Swimming Skills

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Revision as of 13:13, June 1, 2009

While your handbook is your primary resource, the links below can help you learn Swimming Skills. See the Disclaimers. ►  Videos show you key skills.

Swimming Strokes

Again, the only resources recommended by the BSA are those in the BSA materials. See the Disclaimers.

►  Swimming Lesson Videos - How to Swim

• BSA Swim Test - Classification of Swimming Ability - Water Clarity - Swimming Area

Backstroke

►  Backstroke (Back Crawl)

• Backstroke: body position - leg action - arm action - Step-by-step Instruction

Elementary Backstroke

►  Video: Elementary Backstroke

Breaststroke

►  Breaststroke

• Breaststroke: body position - leg action - arm action - breathing - timing - Step-by step Instruction

Butterfly

►  Butterfly

• Butterfly: body position - leg action - arm action - breathing

Freestyle

►  Freestyle (Front Crawl)

• Freestyle (Crawl): body position - leg action -

arm action - breathing - Step-by step Instruction

Sidestroke

►  Sidestroke

Trudgen

►  Trudgen

• Trudgen

What is the Trudgen? Per USASwimming.org's History of Swimming:

"Arthur Trudgen noticed that the Indians generated much more speed in the water with their overhand stroke than he had produced with the breaststroke as an amateur swimmer in England. But he apparently failed to note that this overhand stroke was coupled with a distinctive up-and-down kicking motion."

By 1902, the mistake had been found and the flutter kick the American Indians actually used was adopted becoming the Crawl.

Floating

Reminder: The only resources recommended by the BSA are those listed in the BSA materials. See the Disclaimers.

►  Float - Teaching kids to float

• Floating: Floating - Flotation 2 - Flotation 3

Survival Floating

►  Survival Floating

• Survival Floating: Using Clothes as a Flotation Aid - [Hypothermia & Water Safety

Treading Water

►  Tread Water

• Treading Water: Treading water - Treading water 2 - Treading water 3

Personal Flotation Device

►  How to Pick a PFD for Canoeing

• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) - Types of PFDs - PFD HELP and huddle positions - HELP position - Huddle position - Boating Basics: PFDs - US Coast Guard Requirements

Kicks

►  Flutter Kick (or Freestyle Kick) - Frog Kick (or Breaststroke Kick) - Dolphin Kick (or Butterfly Kick)

Diving

Diving and Elevated Entry

Again, the only resources recommended by the BSA are those listed in the BSA materials. See the Disclaimers.

►  Diving Safety - Racing Dive

• Diving: Entries Feet First - Head-first dives - Racing dive

Snorkling

Snorkeling

Again, the only resources recommended by the BSA are those in the BSA materials. See the Disclaimers.

►  Snorkeling

• Snorkeling BSA

SCUBA

Scuba BSA - Scuba Policy

Again, the only resources recommended by the BSA are those listed in the BSA materials. See the Disclaimers.

►  SCUBA Diving

• Scuba BSA

Swimming Underwater

►  Swimming Underwater

Swimming Turns

►  Open Turns - Flip Turns

Surface Diving

• Headfirst(Pike or Tuck): [Pike Surface Dive] - With Diagrams
• Feet First: Feet First
• Surface Dives: head first - head first 2 - feet first - feet first 2

Lifesaving Skills

Again, the only resources recommended by the BSA are those listed in the BSA materials. See the Disclaimers.

• Lifesaving
• BSA Lifeguard

Reach, Throw, Row, Go

►  Reach, Throw, Row, Go (with animation at the end) - Reach - Throw

• Rescues: Reaching rescues - Throwing rescues using buoyant aids - Throwing rescues using ropes

• Guide to Safe Scouting: Near-Drowning

• From De Anza College: Rescue Techniques with lots of photos - How to remove a victim from the pool - How to rescue a submerged victim - How to get an A in lifeguard training

• From eHow: How to Help a Drowning Victim - How to Rescue a Drowning Victim From Icy Water - How to Rescue a Conscious Drowning Victim - How to Rescue an Unconscious Drowning Victim -

How to Swim with an Unconscious Person - How to Use a Tired Swimmer Carry

• From WebMD: Lifesaving Rescues and First Aid for near drowning

Fear of the water

Websters Dictionary states that Hydrophobia is "the mortal fear of water" literally being scared to death of water. Hydrophobia is not a fear of swimming but a fear of all water. Hydrophobia is a mental disorder, specifically a Specific Phobia Anxiety Disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association classifies a Specific Phobia as 300.29.

If a Scout is diagnosed with Hydrophobia or other physical or mental disabilities, his Chartered Organization notes this on his youth application. The Scout's Medical Record should reflect any disabilities as well. His local council reviews any Medical Record, Individualized Education Program (IEP), and other resources and can certify that the Scout has Special Needs. The Council Advancement Committee can then approve Alternate Requirements for this Scout. See Special Needs for details.

Related Awards

Aquatic Award Links

Aquatic-related awards

• Boy Scout Merit Badges: Canoeing - Kayaking - Lifesaving - Motorboating - Rowing - Scuba Diving - Small-Boat Sailing - Swimming - Water Sports - Whitewater
• Boy Scouts ranks and awards: Second Class - First Class - BSA Lifeguard - Boardsailing BSA - Kayaking BSA - Mile Swim BSA - Scuba BSA - Snorkeling BSA - BSA Swim Test
• Venturing: Ranger Award electives: Lifesaving - Scuba - Watercraft; Sea Scout Bronze Award - Sea Scout Ranks: Apprentice - Ordinary - Able - Quartermaster
• Webelos Activity Badge: Aquanaut
• Cub Scout Belt Loops & Pins: Cub Scout Swimming
• First Aid Merit Badge
• First Aid Kit

See also

• Your handbook is your primary reference. See Swimming Skills for step-by-step instructions and lesson video links.
• See also: Swimming & Lifesaving Merit Badge Pamphlets - Guide to Safe Scouting - Safe Swim Defense - Safety Afloat

External links

Guide to Safe Scouting

• Safe Swim Defense
• Classification of Swimming Ability
• Swimming Area
• Water Clarity
• Pool and Surf Swimming
• Diving and Elevated Entry
• Safety Afloat
• BSA Lifeguard
• Scuba BSA
• Scuba Policy
• Snorkeling
• Kayaking
• Waterskiing
• Boardsailing
• American Whitewater Guidelines
• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

Disclaimers

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional advice or training.

Please note that the only Swimming, Lifesaving, First Aid, and CPR materials recommended by the Boy Scouts of America are those found or listed in official BSA materials such as the current Swimming or Lifesaving Merit Badge Books or Boy Scout Handbook. Swimming, Lifesaving, First Aid, and CPR guidelines are constantly being revised. See the Guide to Safe Scouting. Neither MeritBadge.Org, nor its contributors make any recommendations.

• MeritBadge.Org Disclaimer