First Class Swimming

[Mrw]

This is not an issue for us quite yet, but it is going to come up soon.

I know the swimming requirement can be waived for safety and/or disability reasons.

What about a boy who is just plain terrified of the water - won't get in the pool at all?

[Billiken]

I don't think it can be waived because someone is simply afraid of the water.
IMHO, this is a case of exactly why the swimming requirement is there.

This is a situation where, maybe an ASM, needs to work with the boy, his parents and the local/community swimming pool/organization (e.g. YMCA, etc.).

We talk a lot about making a difference in the lives of boys.
Getting this boy over his fear of the water (teaching him to swim) would TRULY make a difference in his life (and perhaps someday SAVE it.)

[evmori]

This is not an issue for us quite yet, but it is going to come up soon.

I know the swimming requirement can be waived for safety and/or disability reasons.

What about a boy who is just plain terrified of the water - won't get in the pool at all?

Then it's time to get over the fear or remain a 2nd Class Scout. There is no safety and/or disability issue here.

[616kayak]

I would have the boy see a psychologist. Since you say he’s just plain terrified of water then it may possibly be a phobia according to the psychological definition.
If you get a note stating it is a phobia not just a fear then I see no reason for BSA to force him into something that could cause him harm. The note may have to explain theses things for some one who would not know the difference between a fear and a phobia.

[wagionvigil]

Sink or swim as they say. The young man has many years to get over his fear. I had a scout that was the same way. He was a second class up until he had just enough time to make Eagle. Which he did.
Parents are too willing to pay a Dr. for a slip. Rather than have the boy actually do something.

[Mad Dog]

Some swimming ability is need for second class so he will not advance past Tenderfoot until he has achieved some swimming skills. His fear may be greater than his desire to advance and if so he will probably drop out. With the numbers of scouts on a decline is that a really a good thing? It is easy for people who know how to swim to say he just needs to swim or sink.

[wagionvigil]

Life is full of choices. I am a firm believer that all Eagle Scouts must be able to swim and save lives. Aka swimming and lifesaving. No Optional MB for those.Requirements were changed to accomadate the urban scouts many years ago. Time to change back and a little at a time is fine.Remember there was a time that you could advance with little or no camping.

[maricopasem]

Sink or swim as they say.

That's the spirit of Scouting if I ever saw it. No wonder people are abandoning the BSA in droves.

I have an older relative who nearly drowned as a child. Since that time about 70 years ago this individual has been unable to get in a body of water. The psychological damage was so profound that the person cannot even take a bath. If this individual had been forced to complete the swimming requirements in order to become an Eagle Scout, the person would have left Scouting and the family would have supported it.

[Mad Dog]

Aka swimming and lifesaving. No Optional MB for those.

Not sure what you mean by this. Both the Swimming and Lifesaving MB are optional.

[wagionvigil]

those two need to be required with no option. You MUST get them.

[FrankJ]

A minimum swimming ability is an important skill. Exceptions should made only when there is no alternative, and then only after careful consideration.

[wagionvigil]

AS I said It can be done. A scout has until their 18th Birthday

[FrankJ]

I agree in must cases is can be done. Timmy scout just doesn't like water is not an excuse even with a doctor's note. But in rare cases their phobias as real as physical problem that will not be overcome.

I as said exceptions should not be made lightly, but I can see the case for them.

[Chief J]

Having grown up around water and being a former lifeguard, almost everyone can learn to swim. the only excpetions I have met have been those individuals with severe physical disabilities.

Fear, phobias, and being terrified can all be overcome. It is not wise to throw the individual in, but to work with him, and explain to their parents why it is important that they support and work with the individual.

Learning to swim and nowing your limitations in and around water are extremely important. This is more than a rank requirement for second or first class, it is life.

We have had at least three scouts come through our program and all of them were "terrified" of swimming. after discussions with Mom, and alot of work and patience with the leadership at Swim Party's all three have gone on to complete the Swimmer test and 1 of the 3 has the Swimming merit badge and the other 2 are working on it as we speak.

I also believe that Swimming and Lifesaving Merit Badges should be required with no options, however, I accept the stated BSA policy for what it is.

Please do not cave and take the easy way out with these Scouts, the world is full of water and being able to swim is just too important.

Best Regards,
Chief J

[Mrw]

Thank you for all the comments.

They generally mirror my thoughts on the matter. I want to see the boy get over his fear enough to get in the water. If he never gets near it again I don't care. The scout in question just made Tenderfoot and is very afraid, but not to the point of phobias. And there is nothing in his past to justify the extreme fears of the example mentioned above.

Dad is supporting learning to swim too, but I wanted to see what the consensus was before it becomes an issue with anyone.

[deweylure]

I must agree that if a diagnosis from a doctor is given there should be a waver.
Currently I have 3 scouts who could not pass the swimmer test. One being my son. I know he can swim I have seen him do it in a pool but a lake he will not go into. The other issue is his thumbs are quite strong thanks to the computer. I told him no problem you can just swim in the pool and get off the computer. I have a feeling this is the same problem as the other 2.

dewey

[wagionvigil]

remember troops cannot issue a waiver. That is a council activity.

[616kayak]

If you say it isnt to the point where it can be diagnosed to a phobia hes gonna have to get over it. That will take time and motitivation on his part and his parents who will probably be working with him.

The key is to expose him to a little bit of what hes afraid of and when he gets comfortable add a little more untill he is completely comfortable.

Where you start depends on the kid, but start small. Have him go in water to his knees or waiste. when he is confortable move to ddeper water. This will take over a week, but it will work.

[deweylure]

waigionvigil,in an earlier post you said swimming and lifesaving had to be earned. there is an option in the book for all scouts .

Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving
Cycling,hiking or swimming

If the scout would at least make the BSA swimmer he can get past first class .

dewey

[FrankJ]

waigionvigil,in an earlier post you said swimming and lifesaving had to be earned. there is an option in the book for all scouts .

Not to put words in Waigionvigil's mouth, but what I read was he would like to see it required, not that is currently the case.