1st Class Swimmers Test

[gilbert924]

I know that there is already a similar topic out there regarding the Swimmers Test, but I wanted to start fresh. I want to find out how everyones feelings on allowing a scout to use the Back Crawl for the initial 75 yards. I found that this was allowed from the US Scouts Website:

http://www.usscouts.org/safety/g2ssII.html#RTFToC7

Let me know what you all think.

[ASM-142]

That is what is published in G2SS. I have no problem with a scout using a Back Crawl for the initial 75 yards. The whole purpose of the swimmers test is to test the ability to swim the required distance (not at the scout's limit) and not testing of different strokes.

[wagionvigil]

My first trip to aquatic school was in 1970 at SChiff Scout Reservation. The Swimmer requirements at that time were
25 yds of each of the following
Crawl,Breast Stroke,Side Stroke and the Final 25 Elementary backstroke then float motionless for 1 minute. All strokes must be performed correctly using the proper form for the stroke.

[evmori]

The only required stroke is the elementary backstroke on the last 25 yards. And other than not being allowed to dogie paddle, any other stroke can be used for the initial 75 yards.

[wagionvigil]

Fully aware Am still certified in Aquatics BUT I don't agree with the test at this time. I liked the old test. Made the boys learn how to do strokes correctly. Plus there was alot more to the Swimming MB then also.

[Lynda J]

IMHO any stroke a scout can use to swim 100 years is ok as long as it isn't dog paddle, he doesn't stop or hand onto the ropes during the test.
I see boys having more trouble with the floating than the swimming.
Of course I can float for hours, always have been able to.
But I would have no problem with a scout using the back crawl to pass his swim test. The point is that he could get to safety if necessary.

[Woodbadgegirl]

IMHO any stroke a scout can use to swim 100 years

A 100 Years??!! I don't think my son would swim that long!!

Sorry, I could resist!!

[diamondbackAPL]

I always thought it was just the front crawl, sidestroke, breastroke, or trudgen. but I just looked it up in the scout book and it doesn't specify which crawl, so I would have no problem with it.

[boy_scout5]

I did it, it really wasnt that hard. Well, then again, looking on it now, it seems a lot easier than the 400 yard swim I had to do for my lifesaving merit badge the next day . (I was at summer camp). But still, its easy to do.

[WhtHawk]

While I do think the current swimming test are too lax. The scouts should be doing the strokes reasonably correctly. I disagree with allowing the back crawl for two reasons. First, is it leaves their face out of the water; where many scouts do not like having their face in the water it concerns me that too many scouts that need more water time before becoming swimmers will pass. The second problem is that it is a stroke very commonly done incorrectly, even by reasonably good swimmers. I spent 5 years as a lifeguard before attending NCS where I learned I was doing it incorrectly my-self.

I do approve of the seperation they have created between Swimming, Lifesaving, BSA Lifeguard. It gives a broader selection of experiences to the scouts, and more carefully imparts knowledge than some of the older sets of requirements.

My only complaint about making swimming requirements mandatory for early rank requirements is I see too many Scout Master's waving the requirement for convience rather than risk. Which is reckless, and dangerour to the scout and anyone else who happens to work with scouts in aquatic enviroments with whom they are not personally aquainted.

[PaulSWolf]

My only complaint about making swimming requirements mandatory for early rank requirements is I see too many Scout Master's waving the requirement for convience rather than risk. Which is reckless, and dangerous to the scout and anyone else who happens to work with scouts in aquatic enviroments with whom they are not personally acquainted.

Of course, its also a violation of BSA rules, since Scoutmasters and Troop Committees no longer have the option of waiving those requirements. Only the Council Advancement Committee may do so, for valid and documented medical reasons.

[WhtHawk]

I see too many scouts, three this past summer alone, who get someone to sign the reqirement off, most tell me it was their scout master. It happens every summer, but I have not come up with an effective manner to combat the problem.

[wagionvigil]

contact the council advancement chairman and pitch one

[EagleBoy62204]

im so glad i only had to take that test during summer camp and never as a requirement like they have to do in the ranks now. it was hard enough just finishing that test for swimming m.b. let alone doing the new requirements.

im physically fit and all, i just hate swimming. period

[wagionvigil]

too bad. There should not be an Eagle without Swimming and Lifesaving.

[deweylure]

The problem I am noticing is the scouts do not have the physical ability to swim 100 yds. I think it stems from to many video games,sitting down on the lead bottom. My son is one of these, at summer camp he passed the begginer test and still did not go down for instruction. He did earn all the land based badges he started. I even purchased a swim pass for the park district he used it 3 times all summer.

Practice is the key.

[Mrw]

Although we all recognize the importance of being able to swim just in case you end up in the water, swimming lessons are not always available to many children. In many places where there are pools available, swimming lessons are still seen as an expensive luxury, not a basic safety skill.

Instead of lamenting our kids poor ability, lets put some thought into how we make basic swimming skills and water safety something that is available and affordable to a wider audience.

[EagleBoy62204]

The problem I am noticing is the scouts do not have the physical ability to swim 100 yds. I think it stems from to many video games,sitting down on the lead bottom. My son is one of these, at summer camp he passed the begginer test and still did not go down for instruction. He did earn all the land based badges he started. I even purchased a swim pass for the park district he used it 3 times all summer.

Practice is the key.

its not just video games and sitting all the time. parents are to blame as well. most these days arent home enough to cook healthy meals for their families. resulting in the parents buying just anything that their kids want including fast food and those dreaded frozen meals. The lack of healthy nutrition and exercise is what is making these kids the way they are.

when i was little i became the product of teh video game era, hell i still am today, but i always found myself getting up and walking 1 or 2 miles or joining a sports team to stay active. Plus my troop always during the winter did months where they did a workout thing. Since it sometimes does get cold here in Michigan.

[wagionvigil]

The Swim requirements were changed to accomadate those that wined and Complained loudly. There are troops that still waive the first class requiremnt because Johnny cannot learn to swim or Johnny is Afraid of the water. Both are not approved reasons. Also remember troops CANNOT waive these requirements. SO a scout is second class for a few years when he learns to swim he will advance. Once he does that ,if he is smart, he would have all his merit badges finished and then wait for time between ranks and Service projects. ALthough maybe we need to go back to no merit badge work until you are First Class.Then also there is Everyone is not going to make Eagle. By waiving these requirements those leaders have cheapened the award for those that really earned it.

[wagionvigil]

For a short poereiod of time the Clothes Inflation was a First Class Requirement. Even I was against that. That is the one thing more than anything else that boys have problems with in Swimming MB. I am not as bad as it would seem. Just opionated