Safe Scouting for All It is a fundamental Scouting belief that - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Safe Scouting for All

It is a fundamental Scouting belief that Scouting must be fun and safe. Camping and high adventure activities within the Boy Scouts are done with the concept of managed risk within the guidelines set forth by BSA and local council policy. The Council Executive Board sets local policy. The Scout Executive will interpret BSA policy when guidance is not clear. The following information is intended to be used as an aid to Scouters in all TRCBSA programs: Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, and Learning For Life

Risk Management in Scouting guides adult leaders to conduct Scouting activities in a safe and prudent manner. The policies and guidelines have been established because of the real need to protect members from known hazards that have been identified through eighty-plus years of experience. Limitations on certain activities should not be viewed as stumbling blocks; rather, policies and guidelines are best described as stepping-stones toward safe and enjoyable adventures.

Guide to Safe Scouting

• Age Appropriate Activities
• Leadership

& Youth Protection

• Safety Protocols for

Scouting Activities

• Personal Behavior
• Medical Information
• First Aid & Emergency

Preparedness

• Safe Equipment, Facilities

& Transportation ACTIVITIES

• Camping
• Aquatics
• Sports
• Shooting

Sports

• Climbing
• Trekking

Is the Activity Age Appropriate?

Assess Abilities

• Abide by minimum skill levels
• Supervisors don’t let participants

go beyond abilities

• Example: Swimming skill tests

Leadership and Youth Protection

• Mature and conscientious adult, 21 or
• ver
• Accepts responsibility for safety of

youth

• Tour Permits will be issued only to

those leaders that have successfully completed the Youth Protection course.

• The designated Leader must have

completed the Youth Protection Course.

Leadership and Youth Protection

• Experienced / qualified in activity
• Able to respond to an emergency
• Knowledge of BSA standards
• Committed to BSA policy and

procedures

• Leaders must control the activity

and the individuals

• Youth must respect leaders and

follow directions

Pre-Activity Planning

• Tour permits
• Membership registration
• Landowner / government

authorization

Safety Protocols for Activities

• Use common sense associated with

the activity

• Experienced resource develop the plan

for the activity

• Follow the plan
• Good planning minimizes risks
• Good planning anticipates

contingencies

• Teach the participants
• Enforce compliance

Safe Swim Defense

• Qualified supervision
• Physical fitness
• Safe area
• Lifeguards on duty
• Lookout
• Ability groups
• Buddy system
• Discipline

• Qualified supervision
• Physical fitness
• Swimming ability
• Personal flotation

equipment

• Buddy system
• Skill proficiency
• Planning
• Equipment
• Discipline

Trek Safely

• Qualified supervision
• Physical fitness
• Plan ahead
• Gear up
• Communicate clearly

& completely

• Monitor conditions
• Discipline

Climb on Safely

• Qualified supervision
• Qualified instructors
• Physical fitness
• Safe area
• Equipment
• Planning
• Environmental

conditions

• Discipline

Personal Behavior

• Hazing
• Drug and Alcohol Abuse
• Discrimination

Medical Information

The Boy Scouts

• f

America established minimum standards for providing medical information prior to participating in various

• activities. They are classified as

follows:

Class 1- Weekend Events Class 2- Resident Camp Class 3- High Adventure & Adults Other Issues

• Prescriptions
• Communicable Illnesses
• Heat and Sun Safety
• Religious Beliefs and

Medical Treatment

@ www.trcbsa.org

First Aid

• Determine first-aid supplies required
• Determine first-aid qualifications needed
• Provide them!
• Strenuous activity or remote trek could

present a cardiac emergency

• Aquatics could involve CPR emergency
• BSA recommends a CPR trained (adult) be

part of leadership for any program

• Should be available for strenuous activity

Emergency Preparedness

Outdoor activity risks vary with weather Anticipate hazards and responses

“Failing to plan is

planning to fail”

Safe Equipment

• Suited to the individual and activity
• Appropriate safety and program features
• Good repair
• Properly maintained

Personal Safety Equipment

• Properly fitted
• Worn by everyone
• Examples:

– PFDs (water activities) – Helmets (biking, riding, kayaking) – Skating pads – Cold weather gear

Safe Facilities

• Know the room, area or course for

the activity

• Well suited to the activity
• Free of hazards
• Pre-event inspection to determine

staging of event or activity

Safe Transportation

Safe Transportation - Planes

Aviation Consent Forms and Flying Permit Application need to be filed with Council Service Center

Safe Transportation Trains (& Buses )

The BSA publication Tours and Expeditions (No. 33737C) is recommended reading for leaders before filling

• ut

a tour permit application for trips involving train or bus travel.

Safe Transportation - Autos

• Driver Fatigue
• Multi-passenger

vehicles

• Trailers
• Additional

concerns

• Basic Safety

Guidelines

The BSA Ready & Prepared Award

was developed to encourage and reward Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, and Venturing crews that incorporate safe practices while enjoying challenging activities. Earning the award helps units focus

• n areas in which

emphasizing risk management can help reduce fatalities and serious injury, such as

• Driver and passenger

safety

• BSA Youth Protection
• Precautions for

aquatics activities

• Premises safety and

first-aid readiness

• Personal fitness and

safety

Safe Scouting for All

The Council Risk Management Committee advised the Council Executive Board on implementation and training for safe Scouting activities. Call the Council Service Center should you need the committee’s assistance to implement a risk management plan for your unit.