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 ACTIVITIES Safe Scouting • Camping • Aquatics • Age Appropriate Activities • Sports • Leadership • Shooting & Youth Protection Sports • Safety Protocols for • Climbing Scouting Activities • Trekking • Personal Behavior • Medical Information • First Aid & Emergency Preparedness • Safe Equipment, Facilities & Transportation
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 over • 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 of America established minimum standards for providing medical information prior to participating in various activities. They are classified as follows: Class 1- Weekend Events Other Issues • Prescriptions Class 2- • Communicable Illnesses Resident Camp • Heat and Sun Safety Class 3- • Religious Beliefs and High Adventure & Medical Treatment Adults
@ 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 out 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
Earning the The BSA Ready & award helps units focus Prepared Award on areas in which emphasizing risk was developed to encourage management can help and reward Boy Scout troops, reduce fatalities and Varsity Scout teams, and serious injury, such as Venturing crews that • Driver and passenger incorporate safe practices safety while enjoying challenging activities. • 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.
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