Swim Classification Procedures

The swim classification of individuals participating in a Boy Scouts of America activity is a key element in both Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat. The swim classification tests should be renewed annually, preferably at the beginning of each outdoor season. Traditionally, the swim classification test has only been conducted at a long term summer camp. However, there is no restriction that this be the only place the test is conducted. It may be more useful to conduct the swim classification prior to a unit going to summer camp.

All persons participating in BSA aquatics are classified according to swimming ability. The classification tests and test procedures have been developed and structured to demonstrate a skill level consistent with the circumstances in which the individual will be in the water. The Swimmer’s Test demonstrates the minimum level of swimming ability for recreational and instructional activity in a confined body of water with a maximum 12-foot depth and with shallow water footing or a pool or pier edge always within 25 feet of the swimmer.

The various components of each test evaluate the several skills essential to the minimum level of swimming ability. Each step of the test is important and should be followed as listed below:

Jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off, and begin swimming. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: side stroke, breast stroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy resting back stroke. The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.

Jump feet first into the water over the head in depth, level off, swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming as before, and return to starting place.

The swim classification test is completed the first day of camp by Camp Aquatics personnel.

The council controls the swim classification process by predetermined dates, locations and approved personnel to serve as aquatics instructors. When the unit goes to a summer camp, each individual will be issued a buddy tag under the direction of the Camp Aquatics Director for use at the camp.

The swim classification test done at a unit level should be conducted by one of the following council approved resource people: Aquatics Instructor, BSA; Aquatics Supervisor, BSA lifeguard; certified lifeguard; swimming instructor; or swim coach. When the unit goes to a summer camp, each individual will be issued a buddy tag under the direction of the Camp Aquatics Director for use at the camp.

When swim tests are conducted away from camp or at the point of activity, the Aquatics Director shall at all times reserve the authority to review or retest all participants to ensure that standards have been maintained.

This is the individual’s swim classification as of this date. Any change in status after this date i.e. non-swimmer to beginner or beginner to swimmer, would require a reclassification test by the Camp Aquatics Director.

SPECIAL NOTE: When swim tests are conducted away from camp or at the point of activity, the Aquatics Director shall at all times reserve the authority to review or retest all participants to ensure that standards have been maintained.

Unit Number ________________ Date of Swim Test ______________________

Name of Person Conducting Test (print):___________________________

Qualification of Person Conducting Test:______________________________________

Signature of Person Conduction Test: ________________________________________

Unit Leader (print): ____________________________________

Signature of Unit Leader: ____________________________________________