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Aquanaut

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Elective

Printable worksheet (PDF)

Aquanaut is all about having fun in the water while staying safe. You'll learn how to help someone in trouble without going in, try treading water, and take the swimmer test. Every swimmer, from beginner to strong, can enjoy it.

Why it's worth it

Being safe in the water means more fun at camp, at the lake, and at the pool. You'll learn how to help someone in trouble without jumping in, how to keep from getting too cold, and you'll try the same swimmer test older Scouts take. Whatever kind of swimmer you are today, you'll leave more confident.

Start this week

  1. Ask your adult to find an open swim time at a pool with lifeguards.
  2. Say the order of rescue out loud: reach, throw, row, go. Talk about why Cub Scouts stop at reach and throw.
  3. Pack a swim bag with a towel, a dry change of clothes, and a water bottle.

Stay safe

  • Swim only where a trained adult and a lifeguard are watching, following Safe Swim Defense, and always with a buddy.
  • Practice rescues from land or the deck only. Never go into the water to help someone.

Requirements · 6

Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab).

Note: Can also be earned by passing the Scouting America swimmer test or by taking swimming lessons

  1. Requirement 1

    Tell the safety precautions to take before any swimming activity

    Tip: Talk with your den about safety rules like swimming with a buddy and having a trained adult watching.

    For example: Before swimming: a trained adult is in charge, lifeguards are on duty, the area is checked for hazards, everyone has a buddy, and swimmers stay in the part of the water that matches their ability.

  2. Requirement 2

    Explain what "order of rescue" means; demonstrate the reach and throw rescues from land

    Tip: Remember: reach, throw, don't go. Practice reaching with a pole and tossing a rope or float from the side.

    For example: Reach: lie on the deck and hold out a pole, towel, or branch. Throw: toss a float or rope bag so it lands past the swimmer, then pull them in. You stay on land the whole time.

  3. Requirement 3

    Learn how to prevent and treat hypothermia

    Tip: Learn the signs of getting too cold, like shivering, and how to warm up with dry clothes and a towel.

    For example: To prevent getting too cold, take breaks, get out if you're shivering, and dry off. To help someone who is cold: get them out of the water, into dry clothes, and wrapped in a towel or blanket.

  4. Requirement 4

    Try treading water

    Tip: Try treading water in deep water with an adult close by. Kick slowly and keep your hands moving.

  5. Requirement 5

    Attempt the Scouting America swimmer test

    Tip: Give the swimmer test your best try. It's fine if you need more practice.

    For example: The swimmer test has a jump into deep water, a longer swim with a resting backstroke at the end, and a float. If you don't pass, you'll know exactly what to practice.

  6. Requirement 6

    Free swim for 30 minutes or more using the buddy system and staying in your ability group; the supervising adult does at least three buddy checks each half hour

    Tip: Stay with your buddy and in your ability group, and check in when the lifeguard calls.

Places to visit

Ask an adult to set it up, and go with your family, den, patrol, or crew.

  • A public pool or aquatic center

    Lifeguards can show you rescue tubes and reaching poles and explain how they watch the water.

    How: Have your den leader call and ask if a lifeguard can talk with the den before an open swim or a scheduled den swim.

Talk about it together

  • How did you feel before the swimmer test, and how did you feel after?
  • Why do you think you should never jump in to save someone?
  • What part of swimming do you want to get better at?
  • How did you and your buddy look out for each other?

Helpful reads

For leaders & parents

  • Hold swims at a pool or site with a certified lifeguard and follow Safe Swim Defense.
  • Encourage nervous swimmers; attempting the test is what counts here.

People & places that can help

Pairs well with

Counts toward

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Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.