacket is worn for the activity this may be used for the demonstration) and keep afloat for five minutes would be classified as a non-swimmer and must follow\u202Frule \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities/#9b.5\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Non swimmers\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.5\u0022\u003EPOR 9b.5.1.3\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"What classifies someone as a non-swimmer?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EYes but you must be following the swimming rules for the classification of water you are in.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Can I run swimming off of a yacht or keelboat?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Paddle UK awards are not a suitable to lead a swimming session in a pool. \u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe syllabuses of the\u202FRLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification\u202Fand Paddle UK awards do not align. The training and assessment a Paddle UK award holder will have undergone is specifically for a paddlesports session rather than for general swimming cover.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Can my Paddle UK Award be used as swimming cover for a swimming session in a pool? "},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EYes, you can run a swimming session within the remit of your kayaking permit. You would have to replicate the conditions you operate within for your kayaking permit (i.e. class of waters, group size, use of buoyancy aids etc.).\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis is true for any water-based activity permit.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Can I run swimming sessions with my Kayaking permit?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThis depends on whether the waters already have operating procedure. \u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf these already exist, then they must be followed. \u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf the waters do not have operating guidelines, then you must meet the requirements listed in\u202F\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/swimming/\u0022 title=\u0022Swimming\u0022\u003ESwimming\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(FS120620)\u202Fregarding risk assessment, environmental factors, swimming ability, rescues, equipment, swimming area, communication, access, group management and ratios.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","label":"What are the rules of running swimming in Class C waters?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW142782839 BCX8\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW142782839 BCX8\u0022\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities/#9b.5\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Non swimmers\u0022 class=\u0022Hyperlink SCXW142782839 BCX8\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun Underlined SCXW142782839 BCX8\u0022 lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022none\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW142782839 BCX8\u0022 data-ccp-charstyle=\u0022Hyperlink\u0022\u003EPOR rule 9b.5.1.3\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW142782839 BCX8\u0022\u003E should be taken into account when planning, as due to the young age of the group most of the Squirrels are likely to be non-swimmers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","label":"Are there extra considerations for taking Squirrels and Beavers swimming"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW243244395 BCX8\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW243244395 BCX8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW243244395 BCX8\u0022\u003EParents/carers should be aware of all activities in advance.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW243244395 BCX8\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW243244395 BCX8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW243244395 BCX8\u0022\u003EThere is nothing specific that is needed for swimming activities; however, it would be beneficial to gain knowledge of any member\u0027s water confidence before the activity to help with planning.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW243244395 BCX8\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW243244395 BCX8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW243244395 BCX8\u0022\u003EPlease refer to \u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance/activity-information-form/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 class=\u0022Hyperlink SCXW243244395 BCX8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun Underlined SCXW243244395 BCX8\u0022 lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022none\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW243244395 BCX8\u0022 data-ccp-charstyle=\u0022Hyperlink\u0022\u003EActivity information form\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW243244395 BCX8\u0022\u003E for further guidance and templates.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","label":"Members\u0027 information before swimming "},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW231065049 BCX8\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW231065049 BCX8\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW231065049 BCX8\u0022\u003EJelly and Weaver Fish\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW231065049 BCX8\u0022\u003E \u2013 Especially when swimming in coastal waters.\u0026nbsp; Jellyfish can end up on the beach if the current comes to shore, or if there is stormy weather and strong winds.\u0026nbsp; Local knowledge will support in identifying the likelihood of jelly and weaver fish in any area.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW231065049 BCX8\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW231065049 BCX8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW231065049 BCX8\u0022\u003EPlease see \u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2022/august/24/encountering-jellyfish-at-the-beach\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 class=\u0022Hyperlink SCXW231065049 BCX8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun Underlined SCXW231065049 BCX8\u0022 lang=\u0022EN-GB\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022none\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW231065049 BCX8\u0022 data-ccp-charstyle=\u0022Hyperlink\u0022\u003EEncountering Jellyfish at the Beach | RNLI\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW231065049 BCX8\u0022\u003E for more information.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW231065049 BCX8\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW231065049 BCX8\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW231065049 BCX8\u0022\u003EWater Quality\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW231065049 BCX8\u0022\u003E \u2013 Whether in a chlorinated swimming pool (how well managed is this), the sea, or river consider the water quality as well as any potential pollution.\u0026nbsp; Poor-quality water can lead to illness or infections.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","label":"Other things to consider in a swimming risk assessment? "},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW24984064 BCX8\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW24984064 BCX8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW24984064 BCX8\u0022\u003EIt is possible that Scout Guidance and POR is not in line with venues rules.\u0026nbsp; Where this is the case, Scout POR provides a minimum expectation and any venue rules above and beyond this must also be followed.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW24984064 BCX8\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW24984064 BCX8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW24984064 BCX8\u0022\u003EFor example, some venues will define anyone under 8 needing direct supervision. In this case all swimmers under 8 must be directly supervised as well as anyone over 8 who scouts would deem as a non-swimmer.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","label":"Venue v Scout rules "}]}]},{"items":[{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/swimming/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 class=\u0022Hyperlink SCXW193152782 BCX8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW193152782 BCX8\u0022 data-ccp-charstyle=\u0022Hyperlink\u0022\u003ESwimming (FS120620)\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW150332822 BCX8\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW150332822 BCX8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW20786742 BCX8\u0022\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities/#9b.5\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Swimming\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.5\u0022\u003EPOR 9b.5.9\u003C/a\u003E\u202FSwimming\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Additional information","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"Read our most frequently asked questions related to swimming.","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"15 July 2023","reviewDate":"16/12/2020","redirectUrl":"","id":46927,"nodeName":"Swimming FAQs","title":"Swimming FAQs","type":"contentPage","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Swimming FAQs","headerSubTitle":"","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"ffe627","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[]},"subHeader":"Read our most frequently asked questions related to swimming.","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80NjkyNyJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/swimming/swimming-faqs/"}